Dreaming of a career that shapes policy in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region? The TIMEP Bassem Sabry Fellowship 2026 is a prestigious and life-changing opportunity designed for young professionals who want to make a real impact. This fellowship, in partnership with the Atlas Corps Fellowship at Cultural Vistas, offers a unique, six-month, full-time experience in Washington, D.C. It’s a chance to immerse yourself in the world of policy, hone your analytical skills, and honor the legacy of a brilliant Egyptian political writer. But as you can imagine, securing a spot in this program is highly competitive. Don’t worry, we’re here to guide you through the process step-by-step, making the application feel less like a daunting task and more like a roadmap to your future. Let’s get started on your journey to becoming a Bassem Sabry Fellow.
Applying for the TIMEP Bassem Sabry Fellowship 2026 is an ambitious and exciting step. It requires meticulous preparation, a clear vision, and a deep understanding of what the fellowship stands for. While the process is challenging, the potential rewards—a platform to shape policy, a global network of peers, and a chance to honor a remarkable legacy—are immeasurable.
What is the Bassem Sabry Fellowship?
Established by the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy (TIMEP) in memory of the late Egyptian commentator Bassem Sabry, this fellowship is more than just a job—it’s a testament to his values of democratic and inclusive change. The program provides a rising star working on the MENA region with a platform to produce policy-relevant analysis and programming from TIMEP’s Washington, D.C. office. This isn’t an academic or scholarly fellowship; it’s about practical, contemporary policy work. Fellows gain hands-on experience, engage with the policymaking community, and contribute to meaningful discourse on the region’s most pressing issues.
Key Aspects of the Program
- Who it’s for: Young professionals (35 or younger) from the MENA region with a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
- What you’ll do: Work full-time (40 hours/week) for six months on a self-proposed, policy-relevant “mandate” with a specific geographic focus.
- Where it is: In-person at TIMEP’s Washington, D.C. office.
- What you get: A monthly stipend, housing, a Washington Metro transportation subsidy, and access to a leadership training program from Atlas Corps.
- The requirement: A strong commitment to returning to your home country after the fellowship to apply what you’ve learned.
The Application Process: Your Step-by-Step Guide
The application for the TIMEP Bassem Sabry Fellowship 2026 requires a thoughtful and detailed approach. It’s about showcasing not just your qualifications, but your unique voice, passion, and commitment to the principles Bassem Sabry championed. I’ve seen many successful applicants focus on articulating a clear vision for their fellowship. It’s this clarity that sets them apart.
Step 1: The Initial Application and Eligibility
The first step is a formal application submitted through a Google Form. According to the official TIMEP website, you’ll need to submit several documents. This is where you lay the foundation for your candidacy.
- Resume: A concise, well-formatted resume that highlights your professional experience, education, and any relevant publications or projects.
- Cover Letter (1 page): This is your chance to introduce yourself and explain your interest. Most importantly, you need to demonstrate how your personal and professional journey aligns with Bassem Sabry’s values. Think about how your work contributes to democratic and inclusive change.
- Statement of Interest (2 pages): This is arguably the most crucial part of your application. You must propose a specific mandate for your six-month fellowship. The mandate needs a clear topic and a geographic focus (e.g., “Transitional Justice in Syria” or “Economic Recovery in Tunisia”). You’ll need to explain why this mandate is important for both the MENA region and a policy audience, and how it fits into TIMEP’s mission. You also need to outline which of TIMEP’s programmatic tools (like analysis, advocacy, or events) you’ll use.
- Three Professional References: Choose individuals who can speak to your skills, experience, and character.
- Bachelor’s Degree Diploma or Official Transcripts: Proof of your educational background.
- (Optional) English Proficiency Documentation: This is for candidates who need to provide evidence of their strong English skills.
Crafting a Standout Statement of Interest
A strong statement of interest is your golden ticket. It’s not just about what you’ve done, but what you plan to do and why it matters. I’ve found that a successful statement feels like a well-researched project proposal, not just an essay.
- Be Specific: Instead of a broad topic like “human rights,” narrow it down to something like “the role of civil society organizations in monitoring electoral processes in Lebanon.” This shows you’ve done your homework.
- Connect to TIMEP’s Mission: Explicitly state how your proposed mandate aligns with TIMEP’s work. Browse their website, read their publications, and see how your project can build on their existing initiatives.
- Leverage Programmatic Tools: Don’t just say you’ll “produce analysis.” Specify how you’ll use TIMEP’s tools. For example, “I will produce three policy briefs (analysis), host one online discussion with experts (events), and leverage social media to disseminate key findings (media and social media).”
The Importance of Bassem Sabry’s Legacy
The fellowship is a tribute to Bassem Sabry. Your application, especially the cover letter, must reflect an understanding of his work and values. He was known for meticulous analysis, a rejection of polarization, and a commitment to democratic principles. Your proposal should embody this spirit, offering a balanced and nuanced approach to a complex issue.
After You Apply: What Happens Next?
Once you submit your application, the waiting game begins. The TIMEP review committee will shortlist candidates. Short-listed applicants are typically invited for an interview in early to mid-September. This interview is your chance to expand on your application and show your passion and expertise in a more personal way. Be prepared to discuss your proposed mandate in detail and answer questions about your background and goals.
- Preparing for the Interview:
- Re-read your entire application package.
- Research recent TIMEP publications and news.
- Practice articulating your mandate clearly and concisely.
- Have a few questions prepared for your interviewers. This shows genuine interest and engagement.
A Note on the Atlas Corps Partnership
The fellowship is hosted in partnership with the Atlas Corps Fellowship, which handles many of the logistical aspects, including leadership training. This partnership is a huge benefit, offering you a wider professional network and skill-building opportunities beyond your specific mandate.
A Look at the Bassem Sabry Fellowship Experience
The six months you spend in Washington, D.C. will be a period of intensive growth. You’ll be a full-time fellow at TIMEP, contributing to their core mission while working on your own project. This is a chance to move beyond theory and engage with policy in a very real way. Your days might involve research, writing policy briefs, attending events, and networking with other professionals in the field. The goal is to not only produce valuable work but also to build a lasting network and gain skills that you can bring back to your home country.
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FAQs
Q1: Is the TIMEP Bassem Sabry Fellowship a paid opportunity?
A: Yes. According to the official TIMEP website, the fellowship is fully funded and includes a monthly stipend, housing, a Washington Metro transportation subsidy, and an orientation.
Q2: Do I need to be from the MENA region to apply?
A: Yes. The fellowship is specifically for international candidates who are based outside the United States and are from the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region. The program’s goal is to amplify the voices of rising leaders from this region.
Q3: What is a “mandate” and how should I propose one?
A: A “mandate” is your proposed policy-relevant project for the six-month fellowship. It must include a specific topic (e.g., transitional justice) and a geographic focus (e.g., Syria). The application requires a two-page statement of interest detailing this mandate, explaining its importance for the MENA region and how it aligns with TIMEP’s mission.
Q4: How is this fellowship different from an academic or scholarly fellowship?
A: This fellowship is focused on practical, policy-relevant work. While it requires research and analysis, the goal is to produce actionable content and engage with the policymaking community, rather than to write a purely academic paper.
Q5: What happens after I submit my application?
A: After the application deadline, the review committee shortlists candidates. If you are selected, you will be invited for an interview in early to mid-September. The interview is a critical part of the selection process.
