This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/499540800. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
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Summary
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is a bipartisan independent federal commission that monitors and seeks to advance the internationally recognized freedom of thought, conscience, religion, or belief and related human rights.
Created by the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, USCIRF is an independent bipartisan U.S. legislative agency which monitors the universal right to the freedom of religion or belief, using international standards to do so, and makes policy recommendations to the President, Secretary of State, and Congress. USCIRF's activities include: engaging with Administration officials, members of Congress, think tanks, and policy experts; disseminating information to the public and policymakers through op-eds, press releases, and policy briefs; participating in Congressional hearings; convening public hearings and expert briefings; engaging in overseas diplomatic visits and inquiries; and participating in multilateral for a. More information about USCIRF is available at www.uscirf.gov
USCIRF is seeking a Congressional Relations Specialist to assist USCIRF in designing and implementing strategies to promote priority issues. The Congressional Relations Specialist will report directly to the Director of Congressional Affairs and Policy and Planning. Primary responsibilities include working with Congressional offices; developing materials specific to USCIRF's mandate, including fact sheets and summaries of legislation; providing research on legislation and policy issues; and drafting letters, memos and other documents as requested.
KEY REQUIREMENTS
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Resume and supporting documents (see How to Apply).
- Satisfactory completion of a background investigation.
- Completion of a probationary period.
- Must be able to meet and maintain suitability and security requirements.
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Overview
- Job closed
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Open & closing dates
05/14/2018 to 05/31/2018
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Salary
$65,000 - $85,000 per year
(depending on experience)
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Pay scale & grade
AD 1
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Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
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Travel Required
Not required
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Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
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Appointment type
Permanent - Excepted Service
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Work schedule
Full-Time
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Service
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Job family (Series)
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Supervisory status
No
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Security clearance
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Announcement number
USCIRF-18-005
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Control number
499540800
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Duties
Reporting to the Director of Congressional Affairs and Communications, The Senior Congressional Relations Specialist's primary responsibilities include:
- Attending and/or covering Congressional hearings and Hill events;
- Preparing and coordinating USCIRF hearings, briefings and special events;
- Drafting testimony, legislation, position papers, background reports, comparisons of laws and bills, and other relevant materials;
- Developing and maintaining relationships with Congressional offices and working effectively with these offices, including providing staff with information on a timely basis;
- Monitoring legislation and legislative activities;
- Researching legislation, Congressional voting records and policy issues; compiling backgrounders on Members of Congress Managing USCIRF's Congressional Calendar;
- Overseeing Congressional Affairs Interns;
- Editing USCIRF publications (policy papers, fact sheets, feature articles, special reports, etc.);
- Ensuring timely compiling of reports to CA&C Director, Executive Director, and Commissioners (Monthly Activities Reports, Commission Meeting Materials);
- Work closely with policy staff on congressional affairs related tasks; and
- Other duties as assigned by the Director of Congressional Affairs and Communications.
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Requirements
Conditions of Employment
Desired Qualifications
- Advanced degree; and
- Three (3) years of substantive experience as demonstrated by a sustained record of accomplished, analytical writing and other professional achievements.
Qualifications
- A minimum of a Bachelor's degree, along with at least four (3) years of substantive experience in relevant areas that demonstrate commensurate experience;
- Knowledge of international relations and foreign policy, with a primary focus on religious freedom or human rights;
- Experience working with or in Congressional offices on international relations;
- Comprehensive understanding of the legislative process and experience in analyzing and summarizing legislation;
- Ability to perform legal analysis and summarize the analysis;
- Experience in organizing and doing briefings, consultations, and other presentations;
- Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced setting and meeting deadlines;
- Ability to synthesize information from various sources;
- Ability to work both independently and as part of a team;
- Strong written and verbal communication skills;
- Attention to detail; and
- Exercise sound judgment and critical thinking.
Education
At minimum poses a Bachelors' degree in a relevant field. An advance degree is desired but not a must.
Additional information
USCIRF offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation, sick leave, ten Federal holidays, retirement, life insurance, and medical benefits. Please visit www.opm.gov for more information on benefits.
Selective Service. If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify at the time of appointment that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under Selective Service law.
Reasonable Accommodation. USCIRF provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please contact USCIRF at (202) 523-3240. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Equal Employment Opportunity. The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
Benefits
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 relevance and quality of their experience and education and on the 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.
Benefits
Required Documents
As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
Resume, Cover Letter, Writing sample (no more than 5 pages), and 3 References.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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.
How to Apply
To apply, candidates must email to
jobs@uscirf.gov
the following:- Cover Letter;
- Resume;
- Three References; and
- Writing Sample (no more than five pages) to:
No calls please
Agency contact information
Roy Haskins
- Address
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US Commission on International Religious Freedom
732 N Capitol Street NW
Suite A714
Washington, DC 20401
US
Next steps
Applications will be held in strict confidence. After submitting your application for this position, you will receive an e-mail confirming receipt of your application materials. USCIRF will contact you if we wish to schedule an interview or if we require additional information or references.
Fair and Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
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Required Documents
Resume, Cover Letter, Writing sample (no more than 5 pages), and 3 References.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
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.
Help
No calls please
Learn more about this agency
How to Apply
To apply, candidates must email to
jobs@uscirf.gov
the following:- Cover Letter;
- Resume;
- Three References; and
- Writing Sample (no more than five pages) to:
No calls please
Agency contact information
Roy Haskins
- Address
-
US Commission on International Religious Freedom
732 N Capitol Street NW
Suite A714
Washington, DC 20401
US
Next steps
Applications will be held in strict confidence. After submitting your application for this position, you will receive an e-mail confirming receipt of your application materials. USCIRF will contact you if we wish to schedule an interview or if we require additional information or references.
Fair & Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Beginning of a dialog window for the agency announcing this job. It begins with a heading 2 called "Learn more about Field Operating Offices of the Office of the Secretary of the Army". Escape will cancel and close the window.
Learn more about
U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom
Agency contact information
Roy Haskins
- Address
-
US Commission on International Religious Freedom
732 N Capitol Street NW
Suite A714
Washington, DC 20401
US