Analyst in Foreign Affairs

The Congressional Research Service (CRS) Foreign Affairs, Defense and Trade Division (FDT) seeks an Analyst in Foreign Affairs focused on transnational crime, international law enforcement, and related U.S. policy. The ideal candidate is expected to possess and enhance over time the skills necessary to provide legislative analysis and consultation to congressional committees, Members, and staff at increasingly sophisticated levels. The analyst may support research undertaken throughout CRS.

There are no education requirements for this post.

Prepares a variety of analytical, descriptive and background reports, memoranda, and written materials on subjects or public policy issues within the employee’s designated areas of responsibility to support congressional decision-making.

Through personal consultation, assists committees, Members, and staff with consideration of legislative issues by providing information and analysis, and applying professional subject-area knowledge.

Participates in CRS seminars, workshops, and/or outreach programs for committees, Members, and staff. Locates and provides information requested by Members and committees of Congress or their staff.

Applicants should have experience conducting sophisticated analysis of transnational crime, international law enforcement, and related U.S. policy; knowledge of the U.S. legislative branch and its operations; and the ability to work as part of a collaborative team. The work can require rapid response to emerging policy issues during active legislative processes. The ideal candidate will have a solid background in transnational crime and international law enforcement issues, including counternarcotics policy, and the ability to apply such knowledge in a legislative context. Professional experience analyzing or implementing policy and legislation is preferred. Strong research, analysis, writing, and presentation skills are essential, and applicants with an advanced degree in regional studies, international relations, national security policy, or similar discipline are strongly encouraged to apply.

The analyst will prepare authoritative, objective, and nonpartisan analytical studies and descriptive and background reports and other products that analyze transnational crime, international law enforcement issues and related U.S. policy; provide personal consultation and assistance to congressional committees, Members, and staff on transnational crime and international law enforcement issues throughout the legislative process; and participate in team research projects and seminars.

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 a legislative branch agency within the Library of Congress, CRS has been a valued and respected resource on Capitol Hill for more than a century.

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) is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that ensures the Service is well positioned to anticipate and meet the information and analytical research needs of a 21st-century Congress.

Security Clearance: Selectee must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.

The position description number for this position is 421675.

The salary range indicated reflects the locality pay adjustments for the Washington, D.C., Metropolitan area.

The incumbent of this position may work a flextime or compflex work schedule.

The tour of duty for this position is full-time.

This is a non-supervisory, bargaining unit position.

Relocation expenses will not be authorized for the person(s) selected under this vacancy announcement.

Applicants must have had progressively responsible experience and training sufficient in scope and quality to furnish them with an acceptable level of the following knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the duties of the position without more than normal supervision.
• Knowledge of transnational crime, international law enforcement, and related U.S. policy**
• Ability to analyze public policy issues**
• Ability to write in a public policy context**
• Ability to convey analysis and information orally through briefings, consultations, and other presentations
• Ability to work collaboratively with others
• Ability to exercise objectivity in all phases of analysis and consultation
• Ability to communicate effectively other than in writing