Clarification from the agency

Open to all qualified U.S. Citizens. Administratively Determined, Full-Time, Term-Appointed Position (The initial term of appointment is one year. The fellow may be invited to compete for or directly convert to a continuing staff position if an availability opens and the fellow's performance warrants. The position is not covered by provisions of 5 USC that apply to Executive Branch employees regarding appointment, termination, competitive service selection, & pay related rules and regulations).

The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission is a congressionally mandated commission and is seeking an energetic Congressional Fellow experience on a Member or committee staff. The appointee would contribute to the U.S.-China policy debate in Washington and the Commission's efforts to support Members of Congress and staff in understanding the resources available from the Commission. The appointee would provide support to the Commission through Congressional outreach and legislative analysis and contribute to research on Congressional developments in the U.S. China relationship.

1. Congressional Outreach

• Support the Director of Congressional Affairs and Communications in conducting general outreach and engagement with key Member and committee staff, and disseminating Commission research to Congress.
• Identify and work with Congressional staff to provide Commission research and serve as a resource.
• Support the development and implementation of strategies to engage Congressional staff and Members of Committees key to the Commission's work. These include, but are not limited to:
• House and Senate Armed Services Committees; House Foreign Affairs Committee; Senate Foreign Relations Committee; House Ways and Means Committee; and the Senate Finance Committee.
• Attend Congressional hearings, briefings, and staff working groups; prepare memos on the substance of these events; identify potential engagement opportunities.
• Assist in organizing and executing Commission hearings and coordinate with staff of hosting committees.

• Identify, track, and maintain a weekly summary of legislative actions regarding matters within the Commission's mandate.
• Identify opportunities to offer and provide relevant Commission research to the sponsors and cosponsors of legislation related to the Commission's mandate.
• Support the development of relevant Commission research products by providing analysis on past or current legislation, interest of Members of Congress, and opportunities for engagement.
• Conduct research on how to make Commission recommendations more "action ready."
• Track the status of legislative action related to Commission recommendations to Congress.

• Research, monitor, analyze, and write about developments in the U.S.-China relationship.
• Support the Director of Economics and Trade and the Director of Security and Foreign Affairs on designated research products or hearings coordinated by their teams, including the substantive development of hearing topics, design, and witness selection.
• Support other substantive research in selected areas of interest and expertise (existing or developing) and serve as the Commission's subject matter expert in those areas.
• Serve as a contributing author or co-author for staff research papers.

Conditions of employment

Applicants must be eligible for a security clearance. Upon appointment, the selectee will be required to undergo a background investigation, and during the employment period may also be required to obtain and hold a Federal security clearance. An active clearance is not a prerequisite for applying for or initiating employment.

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

1. A minimum of 1-year experience working as a Congressional staff member.
2. Strong written and verbal communication skills, to include the ability to draft and edit reports, memoranda, and other official documents quickly and with few grammatical errors.
3. Prior research experience.
4. Ability to manage multiple tasks and work in a fast-moving environment, setting and meeting deadlines, and adapting to new priorities.
5. Ability to work independently and as part of a team with a strong attention to detail, excellent organization skills, and collegial demeanor.
6. Bachelor's degree or higher.

1. Knowledge of the People's Republic of China, Chinese strategic culture, and the major features of the U.S.-China relationship.
2. Work experience in a position of substantial responsibility related to the Commission mandate (National Security, Asian and Pacific Affairs, U.S.-China Relations, International Affairs and Institutions).
3. Experience drafting, coordinating, or analyzing legislation.

How you will be evaluated

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

The Commission will conduct internal evaluation based on applicants' cover letter, resume, and writing sample, to include qualifications and relevant experience. The Director of Congressional Affairs and Communications, Executive Director, and appropriate staff will interview the top candidates. The Chairman and/or Vice Chairman may interview the final candidates. The final hiring decision will be made by the Executive Director.

Interviews will consist of two parts: 1) interviews with the Director of Congressional Affairs and Communications, Executive Director, and appropriate staff; and 2) a writing test.