Reporting to the Director and/or Deputy Director of Research and Policy, the 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 countries being monitored and other assigned areas;
• 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 being monitored.

• Draft and/or assist with relevant Annual Report chapters, work to ensure the accuracy and completeness of analysis and language in the Annual Report for assigned countries and participate as appropriate in Annual Report launch events 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.

Conditions of employment

USCIRF is seeking Policy Analysts to focus on specific countries and/or regions as assigned. Past work experience on countries in Africa, South Asia, East and Southeast Asia, and/or Latin America and the Caribbean is required. Specific to the regional portfolio, the 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, policy focus 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.

This is not an entry-level position.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen;
• Possess an advanced degree in a relevant field to the position requirements;
• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding (to include relevant work experience) of 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.

• Fluency or demonstrated proficiency in a foreign language;
• At least four (4) years' substantive work experience as demonstrated by a sustained record of accomplished, analytical writing and other professional achievements.

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."