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Refugee Policy Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Refugee Policy information

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$12K

$63.1K

$138.5K

How much do refugee policy jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average yearly pay for refugee policy in the United States is $63,097.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,000.00 and $77,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is refugee policy?

Refugee policy refers to the set of laws, regulations, and practices that determine how a country or organization responds to individuals who are fleeing persecution, conflict, or violence in their home countries. These policies cover areas such as the criteria for granting refugee status, the rights and protections afforded to refugees, and the processes for resettlement or asylum. Effective refugee policies aim to balance humanitarian responsibilities with national interests, ensuring that refugees receive protection while maintaining border security and social stability.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in refugee policy, and why are they important?

To thrive in Refugee Policy, you need a solid background in international relations, law, or public policy, often supported by advanced degrees and experience with migration or humanitarian issues. Familiarity with policy analysis tools, legal databases, and data management systems is typically required. Strong communication, cultural sensitivity, and negotiation skills help professionals collaborate with diverse stakeholders and advocate for refugees effectively. These competencies are vital for developing informed, impactful policies that protect refugee rights and address complex global challenges.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in refugee policy roles?

Professionals in refugee policy roles often encounter challenges such as navigating complex legal frameworks, balancing humanitarian needs with governmental regulations, and responding to rapidly changing geopolitical situations. Additionally, they may work with limited resources and must collaborate with various stakeholders, including government agencies, NGOs, and international organizations, to develop effective and ethical policy solutions. Adaptability, strong communication skills, and cultural sensitivity are essential for overcoming these challenges and making a meaningful impact.

What is the difference between Refugee Policy vs Immigration Policy?

AspectRefugee PolicyImmigration Policy
FocusProtection and assistance for refugees fleeing persecution or conflictRegulation of all incoming immigrants, including work, family reunification, and visas
CredentialsPolicy analysts, legal experts, international relations specialistsPolicy analysts, legal experts, immigration specialists
Work EnvironmentGovernment agencies, NGOs, international organizationsGovernment agencies, private sector, legal firms
UsageDeveloping refugee-specific programs and protectionsManaging overall immigration systems and laws

Refugee Policy primarily focuses on protecting and assisting refugees fleeing persecution, while Immigration Policy covers broader regulations for all types of immigrants. Both roles require similar credentials and often work within government or international organizations, but their scope and target populations differ significantly.

More about Refugee Policy jobs

What cities are hiring for Refugee Policy jobs?

Cities with the most Refugee Policy job openings:

What states have the most Refugee Policy jobs?

States with the most job openings for Refugee Policy jobs include:

Infographic showing various Refugee Policy job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $63,097 per year, or $30.3 per hour.

Refugee Resettlement Program Specialist (Policy)

Administration for Children and Families

Washington, DC • On-site, Remote

$143K - $187K/yr

Full-time

PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Summary
This position is located in the Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, headquartered in Washington, District of Columbia.
This announcement will close at 11:59 PM, on the day that 100 applications have been received or on the closing date, whichever is first.
Learn more about this agency
Duties
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As a Refugee Resettlement Program Specialist (Policy), you will:
  • Develop national policies regarding the design, development, and coordination of the Federal refugee resettlement program.
  • Identify emerging issues, analyze relevant laws, regulations, Executive Orders, court decisions, and policy changes to assess their impact on refugee resettlement programs; conduct research s to inform policy development, provide authoritative policy advice and options to ORR management, and develop policies, guidance, and reports.
  • Provide technical assistance, guidance, and training on relevant legislation, ORR regulations, policies, and procedures to colleagues and other stakeholders.
  • Formulate and develop methods to assess the effectiveness of program procedures and recommends new, revised, or existing approaches to improve program implementation, compliance, and policy outcomes.

Requirements
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Conditions of employment
  • U.S. Citizenship required
  • Males born after December 31, 1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service - http://www.sss.gov
  • Suitable for federal employment
  • Meet time in grade restrictions by the closing date of the announcement
  • Appointment will be subject to the applicant's successful completion of a background security investigation and favorable adjudication. All information concerning qualifications is subject to investigation.
  • Documentation that you present for purposes of completing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Form I-9 will be verified through the DHS "E-Verify" System.
  • All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choice.
  • All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date.
  • Financial disclosure statement may be required.
  • Probationary (or trial) period may be required.

