Created by the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) is an independent bipartisan U.S. legislative branch agency that monitors the universal right to freedom of religion or belief abroad, using international standards to do so, and makes policy recommendations to the President, Secretary of State, and Congress. More information about USCIRF is available at https://www.uscirf.gov/. USCIRF is an equal opportunity employer.

Duties

USCIRF seeks an International Legal Specialist with substantial experience in international human rights law, including religious freedom and U.S. foreign policy. The International Legal Specialist will: analyze laws, policies and practices in foreign countries in comparison to international human rights treaty obligations and standards; conduct comparative research on and analysis of the laws of foreign countries touching on freedom of religion or belief; develop U.S. foreign policy recommendations to advance legal protections for freedom of conscience and related human rights and the rule of law in foreign countries; research and analyze the implementation by government agencies of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998; and conduct other legal research and writing on issues related to specific countries, U.S. foreign relations, international and U.S. refugee and asylum law, and international organizations, as assigned. Additionally, this position will draft factsheets, special reports and other research and policy related reports, correspondence and testimony; monitor religious freedom conditions in any assigned countries; and build and maintain extensive contacts with relevant policy counterparts in the U.S. government and with members of NGOs, academia, and other organizations focused on freedom of religion or belief, and related human rights. The International Legal Specialist's primary responsibilities involve the following: 1. Monitoring, Research and Policy Analysis/Formulation Analysis of laws, policies and practices in foreign countries in comparison to international human rights treaty obligations and standards. Comparative research on and analysis of foreign laws touching on freedom of religion or belief (e.g. constitutional protections on freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief, laws requiring registration of religious organizations, laws on apostasy, blasphemy, and incitement to religious hatred). Monitoring of developments in relevant foreign countries and at relevant international organizations. Development of U.S. foreign policy recommendations to advance legal protections for freedom of conscience and related human rights and the rule of law in foreign countries. Research and analysis on the implementation by government agencies of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998. Other legal research and writing on issues related to specific countries, U.S. foreign relations, international and U.S. refugee and asylum law, and international organizations. 2. Reporting Draft and/or assist with relevant USCIRF reports and documents, including the Annual Report, work to ensure the accuracy and completeness of analysis and language in such reports, and participate as appropriate in report launch events as requested. Produce and/or assist with Congressional testimony, briefing memos, and meeting talking points for Commissioners and senior staff. Contribute to drafting of press releases or opinion pieces for public media, as requested. 3. Representation and Outreach Brief Commissioners and/or staff on relevant issues and developments in the portfolio, either orally or through prepared memoranda. Engage with the White House, State Department and other Executive Branch agencies on religious freedom issues, including requesting meetings and information, and promoting recommendations, as well as engaging with foreign governments. Represent USCIRF at working level meetings at the State Department and other agencies, and with congressional staff, as well as with official and unofficial foreign visitors and the media as necessary. Advocate for USCIRF positions on religious freedom with foreign officials, domestic and foreign audiences, NGOs, human rights groups, and religious organizations. Work toward the inclusion of USCIRF recommendations in U.S. government and State Department policies and representations. Organize, prepare materials for, and participate in Commission delegations and staff trips to countries to gather information on religious freedom conditions. Attend and report on public hearings and other events around D.C. on relevant issues. Assist with preparations for meetings, roundtables, Commission travel, and other events, including organizing and preparing materials for public USCIRF events. Establish and maintain network of relevant contacts for countries of responsibility. 4. Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Qualifications

Must be a U.S. citizen; Possess a law degree; Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of international human rights law, relevant foreign legal topics, international organizations, and U.S. foreign policy; Strong research and analytical skills, particularly those applied in a work setting (i.e., not only university coursework); Ability to proactively develop, synthesize, and articulate effective and actionable policy recommendations; Ability to multi-task and work in a fast-paced setting, defining and meeting deadlines; Ability to synthesize information from various sources; Ability to work independently and as part of a team; Strong written and verbal communication skills; and Attention to detail, excellent organizational skills, and collegial demeanor.

Education

Law Degree.

Contacts

• Address US Commission on International Religious Freedom 732 North Capitol Street, NW Suite A-714 Washington, DC 20401 US
• Name: Thomas Kraemer
• Email: jobs@uscirf.gov