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Policy Advisor Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

UnidosUS

Senior Policy Advisor, Health

Washington, DC · On-site

$104K - $125K/yr

The Senior Policy Advisor will play a key role in developing and enacting policy solutions to foster health in the Latino community on issues that include Medicaid, the Children's Health Insurance ...

ExxonMobil

Public Policy Advisor

Washington, DC · On-site

$165K - $280K/yr

Provide strategic policy insights and rigorous technical analysis to inform corporate strategy, investment decisions, and risk management * Engage with policymakers and business leaders on broader ...

ExxonMobil

Public Policy Advisor

Washington, DC · On-site

$165K - $280K/yr

Provide strategic policy insights and rigorous technical analysis to inform corporate strategy, investment decisions, and risk management * Engage with policymakers and business leaders on broader ...

ExxonMobil

Public Policy Advisor

Washington, DC · On-site

$165K - $280K/yr

Provide strategic policy insights and rigorous technical analysis to inform corporate strategy, investment decisions, and risk management * Engage with policymakers and business leaders on broader ...

Department of Labor

Policy and Law Advisor

Washington, DC · On-site

$143K/yr

This incumbent serves as a senior Policy and Law Advisor. The incumbent is responsible for developing new program objectives and legislative and regulatory initiatives to facilitate achievement of ...

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Policy Advisor information

See Washington salary details

$49.8K

$118.7K

$177.3K

How much do policy advisor jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for policy advisor in Washington is $118,651.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,500.00 and $144,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a policy advisor?

Policy advisors research and analyze the policies in a specific field. As a policy advisor, your job duties involve reviewing current policies, developing more effective strategies, and communicating these changes to those in charge. Policy advisors often work for schools, medical facilities, and government agencies. Positions are also available as political policy analysts with the federal government, political think tanks, and private firms. Your exact job responsibilities as a policy advisor vary greatly depending on your field and specific employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a policy advisor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Policy Advisor, you need strong analytical skills, a solid understanding of public policy, and typically a relevant degree such as in political science, public administration, or law. Familiarity with data analysis tools, legislative tracking systems, and policy research databases is important to conduct thorough evaluations. Excellent written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and stakeholder management are standout soft skills in this role. These skills are vital for effectively shaping policy recommendations, influencing decision-makers, and ensuring policies are evidence-based and impactful.

How does a policy advisor typically collaborate with various stakeholders when developing new policies?

Policy Advisors frequently work with a diverse range of stakeholders, including government officials, subject matter experts, advocacy groups, and community representatives. Effective collaboration involves conducting consultations, facilitating meetings, and synthesizing feedback to ensure policies are both practical and broadly supported. Strong communication and negotiation skills are essential, as Policy Advisors must balance differing interests while maintaining alignment with organizational objectives. This collaborative approach is crucial for creating well-informed and implementable policy recommendations.

What is the difference between Policy Advisor vs Policy Analyst?

AspectPolicy AdvisorPolicy Analyst
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in public policy, political science, or related field; often advanced degrees preferredBachelor's or master's in public policy, political science, economics, or related areas
Work EnvironmentAdvises government officials or organizations, often in office settings, attending meetings and briefingsResearch-focused, analyzing data and policy options, working in offices or research institutions
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, NGOs, think tanks, consulting firmsGovernment departments, research organizations, think tanks, consulting firms

While both Policy Advisors and Policy Analysts work within the policy field, Policy Advisors primarily provide strategic advice and recommendations to decision-makers, whereas Policy Analysts focus on researching, analyzing, and evaluating policy options. The roles often overlap, but Advisors tend to have more direct influence on policy development and implementation.

What education is needed to be a policy advisor?

A policy advisor typically needs at least a bachelor's degree in political science, public administration, law, economics, or a related field. Many roles prefer or require a master's degree or higher, along with strong analytical, communication, and research skills. Relevant experience and knowledge of government processes or policy analysis are also important.

What is the typical policy advisor salary?

The salary for a policy advisor typically ranges from $60,000 to $100,000 annually, depending on experience, education, and location. Senior policy advisors or those in specialized fields may earn higher salaries, often exceeding $120,000. Compensation can also include benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans.
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Policy Advisor jobs near you
Infographic showing various Policy Advisor job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $118,651 per year, or $57 per hour.

Policy Advisor

International Committee of the Red Cross

Washington, DC

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

Policy Advisor
International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)
The Regional Delegation for the United States and Canada
Resident position based in Washington, D.C.
Eligibility Requirement: Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States for ICRC.
CONTEXT
The ICRC: The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is an impartial, neutral and independent organization whose exclusively humanitarian mission is to protect the lives and dignity of victims of armed conflict and other situations of violence and to provide them with assistance. The ICRC also endeavors to prevent suffering by promoting and strengthening humanitarian law and universal humanitarian principles.
Policy Team: The Policy Department aims to raise awareness of the ICRC’s main field operations, further the ICRC’s global humanitarian diplomacy priorities in Washington, D.C., and create opportunities for collaboration in support of the ICRC’s humanitarian goals. Further, this department advises Delegation management as well as senior leaders of the organization, including in the field, on U.S. policy affecting ICRC’s mission and programming. The position is in the Washington, D.C. office; there may be some domestic and international travel.

PURPOSE
The Policy Advisor (internally known as Humanitarian Affairs Adviser 3) enables the delegation to understand and influence the wider humanitarian environment in the U.S. and Canada. They design and deliver effective diplomatic and policy strategies, shape the delegation's engagement with key government and non-government stakeholders in the U.S. and Canada, and contribute to the thinking and strategies of other policy/diplomacy hubs.

