The Congressional Research Service (CRS), Foreign Affairs, Defense and Trade Division is accepting applications under its 2022 Graduate Recruit Program for an Analyst in Latin American Affairs. This position will be filled at the GS-09 or GS-11 level (see "Duties" below).
Summary
The Congressional Research Service (CRS), Foreign Affairs, Defense and Trade Division is accepting applications under its 2022 Graduate Recruit Program for an Analyst in Latin American Affairs. This position will be filled at the GS-09 or GS-11 level (see "Duties" below).
Temporary - Position will be filled under the Congressional Research Service Graduate Recruit Program. Full-time, temporary with the expectation of subsequent conversion to permanent.
Graduate students and Library of Congress employees who meet all of the following eligibility requirements:
1. U.S. Citizenship
2. Current enrollment in or anticipated graduation from an appropriate, accredited advanced degree program. (Library of Congress employees may already possess a graduate degree).
3. General education requirements for a GS-09 or GS-11 appointment (see “Qualifications Required” below).
Initial appointments under the Graduate Recruit Program will be made for a period up to 120 days. Initial appointments are expected to convert to permanent, contingent upon the participant’s successful performance, completion of all degree requirements, and availability of funding. Those students who return to school to complete their advanced degree program may be eligible for a permanent position once they obtain their degree.
About CRS
CRS works exclusively for the United States Congress, providing policy and legal analysis to committees and Members of both the House and Senate, regardless of party affiliation. As shared staff to congressional committees and Members of Congress, CRS experts assist at every stage of the legislative process—from the early considerations that precede bill drafting, through committee hearings and floor debate, to the oversight of enacted laws and various agency activities.
CRS is well known for analysis that is authoritative, confidential, objective, and nonpartisan. Its highest priority is to ensure that Congress has immediate access to the nation's best thinking on public policy issues of interest to its Members and Committees.
The Congressional Research Service (CRS), Foreign Affairs, Defense and Trade (FDT) Division seeks an Analyst in Latin American Affairs to work on a range of policy issues related to the individual countries and intra-regional dynamics of the Latin America and Caribbean region, as well as related U.S. policy dimensions, including the role of Congress and major legislation.
The analyst will provide objective public policy analysis and consultation on policies and issues related to political, security, development, and humanitarian affairs in Latin America and U.S. policy for Members, committees, and staff of the U.S. Congress. The work includes locating/interpreting factual information; conducting research; preparing objective, non-partisan descriptive, background, and analytical reports; and participating in team research projects and seminars.
The ideal candidate will be enrolled in or graduating from a M.A. or Ph.D. program and have experience and graduate coursework in Latin American Studies, International Relations, or a related field. Proficiency in Spanish or other relevant language skills are also valued.
Strong presentation and writing skills, including the ability to synthesize complex analyses into easy-to-understand language for a non-technical audience, as well as attention to detail and skill with online databases are required.
The analyst position carries promotion potential to the GS-15 level.
Although the Library of Congress is not covered by the nationwide injunction against the federal government vaccine requirement, the Library of Congress has decided it will not enforce its vaccine requirement at this time. Therefore, to the extent a Library of Congress job announcement includes the requirement that applicants must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, that requirement does not currently apply. The Library of Congress continues to require information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine. Library employees who are not vaccinated will be required to undergo testing for COVID-19 every seven days.
Library of Congress employees are prohibited from using illegal drugs, including marijuana. The Library is part of the Federal Government and abides by federal law, so regardless of individual state or District of Columbia laws, marijuana use is illegal, considered criminal activity, and can affect your employment at the Library. In addition, past drug use and activities (e.g., selling or distributing) may deem you ineligible for employment.
Qualifications
Who may be considered
Graduate students and Library of Congress employees who meet all of the following eligibility requirements:
1. U.S. Citizenship.
2. Current enrollment in or anticipated graduation from an appropriate, accredited, advanced degree program. (Library of Congress employees who already possess a graduate degree may be considered for appointment under the CRS Graduate Recruit Program).
