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Summary

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is a bipartisan independent federal commission that monitors and seeks to advance the internationally recognized freedom of thought, conscience, religion, or belief and related human rights.

Created by the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, USCIRF is an independent bipartisan U.S. legislative agency which monitors the universal right to the freedom of religion or belief, using international standards to do so, and makes policy recommendations to the President, Secretary of State, and Congress. USCIRF's activities include: engaging with Administration officials, members of Congress, think tanks, and policy experts; disseminating information to the public and policymakers through op-eds, press releases, and policy briefs; participating in Congressional hearings; convening public hearings and expert briefings; engaging in overseas diplomatic visits and inquiries; and participating in multilateral for a. More information about USCIRF is available at www.uscirf.gov

USCIRF is seeking a Congressional Relations Specialist to assist USCIRF in designing and implementing strategies to promote priority issues. The Congressional Relations Specialist will report directly to the Director of Congressional Affairs and Policy and Planning. Primary responsibilities include working with Congressional offices; developing materials specific to USCIRF's mandate, including fact sheets and summaries of legislation; providing research on legislation and policy issues; and drafting letters, memos and other documents as requested.

Overview

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Reviewing applications
Open & closing dates
05/10/2017 to 05/26/2017
Salary
$65,000 to - $80,000 per year
Pay scale & grade
AD 00
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Washington DC, DC
Travel Required
Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-Time
Service
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Secret
Announcement number
USCIRF-17-02
Control number
469542600

This job is open to

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Duties

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The Congressional Relations Specialist's primary responsibilities include:

  • Attending and/or covering Congressional hearings and Hill events;
  • Preparing and coordinating USCIRF hearings, briefings and special events;
  • Drafting testimony, legislation, position papers, background reports, comparisons of laws and bills, and other relevant materials;
  • Developing and maintaining relationships with Congressional offices and working effectively with these offices, including providing staff with information on a timely basis;
  • Monitoring legislation and legislative activities;
  • Researching legislation, Congressional voting records and policy issues; and
Other duties as assigned by the Director of Congressional Affairs and Policy and Planning.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • U.S. Citizenship.
  • Resume and supporting documents (see How to Apply).
  • Satisfactory completion of a background investigation.
  • Completion of a probationary period.
  • Must be able to meet and maintain suitability and security requirements.

N/A

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS:

  • A minimum of a Bachelor's degree, along with at least four (4) years of substantive experience in relevant areas that demonstrate commensurate experience;
  • Knowledge of international relations, with a primary focus on religious freedom or human rights;
  • Experience working with or in Congressional offices on international relations;
  • Comprehensive understanding of the legislative process and experience in analyzing and summarizing legislation;
  • Ability to perform legal analysis and summarize the analysis;
  • Experience in organizing and doing briefings, consultations, and other presentations;
  • Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced setting and meetingdeadlines;
  • Ability to synthesize information from varioussources;
  • Ability to work both independently and as part of ateam;
  • Strong written and verbal communicationskills;
  • Attention to detail; and
  • Exercise sound judgment and critical thinking.

Education

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

A minimum of a Bachelor's degree.

Additional information

USCIRF offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, ten Federal holidays, retirement, life insurance, and medical benefits. Please visit www.opm.gov for more information on benefits.

Selective Service. If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify at the time of appointment that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under Selective Service law.

Reasonable Accommodation. USCIRF provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact USCIRF at (202) 523-3240. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Equal Employment Opportunity. The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

This job is excepted from the competitive civil service. Applicants will be evaluated and deemed either eligible or ineligible based on the (1) completeness of the submission of the required materials, (2) relevance and quality of experience and education, and (3) desired qualifications described above.

Pursuant to section 204(c) of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, as amended, USCIRF staff members are hired "on the basis of professional and nonpartisan qualifications."

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