Employment & Internship Opportunities PDF Print E-mail


The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom was created by the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 to monitor the status of freedom of thought, conscience, and religion or belief abroad, as defined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and related international instruments, and to give independent policy recommendations to the President, Secretary of State, and Congress. The Commission is an equal opportunity employer.

EMPLOYMENT

General Counsel – The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom is recruiting for a General Counsel.  The Commission’s mandate is to monitor freedom of religion or belief worldwide and make independent policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and Congress on how U.S. foreign policy can advance religious freedom internationally and in accordance with international human rights standards.

The General Counsel will serve as legal counsel for the Commission, and will advise the USCIRF Commissioners and Executive Director with respect to the legal framework that governs the Commission.  He/she will render sound legal recommendations and otherwise provide legal services to the Commission and its staff on matters of administration, including personnel, contracting and procurement, appropriations, government requirements, and other Commission policy and procedures, including facilitation of Commission deliberation and decision making.  The General Counsel will represent the concerns of the Commission in any legal proceedings which may arise, or oversee on behalf of the Commission any work of outside counsel.

The position will report directly to the Executive Director.  Incumbent must possess a legal degree, valid bar membership as well as a demonstrated record of accomplishment in at least ten years of related legal work.   
Commission employees are federal government employees.  This position offers competitive benefits and compensation. 

The Commission is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Please send a cover letter and resume to Jacqueline Mitchell at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   For further information about the Commission, please visit the Commission’s website at www.uscirf.gov.  E-mail inquiries only, please.

Policy Analyst – Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom is recruiting for a Policy Analyst to join its Policy and Research team. The Commission’s mandate is to monitor freedom of religion or belief worldwide and to make independent policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and the Congress on how U.S. foreign policy can advance religious freedom internationally and in accordance with international human rights standards. 

The geographical focus of this position will be on Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq. The  principal responsibilities of this position will include the following:  monitoring and analyzing religious freedom conditions and related human rights;  monitoring and assessing U.S. foreign policy and developing policy recommendations for the U.S. government to advance freedom of religion or belief in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iraq; monitoring or developing and reporting on various events or opportunities that, if properly leveraged, could be effective inflection points for achieving implementation of Commission-recommended policies; drafting annual report materials, briefing materials, policy focus reports, correspondence and testimony; building and maintaining extensive contacts with relevant policy counterparts in the U.S. government and in NGOs, academia and other organizations focused on international religious freedom and related human rights; and following up on specific matters to which the Commission has drawn public attention.

This position will report directly to the Director of Policy and Research. Applicants should have advanced degrees and/or relevant substantive experience as demonstrated by a serious and sustained record of accomplished and deeply analytical writing and other professional achievements. The successful candidate will have strong interpersonal and communications skills, the capacity for self-direction and initiative, and the proven ability proactively to develop, synthesize and articulate effective and actionable policy recommendations. A strong working knowledge of Pashto, Urdu and/or Arabic is highly preferred, as is experience in integrating religious freedom and human rights priorities with broader geo-strategic goals. 

Commission employees are federal government employees.  This position offers competitive benefits and compensation.

The Commission is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Please send a cover letter and resume to Jacqueline Mitchell at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   For further information about the Commission, please visit the Commission’s website at www.uscirf.gov. E-mail inquiries only, please.

Policy Analyst/Researcher – Turkey, Near Eastern countries as assigned, and research projects
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom is recruiting for a Policy Analyst/Researcher to join its Policy and Research team. The Commission’s mandate is to monitor freedom of religion or belief worldwide and to make independent policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and the Congress on how U.S. foreign policy can advance religious freedom internationally and in accordance with international human rights standards. 

The focus of this position will be on Turkey, countries of the Near East as assigned, and  research projects. The  principal responsibilities of this position will include the following:  monitoring and analyzing religious freedom conditions and related human rights;  monitoring and assessing U.S. foreign policy and developing policy recommendations for the U.S. government to advance freedom of religion or belief in Turkey and assigned Near Eastern countries; assisting with briefing materials and meeting preparations; managing the selection of interns; and providing general administrative support to the Policy and Research team.  In addition, he/she will undertake research projects on issues concerning religious freedom and related human rights as assigned by the Director of Policy and Research. 

The position will report directly to the Director of Policy and Research. Applicants should possess either relevant advanced degrees and/or substantive experience, with a demonstrated record of accomplishment.  The successful candidate must have excellent writing skills, strong interpersonal and communications skills, the capacity for self-direction and initiative, and proven ability to formulate effective and actionable policy recommendations. A strong working knowledge of relevant languages is highly preferred, as is experience in integrating religious freedom and human rights priorities with broader geo-strategic goals. 