3. General education requirements for a GS-09 or GS-11 appointment (see below).
GS-09 Grade Level
GS-11 Grade Level
Two years of progressively higher level appropriate graduate education leading to a master's degree, OR
Master's or equivalent graduate degree, OR
One year of specialized experience at the GS-07 grade level in the federal service or at a comparable level of difficulty outside the federal service.
Three years of progressively higher appropriate graduate education leading to a Ph.D. degree, OR
A Ph.D. or equivalent doctoral degree, OR
One year of specialized experience at the GS-09 grade level in the federal service or at a comparable level of difficulty outside the federal service.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILL, AND ABILITY REQUIREMENTS
The critical knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs), gained through education, experience and/or training, needed to successfully perform the duties of the position:
GS-09 Grade Level
GS-11 Grade Level
Prior Background and Experience / Knowledge of Issues Related to Latin American Affairs and U.S.-Latin American Policy**
To provide objective background information and limited public policy analysis on foreign affairs issues in Latin America and the Caribbean, for Members, committees, and staff of the U.S. Congress.
Prior Background and Experience / Knowledge of Issues Related to Latin American Affairs and U.S.-Latin American Policy**
To provide objective, in-depth public policy analysis and background information on developments in Latin America and the Caribbean and U.S. programs in Latin America, for Members and committees of the U.S. Congress. Knowledge includes an understanding of the role Congress plays in steering and overseeing Latin American Affairs and U.S.-Latin American policy.
Ability to Design and Utilize Research and Analytical Methods and Techniques**
To assemble, analyze, and interpret information to identify and evaluate public policy issues and options.
Ability to Design and Utilize Research and Analytical Methods and Techniques**
To research, analyze, and synthesize complex information and evaluate implications of various policy alternatives.
Ability to Write on Issues Related to Latin American Affairs and U.S.-Latin American Policy**
To write descriptive and background reports, memoranda, and other documents with limited analysis for Congress.
Ability to Write on Issues Related to Latin American Affairs and U.S.-Latin American Policy**
To write analytical and descriptive reports, memoranda, and other products supported by appropriate background research for Congress.
Additional information
The Congressional Research Service, within the Library of Congress, is part of the Legislative Branch of the federal government. As such, all positions are in the excepted service.
The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustment for the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position.
The appointment tenure for this position is full-time temporary with the expectation of subsequent conversion to permanent; flexible work schedules may be available. The position description numbers for this vacancy announcement are 004745/GS-09, 004746/GS-11. Relocation expenses are not authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement.
The Library reserves the right to fill a lesser or greater number of vacancies indicated during the life of this vacancy announcement.
Appointment/retention is subject to a favorable evaluation of an appropriate personnel security/suitability investigation. Applicants who are referred for an interview will be required to submit a completed Library of Congress Applicant Data Form, which will be supplied by the Congressional Research Service.
Those Graduate Recruit Program participants who are converted from a temporary appointment to a permanent position, and who have not yet completed the one-year probationary period, which is required of all new Library employees, will be required to do so. Time served in the temporary appointment will not count toward completion of this one-year probationary period requirement.
CRS staff not placed in a permanent position under the Graduate Recruit Program will return to the position occupied before entering the program or a position of similar grade and duties without loss of federal service tenure or seniority. Before applying, other Library of Congress employees should consult their supervisor or service unit management regarding the status of their position should they be selected for the program but not placed in a permanent position.
Library of Congress is an equal opportunity employer. Women, minorities, and persons with disabilities who meet eligibility requirements are strongly encouraged to apply.
This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify Carmen Reese at CRSGraduateRecruit@crs.loc.gov or (202) 707-6275. The decision on granting reasonable accommodations will be made on a case-by-case basis.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Completed application packages will be forwarded to a panel of CRS staff that will first assess applicants against basic eligibility and general education requirements of the position. An evaluation panel will then assess the degree to which candidates meet the critical knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) required to perform the duties of the position and offer the better qualified candidates an opportunity for an interview in person, by telephone, or by other telecommunications means. In addition to the critical KSAs listed above, the following competencies will also be addressed during the interview:
Ability to convey analysis and information orally through briefings, consultations, and other presentations.
Ability to exercise objectivity in all phases of analysis, consultation, and/or oral presentations.
Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing.
A complete applicant package will require applicants to provide responses to a vacancy questionnaire, which includes mandatory submission of a Candidate Statement of Interest. Finalists may be required to submit a writing sample related to their academic discipline.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
It is recommended that you review your application to ensure it contains the following items:
Resume (uploaded through USAJobs.gov)
Completed vacancy questionnaire
Graduate (official or unofficial) transcript or a self-prepared course list (attachment to application)
Note: the "Documents" section of the application may request that you attach Form 1862 Library of Congress Applicant Data Form/Reference Form. You may choose to upload this form as part of your application or submit it at the time of interview. Incomplete applications will not be referred to interview officials and will be disqualified from further consideration.
Applicants with disabilities may be considered under special hiring procedures and must submit an appropriate certificate of eligibility when applying for this position. The proof or disability/certification may be issued by the State Vocational Rehabilitation Office, Disability Services or Career Services office of the applicant’s college or university, or the Department of Veterans Affairs. The letter must verify that the applicant has a severe disability and must be dated within three years of the date of the application. The program does not accept certification from health care providers. For more information contact the Library's Office of Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity Programs at 202-707-6024 or email spp@loc.gov. FAILURE TO SUBMIT YOUR CERTIFICATION WILL CAUSE YOUR APPLICATION TO NOT BE CONSIDERED UNDER THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT PROGRAM.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Carefully follow instructions under the How to Apply tab.
You are required to apply online. We are unable to accept mailed, faxed, or emailed documents. You must complete the entire application process, including submission of all documents BEFORE this announcement closes.
Step 1: If you do not already have one, create a resume on USAJOBS. The Library of Congress will NOT be able to access your Social Security information.
Step 2: Review the Job Announcement. It is recommend that you go to the Qualification and How You Will Be Evaluated section of the job announcement to preview the online questions that you will answer when you get to Step 4. You may wish to customize your USAJOBS resume to ensure that it supports your responses to these questions.
Step 3: Click on the "APPLY ONLINE" button to the right of this announcement. Follow USAJOBS' instructions to access your account and submit your resume. You will be redirected to the Hiring Management website to complete the application process. If this is your first time in Hiring Management, you will be asked to answer questions related to your eligibility for Federal employment.
Step 4: Once you have completed the eligibility questions, you will be taken directly to the vacancy application questions.
Step 5: Hiring Management offers two options that will electronically attach your documentation to your online application once you finish answering the questions in the job announcement.
(1) You may select a document that you have already uploaded to USAJOBS for a previous announcement.
(2) You may electronically upload a document directly from your computer to your application. Be certain to review your complete application for confirmation of the document uploaded and click on "Finished" to be returned to USAJOBS.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you have multiple documents of the same kind, (e.g. two undergraduate transcripts from different schools), be sure they are all in the same file on your computer or in your USAJOBS profile before uploading them. If you try uploading them individually, only the last one sent will be visible in our system. If you have any questions about this information, please contact the person on this announcement BEFORE the closing date.
Step 6: Click on "Finish" after you have completed your application. Once you have submitted your application, you can check your status online through your Hiring Management or MY USAJOBS account. Your complete online application and any required supplemental documentation must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the closing date of the announcement. It is your responsibility to ensure that all documents are received on time and that the materials are readable. Failure to do so will result in your application being excluded from consideration for this announcement.
If you are experiencing technical difficulty, you MUST CONTACT THE POINT OF CONTACT FOR THIS ANNOUNCEMENT BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE. For all technical issues please contact jobhelp@loc.gov, no later than 4:30pm EST of the Closing Date. REQUESTS FOR EXTENSIONS WILL NOT BE GRANTED. If you have questions you MUST CONTACT Carmen Reese at CRSGraduateRecruit@crs.loc.gov or (202) 707-6275 no later than 4:30 p.m. EDT of the closing date.
