Clarification from the agency

US Citizens

Specific to the regional portfolio, the Supervisory Policy Analyst will: monitor and analyze religious freedom conditions and related human rights; monitor and assess U.S. foreign policy; develop policy recommendations for the U.S. government to advance freedom of religion or belief; monitor, develop, and report on various events or opportunities that, if properly leveraged, could be effective inflection points for achieving implementation of USCIRF-recommended policy; draft annual report materials, briefing materials, other reports, correspondence, and testimony; and build and maintain extensive contacts with relevant policy counterparts in the U.S. government and with members of NGOs, academia, and other organizations focused on freedom of religion or belief, and related human rights. This position may also include responsibilities on cross-cutting thematic issues relevant to USCIRF. The Supervisory Policy Analyst will also oversee the work of several policy analysts and/or researchers focusing on countries within the Asia region and/or other regions.

This is not an entry-level position and requires relevant or related regional, topical, and supervisory work experience.

Reporting to the Director of Research and Policy, the Supervisory Policy Analyst'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 countries.
• Monitor international media and State Department reports/statements.
• Develop strategies and recommendations for U.S. government policy to encourage improvement in the status of freedom of religion or belief in country(ies) being monitored.

• Draft and/or assist with relevant Annual Report chapters and other research publications and reports, work to ensure the accuracy and completeness of analysis and language in such publications, and participate as appropriate in public events on such reports as requested.
• Produce and/or assist with Congressional testimony, briefing memos, and meeting talking points for Commissioners and senior staff.
• Contribute to drafting of press releases or opinion pieces for public media, as requested.

• Brief Commissioners and/or staff on U.S. government efforts to promote freedom of religion or belief, as well as foreign government activities limiting this freedom.
• Engage with the White House, State Department, and other Executive Branch agencies on religious freedom issues, as well as engaging with foreign governments.
• Represent USCIRF at the State Department and other agencies, and with congressional staff, as well as with official and unofficial foreign visitors and the media as necessary.
• Advocate for USCIRF positions on religious freedom with foreign officials, domestic and foreign audiences, NGOs, human rights groups, and religious organizations.
• Work toward the inclusion of USCIRF recommendations in U.S. government and State Department policies and representations.
• Attend and report on public hearings and other events around D.C. on relevant issues.
• Assist with preparations for meetings, roundtables, Commission travel, and other events, including organizing and preparing materials for public USCIRF events.
• Establish and maintain network of relevant contacts for countries of responsibility.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Provide administrative and technical supervision to several policy analysts and/or researchers.
• Establish and clearly communicates guidelines and performance expectations for supervisees.
• Ensure timely review and completion of all relevant work.
• Identify and approve professional opportunities for staff.
• Resolve routine operational staff issues; reviews and approves absences and vacations.
• Create collaborative and positive team morale.

Conditions of employment

Desired Qualifications

• Fluency or demonstrated proficiency in a foreign language, preferably an Asian language.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen;
• Satisfactory completion of a background investigation;
• Completion of a probationary period;
• Selectee must be able to meet and maintain suitability and security requirements;
• Possess an advanced degree in a relevant field to the position requirements (candidates with an undergraduate degree only will not be considered);
• At least seven (7) years' substantive experience as demonstrated by a sustained record of accomplished, analytical writing, and other professional achievements that are related or relevant to USCIRF's work;
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding (must include relevant work experience) of Asian regional politics, jurisprudence, culture, economic development, security trends, U.S. interests, and human rights in general;
• Strong research skills, particularly those applied in a work setting (i.e. not only university coursework);
• 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;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills;
• 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 (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."