Research Analyst II

Cherokee Federal•Washington, DC

22h•$118,000 - $123,000

About The Position

This position requires an active Secret clearance or the ability to obtain a Secret clearance to be considered. Independently provide support services to advance the mission of the Department of State’s Office of International Religious Freedom in tracking global developments related to religious freedom and assist Department of State officers in responding appropriately to such developments. This includes monitoring unclassified and classified information sources, undertaking research, drafting documents, entering data into relevant computer systems, providing analysis of events and dynamics, conducting verbal and written communications, and interacting with relevant interlocutors both within State and outside.

Requirements

Experience in policy research and analysis in international relations/affairs, including policy issues, principles, concepts and methods related to rights advocacy.
Knowledge of laws, rules, policies, and regulations regarding human rights and religious freedom.
Familiarity of various religious traditions and dynamics.
Excellent written and oral communication skills in English to prepare and present information persuasively.
Analysis and research, to provide recommendations and technical advice and to participate in meetings and discussions.
Excellent organizational skills and multi-tasking abilities.
The ability to work independently, with minimal supervision, and multi-task in a high volume, fast-paced work environment.
Good facility with standard software, including the complete Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, SharePoint), and an ability to learn and work with other software, as well as database applications.
Knowledge of research and analytical methods to validate, evaluate and interpret information obtained from a variety of sources.
The ability to plan, organize, and prioritize multiple assignments with tight deadlines that often require coordination with other offices, bureaus, agencies, and organizations.
The ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing to provide information and assistance, prepare correspondence and reports, explain policies and procedures, participate in meetings, and solve problems.
Sound judgment; strong interpersonal skills.
Flexibility and adaptability to adjust proposals, plans, and personal interactions as needed to account for new information, overcome obstacles, account for competing interests, and achieve the desired outcome.
Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal

Nice To Haves

10 or more years or experience or Master’s or other post-graduate degree preferred

Responsibilities

Monitor abuses of religious freedom or positive developments related to the state of religious freedom and/or the role of faith actor engagement in assigned geographic or thematic area(s) of responsibility
Reviews information from media sources, nongovernment organizations and civil society (including religious groups), privately provided information, and classified reporting channels
Travels periodically to assigned countries/regions in support of Ambassador at Large, Senior Official, or other members of the Front Office, or for purposes of information gathering and country conditions monitoring.
Undertakes research (via both open source and classified systems and prepares reports and analyses of the actions of foreign government officials who may be responsible for having committed or overseen the commission of severe violations of religious freedom, shares reports effectively to inform policymakers and programs
Helps compile comprehensive progress reports and summaries of reports, including the status of indicators and success stories for the Report to Congress on International Religious Freedom and related activities
Prepares such information for entry into relevant computer systems and to inform policy determinations regarding statutory visa ineligibilities.
Analyzes religious freedom-related and/or civil society developments in assigned countries/regions and areas of thematic focus
Briefs senior officials and FTE officers of the implications of such developments
Drafting and editing written products related to the state of human rights and religious freedom
Provides periodic oral briefings for senior Department officials on these topics
Responds to specific requests for information on religious freedom from the U.S. Department of State, USAID, and other government agencies or representatives of likeminded partners
Helps compile project results, develop strategic plans for outreach, and implement outreach events to reach out to the public, international organizations, and Congressional staff
Participates in workshop training exercises and briefings to disseminate information about the mandate and work of the office.
Performs other job-related duties as assigned.