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
101 Independence Ave. SE
LM-107
Washington, District of Columbia 20540
United States
Next steps
Please review our evaluation process under Evaluation. You may check the status of your application for this position at any time by logging onto the USAJOBS "My USAJOBS" tab and clicking on "My Applications." You will receive final notification via e-mail when the vacancy has been filled.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
It is recommended that you review your application to ensure it contains the following items:
Resume (uploaded through USAJobs.gov)
Completed vacancy questionnaire
Graduate (official or unofficial) transcript or a self-prepared course list (attachment to application)
Note: the "Documents" section of the application may request that you attach Form 1862 Library of Congress Applicant Data Form/Reference Form. You may choose to upload this form as part of your application or submit it at the time of interview. Incomplete applications will not be referred to interview officials and will be disqualified from further consideration.
Applicants with disabilities may be considered under special hiring procedures and must submit an appropriate certificate of eligibility when applying for this position. The proof or disability/certification may be issued by the State Vocational Rehabilitation Office, Disability Services or Career Services office of the applicant’s college or university, or the Department of Veterans Affairs. The letter must verify that the applicant has a severe disability and must be dated within three years of the date of the application. The program does not accept certification from health care providers. For more information contact the Library's Office of Equal Employment Opportunity and Diversity Programs at 202-707-6024 or email spp@loc.gov. FAILURE TO SUBMIT YOUR CERTIFICATION WILL CAUSE YOUR APPLICATION TO NOT BE CONSIDERED UNDER THE SELECTIVE PLACEMENT PROGRAM.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Carefully follow instructions under the How to Apply tab.
You are required to apply online. We are unable to accept mailed, faxed, or emailed documents. You must complete the entire application process, including submission of all documents BEFORE this announcement closes.
Step 1: If you do not already have one, create a resume on USAJOBS. The Library of Congress will NOT be able to access your Social Security information.
Step 2: Review the Job Announcement. It is recommend that you go to the Qualification and How You Will Be Evaluated section of the job announcement to preview the online questions that you will answer when you get to Step 4. You may wish to customize your USAJOBS resume to ensure that it supports your responses to these questions.
Step 3: Click on the "APPLY ONLINE" button to the right of this announcement. Follow USAJOBS' instructions to access your account and submit your resume. You will be redirected to the Hiring Management website to complete the application process. If this is your first time in Hiring Management, you will be asked to answer questions related to your eligibility for Federal employment.
Step 4: Once you have completed the eligibility questions, you will be taken directly to the vacancy application questions.
Step 5: Hiring Management offers two options that will electronically attach your documentation to your online application once you finish answering the questions in the job announcement.
(1) You may select a document that you have already uploaded to USAJOBS for a previous announcement.
(2) You may electronically upload a document directly from your computer to your application. Be certain to review your complete application for confirmation of the document uploaded and click on "Finished" to be returned to USAJOBS.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If you have multiple documents of the same kind, (e.g. two undergraduate transcripts from different schools), be sure they are all in the same file on your computer or in your USAJOBS profile before uploading them. If you try uploading them individually, only the last one sent will be visible in our system. If you have any questions about this information, please contact the person on this announcement BEFORE the closing date.
Step 6: Click on "Finish" after you have completed your application. Once you have submitted your application, you can check your status online through your Hiring Management or MY USAJOBS account. Your complete online application and any required supplemental documentation must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the closing date of the announcement. It is your responsibility to ensure that all documents are received on time and that the materials are readable. Failure to do so will result in your application being excluded from consideration for this announcement.
If you are experiencing technical difficulty, you MUST CONTACT THE POINT OF CONTACT FOR THIS ANNOUNCEMENT BEFORE THE CLOSING DATE. For all technical issues please contact jobhelp@loc.gov, no later than 4:30pm EST of the Closing Date. REQUESTS FOR EXTENSIONS WILL NOT BE GRANTED. If you have questions you MUST CONTACT Carmen Reese at CRSGraduateRecruit@crs.loc.gov or (202) 707-6275 no later than 4:30 p.m. EDT of the closing date.
LIBRARY OF CONGRESS
101 Independence Ave. SE
LM-107
Washington, District of Columbia 20540
United States
Next steps
Please review our evaluation process under Evaluation. You may check the status of your application for this position at any time by logging onto the USAJOBS "My USAJOBS" tab and clicking on "My Applications." You will receive final notification via e-mail when the vacancy has been filled.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
