Africa Policy Analyst

Position description

USCIRF seeks a Policy Analyst to monitor religious freedom conditions in assigned countries in Africa 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 research policy reports, annual report materials, briefing materials, testimony, and content for USCIRF’s traditional and social media engagement; and build and maintain extensive contacts with relevant policy counterparts.

Responsibilities

Reporting to a Supervisory Policy Analyst, the 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 research publications, including Annual Report chapters for assigned countries, ensuring they communicate policy priorities and recommendations and religious freedom conditions effectively and persuasively;
• Drafting, 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. 

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

Desired Qualifications

• Fluency or demonstrated proficiency in a relevant 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);
• Possess at least two (2) years’ substantive experience relating to the African region 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.

Education

Advanced degree. 

Additional information

USCIRF offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, eleven Federal holidays, retirement, life insurance, and medical benefits. Please visit https://www.opm.gov/ for more information on Federal employee benefits.

Application instructions

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