RELATIONSHIPS
  • Internally, interacts with the Head of Policy, Head of Operations and Head of Delegation, other Heads of Delegation/Deputy Heads of Delegation in the Africa region and other regions as needed, counterparts at ICRC Geneva Headquarters, plus the Humanitarian Affairs Advisors network globally.
  • Externally, independently interacts with government officials, including Congressional staff, UN agencies, humanitarian organizations and think-tanks.
FUNCTION DESCRIPTION:
The Policy Advisor will be an integral member of the ICRC’s policy team in Washington, D.C. They will be expected to do the following:
  • Represent the ICRC with the U.S. government and other important stakeholders in the United States and Canada.
  • Lead the policy team’s work on Africa, South and Southeast Asia, and provide support as needed to the Head of Policy on other contexts. Coordinate with other teams and internal stakeholders as relevant to strengthen ICRC’s impact.
  • Support the external engagement of the Delegation’s Congressional Advisors with substantive expertise, providing in-person briefings or written briefing material for Congressional staff and members upon request.
  • Support planning and organization of Congressional staff trips to ICRC field operations, coordinating with field staff to design and implement effective engagement and influencing.
  • Develop and/or maintain an active network of contacts in and outside of the U.S. government to enable the Delegation’s influencing objectives.
  • Provide strategic support to the Delegation and ICRC global policy file holders of relevance; and contribute to briefing packages and speaking points for ICRC principals.
  • Plan, organize, and execute working visits to Washington by senior ICRC representatives to further the ICRC’s influencing goals.
  • Support the Head of Policy in the annual planning and budgeting process, setting objectives for their files and monitoring impact and outcomes.
MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES
1. Strategy Development and Positioning: The Policy Advisor will be responsible for developing the delegation’s influencing strategies and positioning of the ICRC on humanitarian policy issues related to Africa, South and Southeast Asia, and other contexts as requested by Delegation management. The portfolio may change over time. This is done in coordination with respective managers, global policy file holders, the ICRC’s management in country operations, and other internal stakeholders.

2. Monitoring and Reporting on U.S. Policy: The Policy Advisor will be responsible for proactively monitoring and reporting on U.S. foreign policy issues within their portfolio to respective file holders in headquarters, policy capitals and delegation management as appropriate. The policy advisor will also be expected to support the policy team’s management in analyzing and reporting on significant U.S. foreign policy and national security developments.
3. Networking: The Policy Advisor will be expected to develop and maintain a network relevant to their contacts inside the U.S. government and other important non-government stakeholders. They will be expected to communicate institutional messages and materials to their network as relevant to their files, and regularly arrange visits and high-level engagement opportunities for ICRC principals to advance institutional priorities.
4. Institutional Coordination: Continuously build relationships internally across the ICRC's global Humanitarian Affairs Advisors (HAA) network. Share, contribute, and coordinate with HAA counterparts on key messages, operational updates and humanitarian diplomacy reporting.
GENERAL DUTIES
  • Understand and adhere to the seven Fundamental Principles of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
  • Understand and adhere to the ICRC Code of Conduct.
  • Understand the roles of the components of the International Red Cross and Red Crescent Movement.
  • Respect and observe staff regulations and security rules at all times.
  • Represent the ICRC in a professional manner at all times.
  • Develop and maintain a pleasant and conducive working environment with colleagues and line managers.
  • Perform all duties with the highest level of confidentiality in the interest of the employees and the ICRC.
  • May be asked to perform tasks not covered in this job description and to provide support to other departments when necessary.
ADDITIONAL DUTIES
  • Follow up on all work-related messages and correspondence with the relevant contacts and departments.
  • Collect and share information to improve the ICRC’s understanding of the environment and humanitarian trends and responses.
  • Represent the ICRC in an appropriate way during activities, in meetings and in the field, and avoid any activity that may reflect negatively on the ICRC’s image.
  • Take responsibility for their own professional learning and development.
REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE
  • Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Political Science or a related field; Master’s degree or JD preferred.
  • At least 10 years of professional experience in humanitarian affairs, foreign policy, or a related field.
  • Strategic understanding of national/regional/global relations and their interplay with humanitarian affairs.
  • Background in humanitarian/development policy and/or operations preferred.
  • Experience advocating on foreign policy issues in the U.S. government, including Congress, a plus.
  • Policy experience covering Africa desired.
  • Working proficiency in French a plus.
  • Strong analytical, writing, presentation and interpersonal skills.
What we offer:
  • Join a leading multi-disciplinary humanitarian organization – part of the world’s largest humanitarian network
  • Rewarding work in a humanitarian and multicultural environment
  • A full-time resident position based in D.C.
  • Competitive salary
  • Lucrative benefits package that includes:
  • Robust health and dental insurance plan
  • 20 paid vacation days (annually)
  • 13 paid holidays + 1 floating holiday
  • 7 paid sick/personal days (annually)
  • 11.5% Employer contribution for our 403b retirement plan
  • Exciting professional development program
  • A hybrid working model with flexible scheduling and partial teleworking options in coordination with HoRD
Compensation: The salary range for this role is between USD 132,275 – USD 139,100.
Applications Instructions:
You are required to:

  1. include your resume (no more than two pages)
  2. include your cover letter that highlights your interest, skills, experience, and salary requirements (no more than one page)
  3. respond to the specified questions within the application
  • Application Deadline: Friday, June 26th, 2026. Applications may be accepted on a rolling basis thereafter.
  • Start date : ASAP
  • We regret that only shortlisted applicants will be contacted.

Apply now!
Our Values. At the ICRC, we value impact, collaboration, respect, and compassion. We seek candidates who demonstrate behaviors based on these shared values.
If you have any questions on the application or need assistance, please contact us at was_hrrecruitment_services@icrc.org

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