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Foreign Affairs Research Analyst Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Air Force Civilian Career Training

$49K - $115K/yr

... research in international relations.3. Skill in communicating factual and procedural information ... analyze problems to identify significate factors, gather pertinent data and recognize solutions in ...

US Department of the Air Force

$49K/yr

... research in international relations.3. Skill in communicating factual and procedural information ... analyze problems to identify significate factors, gather pertinent data and recognize solutions in ...

Kharon

Research Analyst

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$68K - $78K/yr

The core of this position is dedicated to conducting open-source research on a variety of foreign affairs and national security issues. More specifically, you will be researching, analyzing, and ...

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How much do foreign affairs research analyst jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for foreign affairs research analyst in the United States is $73,965.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $57,000.00 and $98,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a foreign affairs research analyst?

Foreign Affairs Research Analysts are professionals who study international relations, global policies, and foreign governments to provide insights and recommendations on diplomatic and strategic issues. They collect and analyze data from various sources, monitor global developments, and prepare reports for government agencies, think tanks, or private organizations. Their work helps shape foreign policy decisions and supports efforts to understand international trends and risks. These analysts often specialize in specific regions or topics, such as security, economics, or human rights.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a foreign affairs research analyst?

To thrive as a Foreign Affairs Research Analyst, you need strong analytical abilities, research skills, and proficiency in international relations, typically supported by a relevant degree such as political science or international studies. Familiarity with data analysis tools, open-source intelligence platforms, and sometimes foreign language proficiency are commonly required, along with government security clearances. Excellent written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and cultural awareness are crucial soft skills for presenting findings and collaborating with diverse stakeholders. These competencies are essential for producing accurate, insightful analysis that informs policy decisions and promotes effective international engagement.

What is the difference between Foreign Affairs Research Analyst vs Policy Analyst?

AspectForeign Affairs Research AnalystPolicy Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in international relations, political science, or related field; often requires security clearanceBachelor's degree in political science, public policy, or related field; sometimes advanced degrees
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, think tanks, international organizationsGovernment agencies, NGOs, think tanks, consulting firms
Employer & Industry UsagePrimarily in foreign service, diplomatic missions, and international policyIn domestic policy, advocacy, and research sectors

Foreign Affairs Research Analysts focus on international issues, often working within government or international organizations, analyzing foreign policy and global trends. Policy Analysts may work on domestic or international policies, providing research and recommendations. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds, their focus areas and work environments differ.

What are some typical challenges a foreign affairs research analyst faces when working on cross-cultural policy analysis?

Foreign Affairs Research Analysts often encounter complexities when navigating cross-cultural differences, such as varying political systems, communication styles, and data availability. Successfully analyzing foreign policies requires sensitivity to cultural nuances, thorough validation of sources, and adaptability to dynamic international events. Collaborating with colleagues from diverse backgrounds and coordinating with external experts are essential for accurate, well-rounded analysis. Developing strong research methodologies and staying up to date with global affairs can help address these challenges effectively.
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Foreign Affairs Research Analyst jobs near you
Infographic showing various Foreign Affairs Research Analyst job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $73,965 per year, or $35.6 per hour.

Foreign Affairs Officer

US Department of State

Washington, DC • On-site

$143K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

This position is located in the Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs, in Office of Iran and Iraq Affairs (NEA/IIR), within the U.S. Department of State. 

The Bureau is responsible for developing and implementing U.S. foreign policy in the Near East region, advancing diplomatic efforts, and safeguarding U.S. national security interests in one of the most complex and strategically significant regions of the world. 

Qualifications:

Applicants must meet all the required qualification requirements described below by the closing date of this announcement. If you are qualifying based on education OR if there are mandatory education requirements listed below, you MUST submit a copy of your college transcript with your application.   

NOTE: Applicants must meet time-in-grade and time after competitive appointment requirements, by the closing date of this announcement. Time-In-Grade Requirements: Federal applicants must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade to satisfy time-in-grade restrictions, per 5CFR 300, Subpart F.

Applicants must have the required experience or education as described below and meet any selective factors, when specified.

BASIC REQUIREMENTS: Have a bachelor's or graduate degree from an accredited college or university in international law, international relations, political science, economics, history, sociology, geography, social or cultural anthropology, law, statistics, or in the humanities;

OR Have a bachelor's or graduate degree from an accredited college or university that included a combination of courses, with at least 24 semester hours in international law and international relations, political science, economics, history, sociology, geography, social or cultural anthropology, law, statistics, or in the humanities;

OR Have 12 semester hours in one of the above disciplines and 12 semester hours in statistics / quantitative methods.

OR Have a combination of education and experience where your coursework was equivalent to a major, or a combination of related courses totaling at least 24 semester hours, (as shown above), PLUS appropriate relevant experience OR additional education.

OR Have completed at least 4 years of appropriate experience in one OR more of the fields listed above in work associated with international organizations, problems, or other aspects of foreign affairs. (NOTE: qualifying work experience may have been gained through residence, study, teaching, business or commercial activities, military service, newspaper work, military or civil government activities, missionary or international relief work, or other experience in foreign countries.)

Note: If you are qualifying based on education, you MUST submit transcripts as verification of educational requirement by the closing date of this announcement. If you fail to provide requested information, or the information you submit is insufficient to verify your eligibility, you WILL lose consideration for this position.

IN ADDITION to the basic requirements, this position requires one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the GS-13 level in the Federal service which provided the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position.

Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following: 

  • Experience researching, analyzing and formulating counterterrorism policy as it relates to Iran and Iraq.
  • Experience collaborating with other governmental agencies to advance U.S. foreign policy objectives as it relates to Iran and Iraq.
  • Experience establishing liaison at all levels throughout the foreign affairs community to exchange and gather information.
Education:

See the qualifications section of this vacancy announcement for education requirements.

Employment Type: OTHER

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