Commission employees are federal government employees.  This position offers competitive benefits and compensation.

The Commission is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Please send a cover letter and resume to Jacqueline Mitchell at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   For further information about the Commission, please visit the Commission’s website at www.uscirf.gov. E-mail inquiries only, please.

Policy Analyst – India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and other South Asian countries

The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom is recruiting for a Policy Analyst to join its Research and Policy team. The Commission’s mandate is to monitor freedom of religion, conscience, or belief worldwide and to make independent policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and the Congress on how U.S. foreign policy can advance religious freedom internationally and in accordance with international human rights standards. 

The geographic focus of this position will be on the countries India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and other South Asian countries as assigned. The  principal responsibilities of this position will include the following:  monitoring and analyzing religious freedom conditions and related human rights;  monitoring and assessing U.S. foreign policy and developing policy recommendations for the U.S. government to advance freedom of religion or belief in India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh; monitoring or developing and reporting on various events or opportunities that, if properly leveraged, could be effective inflection points for achieving implementation of Commission-recommended policies; drafting annual report materials, briefing materials, policy focus reports, correspondence and testimony; building and maintaining extensive contacts with relevant policy counterparts in the U.S. government and in NGOs, academia and other organizations focused on international religious freedom and related human rights; and following up on specific matters to which the Commission has drawn public attention.

The Policy Analyst will report directly to the Director of Research and Policy. Applicants should possess either relevant advanced degrees and/or substantive experience, with a demonstrated record of accomplishment.  The successful candidate must have excellent writing skills, strong interpersonal and communications skills, the capacity for self-direction and initiative, and proven ability to formulate effective and actionable policy recommendations. A strong working knowledge of relevant langauges is highly preferred, as is experience in integrating religious freedom and human rights priorities with broader geo-strategic goals. 

Commission employees are federal government employees.  This position offers competitive benefits and compensation.

The Commission is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Please send a cover letter and resume to Jacqueline Mitchell at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   For further information about the Commission, please visit the Commission’s website at www.uscirf.gov. E-mail inquiries only, please.

Policy Analyst – China, North Korea, East Asia/Pacific as assigned
The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom is recruiting for a Policy Analyst to join its Research and Policy team. The Commission’s mandate is to monitor freedom of religion, conscience, or belief worldwide and to make independent policy recommendations to the President, the Secretary of State, and the Congress on how U.S. foreign policy can advance religious freedom internationally and in accordance with international human rights standards. 

The geographic focus of this position will be on the countries China, North Korea, and others in the East Asia/Pacific region as assigned. The  principal responsibilities of this position will include the following:  monitoring and analyzing religious freedom conditions and related human rights;  monitoring and assessing U.S. foreign policy and developing policy recommendations for the U.S. government to advance freedom of religion or belief in China and North Korea; monitoring or developing and reporting on various events or opportunities that, if properly leveraged, could be effective inflection points for achieving implementation of Commission-recommended policies; drafting annual report materials, briefing materials, policy focus reports, correspondence and testimony; building and maintaining extensive contacts with relevant policy counterparts in the U.S. government and in NGOs, academia and other organizations focused on international religious freedom and related human rights; and following up on specific matters to which the Commission has drawn public attention.

The Policy Analyst will report directly to the Director of Research and Policy. Applicants should possess either relevant advanced degrees and/or substantive experience, with a demonstrated record of accomplishment.  The successful candidate must have excellent writing skills, strong interpersonal and communications skills, the capacity for self-direction and initiative, and proven ability to formulate effective and actionable policy recommendations. A strong working knowledge of Mandarin Chinese is highly preferred, as is experience in integrating religious freedom and human rights priorities with broader geo-strategic goals. 

Commission employees are federal government employees.  This position offers competitive benefits and compensation.

The Commission is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Please send a cover letter and resume to Jacqueline Mitchell at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it   For further information about the Commission, please visit the Commission’s website at www.uscirf.gov. E-mail inquiries only, please

Executive Writer


The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom is recruiting for an Executive Writer to support a variety of external advocacy activities on behalf of the Commission. The Commission is an independent federal commission created by Congress to monitor religious freedom or belief throughout the globe and make recommendations to the President, Secretary of State, and Congress.

This individual will report directly to the Executive Director of the Commission. This individual will be responsible for preparing speeches, op-eds, press releases, written testimony and other public statements issued by the Commission, and also will be a key editorial contributor to the Commission’s Annual Report process. This individual will undertake other writing projects on issues concerning religious freedom and related human rights in specific countries as assigned by the Executive Director.

