Reporting to the Director of International Law and Policy, the Researcher's primary responsibilities involve the following:

1. Research and Policy Analysis/Formulation

• Collect, analyze, and document information related to freedom of religion or belief in assigned areas, including:
  • following events affecting freedom of religion or belief abroad;
  • following relevant U.S. policy;
  • gathering information and maintaining relations with U.S. and foreign government agencies, NGOs, religious groups, and academics; and
  • monitoring international media and State Department reports/statements.

• Assist with the writing, editing, and proofreading of relevant Annual Report chapters, work to ensure the accuracy and completeness of analysis and language in the Annual Report, and participate as appropriate in Annual Report launch events as requested; and
• Assist with briefing memos and meeting talking points for Commissioners and senior staff.

• Brief Commissioners or staff on U.S. Government efforts to promote freedom of religion or belief, as well as foreign government activities limiting this freedom, either orally or through prepared memoranda;
• Organize and prepare materials for Commission delegations and staff trips to countries to gather information on religious freedom conditions;
• Attend and report on public hearings and other events around D.C. on relevant issues;
• Assist with preparations for meetings, roundtables, and other events, including organizing and preparing materials for public USCIRF events; and
• Establish and maintain network of relevant contacts in assigned areas.

Conditions of employment

Desired Qualifications

• At least two (2) years' substantive experience as demonstrated by a sustained record of accomplished, analytical writing and other professional achievements related to the East Asia-Pacific region and also beyond academic coursework and research; and
• Fluency or demonstrated proficiency in a relevant foreign language is a plus.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen;
• Advanced degree;
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding, preferably beyond academic coursework and research, of East Asian regional politics, jurisprudence, culture, economic development, security trends, U.S. interests, and human rights in general;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills;
• Strong research skills;
• Ability to proactively develop, synthesize, and articulate effective and actionable policy recommendations;
• Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced setting, defining and meeting deadlines;
• Ability to synthesize information from various sources;
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team;
• Attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and collegial demeanor; and
• Proven experience using Microsoft Office applications such as Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

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 relevance and quality of their experience and education and on the 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.