Research Analyst II

Research Analyst II

Independent support for the Department of State’s Office of International Religious Freedom in tracking global developments related to religious freedom and assisting State officers in responding appropriately. Duties include monitoring classified and unclassified 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 within State and outside.

Estimated starting salary: US$‑$ per year. Pay commensurate with experience. Full‑time benefits include Medical, Dental, Vision, 401(k) and other benefits as provided. Benefits are subject to change with or without notice.

• Monitor abuses of religious freedom or positive developments related to religious freedom and/or the role of faith actor engagement in assigned geographic or thematic areas.
• Review information from media sources, NGOs, civil society (including religious groups), privately provided information, and classified reporting channels.
• Travel periodically to assigned countries/regions to support Ambassador at Large, Senior Official, or other front‑office members, or for information gathering and country conditions monitoring.
• Undertake research via both open‑source and classified systems and prepare reports and analyses of foreign government officials who may be responsible for severe violations of religious freedom, sharing reports to inform policymakers and programs.
• Help 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.
• Prepare such information for entry into relevant computer systems and use it to inform policy determinations regarding statutory visa ineligibilities.
• Analyze religious freedom‑related and/or civil society developments in assigned countries/regions and areas of thematic focus.
• Brief senior officials and FTE officers on the implications of such developments.
• Draft and edit written products related to human rights and religious freedom.
• Provide periodic oral briefings on these topics for senior Department officials.
• Respond to specific requests for information on religious freedom from the U.S. Department of State, USAID, and other government agencies or partners.
• Help compile project results, develop strategic plans for outreach, and implement outreach events to reach the public, international organizations, and Congressional staff.
• Participate in workshop training exercises and briefings to disseminate information about the office’s mandate and work.
• Perform other job‑related duties as assigned.

• Experience in policy research and analysis in international relations/affairs, including policy issues, principles, concepts and methods related to rights advocacy.
• 10+ years of experience or Master’s or other postgraduate degree preferred.
• Knowledge of laws, rules, policies and regulations regarding human rights and religious freedom.
• Familiarity with various religious traditions and dynamics.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English to prepare and present information persuasively.
• Strong analytical and research abilities to provide recommendations, technical advice and to participate in meetings and discussions.
• Excellent organizational skills and multi‑tasking abilities.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision in a high‑volume, fast‑paced environment.
• Good facility with standard software, including the complete Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint, SharePoint), and ability to learn and work with other software and database applications.
• Knowledge of research and analytical methods to validate, evaluate and interpret information obtained from a variety of sources.
• Ability to plan, organize and prioritize multiple assignments with tight deadlines that often require coordination with other offices, bureaus, agencies and organizations.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing,…