The preferred candidate will have a bachelor's degree, a Master’s or other advanced degree and/or a minimum of seven years of writing/editorial/media/communications experience in the areas of  international human rights and U.S. foreign policy. This candidate must have extensive experience as a seasoned speechwriter.  Familiarity with issues of freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief highly desirable.  Writing samples must be available on request.

The candidate will possess advanced skills in communications, proofreading, and editing.  Also required are excellent time-management skills; excellent attention to detail, accuracy and proficiency in research; and the ability to grasp and articulate complex issues. Applicants must be able to work in real-time in an organization requiring multitasking and teamwork abilities.

Commission employees are federal government employees.  This position offers competitive benefits and compensation.

The Commission is an equal employment opportunity employer.

Please send a cover letter and  resume  to Jacqueline Mitchell at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it    For further information about the Commission, please visit our Web site at www.uscirf.gov.  E- mail inquiries only.
 

  



INTERNSHIPS

The Commission is now accepting internship applications for Spring 2011.

Communications Department Intern:

  • Creates daily press clips for distribution to USCIRF Commissioners and staff, as well as to select individuals at the White House and State Department
  • Maintains and expands database of media, non-governmental organization, think tank, academia, and religious contacts
  • Helps prepare materials for distribution to the public and press. This includes press releases, policy briefs, newsletters, and reports
  • Helps organize and provide logistical support for events such as press conferences, public hearings, and speaking engagements
  • Provides general administrative support as needed


Eligible candidates should have:

  • At least two years of undergraduate study completed
  • Willingness to do administrative work
  • Attention to detail and strong organizational skills
  • Willingness to work independently and with minimal supervision
  • Interest in human rights and foreign policy
  • Excellent writing and editing skills

Government Relations Intern:

  • Tracks foreign policy statements, human rights legislation, and relevant policy publications
  • Attends and reports on Congressional hearings
  • Reviews relevant government agency websites and publications daily
  • Researches actions taken by and platforms of Members of Congress and Congressional committees and organizations
  • Provides general administrative support as needed


Eligible candidates should:

  • Be recent college graduates, college seniors or students enrolled in a graduate program, with an interest in government affairs, foreign policy or a related field.
  • Possess excellent writing and comprehension skills
  • Be familiar with Microsoft Office, including Excel 

Policy Department: Legal Research Intern

  • Conducts research on a variety of international human rights and comparative law topics, as assigned
Eligible candidates should be:
  • At least second-year law students or recent law graduates with coursework or experience in constitutional law, international affairs, human rights, religious affairs, or a related field
  • Familiar with legal research techniques and the Microsoft Office suite.
  • Ability in Arabic is helpful, but not required
  • Interested in the field of international human rights

Policy Department: Regional Policy Analysis Intern

  • Researches a variety of international religious freedom and human rights issues, with a focus in one or more of the following world regions:
    • Africa
    • East Asia
    • Europe and Central Asia
    • Middle East
    • South Asia
  • Assists in preparations for meetings, roundtables, Commission travel, and other events
  • Possesses demonstrable knowledge of a particular world region
  • Attends meetings at the Commission with international visitors and other groups interested in the Commission's work
  • Attends and reports on public hearings and other events around D.C. on issues relevant to the Commission's work
  • Assists with administrative duties, as needed
Eligible candidates should have:
  • At least three years of undergraduate study completed with coursework or experience in public policy, international affairs, political sciences, human rights, religious affairs, government affairs, or a related field. Recent graduates and graduate students are encouraged to apply.
  • Academic background in the desired world region(s) of study 
  • Willingness to do administrative work.
  • Familiarity with the Microsoft Office suite. Knowledge of Microsoft Access is a plus.
  • Fluency in a foreign language (particularly Mandarin Chinese, Russian, or Arabic) is preferred.


Most internships are part-time (20-30 hours) and all are unpaid. Course credit is available. The Commission does not provide housing or pay moving expenses, however, will do provide a transport stipend to cover the costs of transport to and from the Commission.

To apply for an internship, please e-mail, fax or mail a resume, 3-5 page writing sample, 2-3 references and a cover letter explaining your qualifications and why you would like to intern at the Commission. Please specify for which internship you are applying in your cover letter and in the subject line of emailed applications.

Internship Program United States Commission on International Religious Freedom
800 North Capitol Street, NW, Suite 790
Washington, DC 20002
(PH) 202-523-3240; (FAX) 202-523-5020; (EMAIL) This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it

 

The application deadlines for each semester are as follows:

Fall/Winter Semester: September - December
Application Deadline: August 1st

Spring Semester: January- May
Application Deadline: December 1st

Summer Semester: June - August
Application Deadline: April 1st

 
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Catch all scheduled testimony, hearings, briefings, webcasts, and other important USCIRF events on our interactive calendar.