Qualifications
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
Basic Qualifications:
Degree: behavioral or social science; or related disciplines appropriate to the position.
OR
Combination of education and experience that provided the applicant with knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
OR
Four years of appropriate experience that demonstrated that the applicant has acquired knowledge of one or more of the behavioral or social sciences equivalent to a major in the field.
Minimum Qualifications: You must have one-year specialized experience to perform successfully the duties of the position. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the GS-13 grade level in the Federal service performing ALL of the following:
  • Leading the development, implementation, and revision of policies, procedures, or regulatory frameworks related to refugee, immigrant, or social service programs in governmental, non-profit, academic, or private-sector settings.
  • Experience interpreting legislation, regulations, and policy guidance; analyzing policy issues; developing program guidance and requirements; drafting policies and reports; and advising leadership on program operations and strategic issues.
  • Skilled in coordination with agencies and stakeholders, providing technical assistance, developing training, and responding to Congressional, FOIA, and eligibility inquiries.
  • Demonstrated ability to manage complex initiatives, assess program effectiveness, and support compliance, litigation, and intergovernmental efforts.

Documenting experience: IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC. WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Qualifications are based on breadth/level of experience. In addition to describing duties performed, applicants must provide the exact dates of each period of employment (from MM/YY to MM/YY) and the number of hours worked per week if part time. As qualification determinations cannot be made when resumes do not include the required information, failure to provide this information may result in disqualification. Applicants are encouraged to use the USAJOBS Resume Builder to develop their federal resume.
Do not copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational application questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position.
In accordance with Office of Personnel Management policy, federal employees are assumed to have gained experience by performing duties and responsibilities appropriate for their official series and grade level as described in their position description. Experience that would not normally be part of the employee's position is creditable, however, when documented by satisfactory evidence, such as a signed memorandum from the employee's supervisor or an SF-50 or SF-52 documenting an official detail or other official assignment. The documentation must indicate whether the duties were performed full time or, if part time, the "percentage of times" the other duties were performed. It is expected that this documentation is included in the employee's official personnel record. In order to receive credit for experience in your resume that is not within the official series and grade level of your official position, you must provide a copy of the appropriate documentation of such experience as indicated above.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through national Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; community; student; social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to gain employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. If such experience is on a part-time basis, you must provide the average number of hours worked per week as well as the beginning and ending dates of the experience so it can be fully credited.
OPM Qualification General Policies Website
Education
Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show that the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. For further information, visit: http://www.ed.gov.
Note: Applications can be accepted from students who expect to complete qualifying education within 9 months from the date of application. Education was completed successfully before the applicant can be appointed.
Additional information
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
Federal agencies may request information regarding the vaccination status of selected applicants for the purposes of implementing other workplace safety protocols, such as protocols related to masking, physical distancing, testing, travel, and quarantine.
PHS Commissioned Corps (CC) Officers: PHS Commissioned Corps (CC) Officers interested in performing the duties of this position within the Commissioned Corps may apply online to this announcement. Candidates will be referred as CC personnel and not as candidates for conversion to a permanent career or career-conditional appointment.
Incentives may be authorized; however, this is contingent upon multiple factors, including funds availability. If authorized, certain incentives may require you to sign a service agreement to remain in the Federal government for a period of up to 3 years. Note: This statement does not imply nor guarantee an incentive will be offered and paid. Incentives may include the following: moving expenses, recruitment or relocation incentive; student loan repayment, superior qualifications appointment, creditable service for annual leave for prior non-federal work experience or prior uniformed military service, etc.
Bargaining Unit Position: No
Research position: No
Drug Screening Required: No
Applicants selected for this position will be subject to reasonable suspicion and post-accident drug testing upon hiring.
Special Hiring Authorities for Veterans - https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/veterans/
Special Hiring Authorities for Military Spouses - https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/unique-hiring-paths/military-spouses/
People With Disabilities (Schedule A) - https://help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Individuals_with_Disabilities
Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP/ICTAP): For information on how to apply as an CTAP/ICTAP eligible see http://opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp#ictap. To be well-qualified and exercise selection priority for this vacancy, displaced Federal employees must be rated at 85.0 or above on the rating criteria for this position.
Reemployment Priority List (RPL): To receive selection priority for this position, individuals on the RPL must meet the qualification requirements, complete all required assessments and be rated as qualified. RPL candidates are ranked using Category Rating procedures.
Beginning January 1, 2010, agencies must seek prior approval from OPM before they can appoint a current or recent political appointee to a competitive or non-political excepted service position at any level under the provisions of title 5, United States Code. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employee in the executive branch, you MUST disclose that to the Human Resources Office.
For Résumé Tips visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8YX7o1PBoFk
For Application Tips visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bqYkibnuiJU
For additional information about USAJOBS visit the Help Center: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/
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Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
Benefits
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A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.