Religious Research Jobs in Silver Spring, MD (NOW HIRING)

Overview

The Work

The Religious Freedom Analyst will provide support services to advance the client’s mission by actively monitoring global developments in religious freedom. This role includes developing strategies, initiatives, and policy responses tailored to assist embassies and other bureaus in effectively addressing these developments. Core responsibilities encompass the review of unclassified and classified information sources, conducting research, drafting documents, managing data entry within appropriate computer systems, facilitating verbal and written communications, and engaging with relevant stakeholders both internal and external.

Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

• Reviewing information from media sources, non-government organizations and civil society (including religious groups), privately provided information, and classified reporting channels.
• Travels periodically to assigned countries/regions in support of Ambassador at Large, Senior Official, or other members of Office leadership, or for purposes of information gathering and country conditions monitoring.
• Help compile and contribute information to the annual International Religious Freedom Report.
• Help compile and contribute information to other related reports.
• Prepare information for entry into relevant computer systems and to inform policy determinations and to inform decisions regarding statutory visa ineligibility.
• Briefing officials on the implications of such developments.
• Drafting and editing written products related to the state of religious freedom and related rights.
• Providing periodic oral briefings for department officials on these topics.
• Responding to specific requests for information on religious freedom from within the Department and other government agencies.
• Help compile project results, develop strategic plans for outreach and engagement and assist in their implementation.
• Reviews information from media sources, nongovernment organizations and civil society (including religious groups) and public comments submitted to the Department.
• Develops communications strategies with short-term and long-term goals and plans for achieving such goals.
• Valuates the impact and effectiveness of such plans and advises management if efforts should be discontinued, emphasis changed or coverage area expanded or otherwise modified.
• Participate in workshop training exercises and briefings to disseminate information about the mandate and work of the office.
• Help compile comprehensive reports and summaries of reports, including success stories related to the work of the Client and department activities.
• Advise management on the possible public and media reactions to office actions, as well as the information needs of the public and various specialized groups.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Qualifications – Here’s What You Need

• 10 or more years of relevant experience.
• Experience in policy research and analysis in international relations/affairs, including policy issues, principles, concepts and methods related to rights advocacy.
• Knowledge of laws, rules, policies, and regulations regarding religious freedom and related rights.
• Familiarity of various religious traditions and dynamics.
• Knowledge of research and analytical methods to validate, evaluate and interpret information obtained from a variety of sources.
• Secret Clerance is required.
• Must be able to pass a background check. May require additional background checks as required by projects and/or clients at any time during employment.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master’s or other postgraduate degree.

Minimum Skills:

• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate in a clear, professional, and articulate manner.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with high-level attention to detail.
• Proven ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast past environment with changing priorities; adaptable to change and a quick learner.
• Must be self-motivated and able to work well independently as well as on a multi-functional team.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately
• Proficient in MS Office, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills in English to prepare and present
• Strong analysis and research skills to provide recommendations and technical advice and to participate in meetings and discussions.
• Flexibility and adaptability to adjust proposals, plans, and personal interactions as needed to account for new information, overcome obstacles, account for competing interests, and achieve the desired outcome.

Our Commitment to you / overview of benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance; Wellness Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare, Dependent Care, Commuter)
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability options
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance (Company Provided)
• Voluntary Life and AD&D options
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with matching after one year
• Paid Time Off

Reports to: Program Manager

Working Conditions

• Professional office environment, with the ability to work onsite in the main office.
• Must be physically and mentally able to perform duties extended periods of time.
• Ability to use a computer and other office productivity tools with sufficient speed to meet the demands of this position.
• Must be able to establish a productive and professional workspace.
• Must be able to sit for long periods of time looking at computer screen.

• May be asked to work a flexible schedule which may include holidays.
• May be asked to travel for business or professional development purposes.
• May be asked to work hours outside of normal business hours.

Other Duties: Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Cayuse is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, skills, and abilities. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment in accordance with any applicable federal, state, or local law.