Job Summary:

GMF is seeking a paid trainee to assist with research on Russian military interests and power projection in MENA. This traineeship supports a GMF project funded by the Russia Strategic Initiative, USEUCOM. The trainee will track and analyze Russian military thought, posture, and priorities in the region and its implications for Russian military posture in Europe, consulting original Russian-language documents and primary sources. This traineeship offers the opportunity to work closely with GMF fellows and staff within the Transatlantic Security pillar and GMF’s South and Wider Europe team in Washington, DC, Brussels, Ankara, and Madrid and gain insights into transatlantic and US security priorities.

Trainees will benefit from exposure to GMF’s network, and will gain valuable research, analysis, and writing experience. This traineeship requires on-site work and trainees must maintain an address in the Washington DC, Virginia, Maryland area. Trainees must have valid authorization to work in the United States.

Trainees are paid DC Minimum wage of $17.95/hour and are offered an ideal opportunity to acquire substantive professional experience for those interested in a career in public policy or international affairs.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

• Providing research support to GMF staff within GMF’s Transatlantic Security and Global Power Shifts pillars.
• Preparing briefs, memos, and literature reviews for GMF fellows and staff.
• Compiling open-source research (drawing on Russian-language documents) on:
  • Russian strategic and military thought,
  • Russian security and power projection interests; and
  • Shifting geopolitical developments in the Middle East and evolving interests of regional actors (including Syria, Iran, and Türkiye).
• Attending meetings and events and summarizing key take-aways for the GMF research team.
• Providing editing support to GMF’s Transatlantic Security and Shifting Global Order team

Qualifications and Requirements:

• Excellent analytic and English writing skills and previous research experience.
• Strong interest in Russian military strategy
• Familiarity with geopolitics of MENA region and knowledge of US and NATO security posture desired.
• Fluency in English and advanced proficiency in Russian are required; Language skills in Arabic, Farsi, or Turkish are a plus.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
• Comfortable multi-tasking and working independently.
• Graduate student pursuing a degree in International Relations, Regional Studies, Security Studies, or a related field—or a recent graduate of such a program.
• Previous experience in a think tank, foundation, NGO, government body, media outlet, or similar organization preferred.

Start and Length of Traineeship:

• Preferred starting date: Tuesday, January 13, 2026
• Preferred time commitment: 15-25 hours per week, Monday–Friday between 9 AM to 5 PM. Work will be performed on-site in GMF’s Washington, DC office.
• Duration of traineeship: 3-4 months