Bileh Dougsiyeh

About Bileh Dougsiyeh

I am a seasoned international affairs practitioner specializing in subnational diplomacy, the critical intersection where city-level leadership and global foreign policy meet. With over a decade of experience spanning the public, nonprofit, and multilateral sectors, I have dedicated my career to aligning local urban priorities with international opportunities, particularly through my deep-rooted expertise in African affairs and regional development.Currently, I serve as the Special Assistant for International Affairs and Protocol within the Executive Office of the Mayor of DC. In this capacity, I act as the District’s primary liaison to the resident diplomatic community, managing substantive engagements with over 180 embassies and international organizations. My work ensures that Washington, DC’s global presence reflects its leadership on the world stage through meticulous diplomatic protocol, strategic communications, and high-level ceremonial execution.Prior to my work in municipal government, I advanced peace and security initiatives at the United States Institute of Peace (USIP), where I managed portfolios focused on the Horn of Africa and engagement with the African Union. My academic foundation includes an M.A. in International Affairs from The American University of Paris, where I was honored as Valedictorian, and a B.A. in Political Science from Georgia State University as a member of the Pi Sigma Alpha National Political Science Honor Society.

Experience

1. Special Assistant for International Affairs and Protocol

   Dc Government

   May 2025 — Present · Washington, DC, US

   Diplomatic Engagement: Serve as a primary liaison to the 180+ embassies, consulates, and international organizations in Washington, DC, facilitating high-level communication and municipal service requests.Dignitary Visit Management: Coordinate complex requests from foreign leaders and senior delegations for official meetings with the Mayor and District leadership, ensuring seamless alignment with local and federal priorities.Logistics & Event Execution: Manage end-to-end scheduling, correspondence, and logistics for international visits, ceremonial events, and diplomatic receptions.Sister City Global Partnerships: Support and expand Sister City agreements and programming, maintaining long-term international partnerships through cultural exchanges and collaborative events.Executive Briefing & Reporting: Author comprehensive briefing materials, memos, and agendas for senior officials to ensure informed participation in international engagements.Interagency Coordination: Collaborate with Protocol Officers and the U.S. Department of State to resolve diplomatic inquiries regarding privileges, immunities, and official accreditation.Protocol Compliance: Ensure strict adherence to diplomatic protocol, including the correct display of flags, order of precedence, and official forms of address during ceremonies and international functions.

Education

• The American School of Kinshasa

  High School, General studies

  2004 — 2007

• The American University of Paris

  Master of Arts - (M.A.), International Relations and Affairs

  2019 — 2021

• Georgia State University - Andrew Young School of Policy Studies

  Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), Political Science and Government // Arabic Language Minor

  2010 — 2014

Skills

• Elementary Education
• Customer Service
• Community Organizing
• Microsoft Excel
• Public Policy
• Early Childhood Education
• Child Development
• Governance
• Political Science
• Community Outreach
• Education Program Development
• Political Campaigns
• International Relations
• Multilingual