Clarification from the agency

U.S. Citizens. Financial Disclosure is required based on salary threshold reporting requirements.

The Researcher or Policy Analyst will monitor religious freedom conditions in assigned countries and develop policy recommendations for the U.S. government to advance freedom of religion or belief abroad; evaluate and report on events or opportunities that could be effective inflection points for achieving implementation of USCIRF-recommended policy; draft annual report materials, briefing materials, policy related reports, and testimony; provide project management oversight; and build and maintain extensive contacts with relevant policy counterparts.

Reporting to a Supervisory Policy Analyst, the Researcher's or Policy Analyst's primary responsibilities involve the following:

1. Monitoring and Policy Recommendation Formulation - monitor religious freedom conditions in assigned countries and propose policy recommendations. This includes:

• Collecting, analyzing and documenting information related to freedom of religion or belief and U.S. government foreign policy in the assigned countries/region;
• Developing strategies and recommendations for U.S. government policy to encourage improvement in the protection of freedom of religion or belief in the assigned countries;
• Advising USCIRF senior leadership on country developments and related policy recommendations relevant to assigned countries; and
• Tracking implementation of USCIRF's policy recommendations in assigned countries.

2. Reporting - report on religious freedom conditions in assigned countries to advance USCIRF's mission and strategic objectives. This includes:

• Drafting Annual Report chapters for assigned countries and other research publications ensuring they communicate policy priorities and recommendations and religious freedom conditions effectively and persuasively;
• Reviewing and editing press releases, op-eds, website posts, and social media posts relating to assigned countries to ensure credibility and accuracy; and
• Drafting Congressional testimony, briefing memos, and talking points for Commissioners, the Executive Director, and senior staff on assigned countries.

3. Outreach - participate in research and policy related outreach initiatives and events to advance USCIRF's mission. This includes:

• Preparing, organizing and participating in USCIRF's public events;
• Preparing research-related materials for events, meetings, hearings, and travel in support of USCIRF's mandate, including for Commissioners, the Executive Director, and senior staff; and
• Developing new and strengthening current relationships with relevant stakeholders inside and outside the U.S. government.

4. Travel - prepare and participate in domestic and overseas policy-related events and trips, including Commissioners' delegations, to gather firsthand information, develop relationships with relevant stakeholders and to raise the profile of USCIRF.

Conditions of employment

Desired Qualifications

• Fluency or demonstrated proficiency in a foreign language is a plus but not required.

Qualifications

• Must be a U.S. citizen;
• Possess an advanced degree in a relevant field to the position requirements (candidates with an undergraduate degree only will not be considered);
• For the Policy Analyst position, have at least two (2) 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;
• 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."