Jobs | United States Commission on International Religious Freedom

Full details after the jump. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sept. 12, 2008  Contact: Jacqueline Mitchell, administration@uscirf.gov EMPLOYMENT ANNOUNCEMENT The United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, a bipartisan federal governmental body headquartered in Washington, DC, is interviewing prospective candidates to join our senior executive team.  The three available positions are: Director of Research and Policy, Director of Government Relations, and General Counsel.  The positions require excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to produce polished written product, management ability, high level analytical thinking, and the ability to work effectively in a balanced, bipartisan manner. Further: • the Director of Research and Policy position requires strong research skills, policy experience, a terminal degree (JD or PhD), and substantive knowledge in the area of foreign affairs and human rights including religious freedom; • the Director of Government Relations position requires detailed knowledge of, and experience with, the federal legislative process and strong working relationships on Capitol Hill; • and the General Counsel position requires outstanding legal skills and an interest in and knowledge of international human rights institutions and instruments. About the Commission  The impact of religion in international affairs and U.S. foreign policy has grown markedly in recent years.  The U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, a bipartisan independent federal commission created by Congress in 1998, is the only independent government body in the world focused principally on monitoring and advancing the internationally recognized freedom of thought, conscience, religion or belief and related human rights.  It is also the only international human rights commission in the United States government. Established by Congress as part of the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998, the Commission’s primary responsibilities are to make foreign policy recommendations to the President and Congress related to the status and impact of freedom of religion or belief around the world.  Since its establishment, the Commission has generated key policy recommendations that have been incorporated into U.S. foreign policy with respect to dozens of issues and countries, including recommendations concerning the newly drafted constitutions of Iraq and Afghanistan; the global exportation of an ideology of hatred and intolerance by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia; human rights abuses and repression by China, Russia, Burma, Iran and others; and the long-term conflict in Sudan.  The Commission’s activities include disseminating information to the public and to policymakers through op-editorials, press statements and policy briefs; participating in Congressional  hearings; convening public hearings and expert briefings; engaging in overseas diplomatic visits and inquiries; engaging with Administration officials, members of Congress, think tanks and policy experts; participating in multilateral fora such as the UN and OSCE; and generating expert studies on critical issues, such as a recent award-winning study on the expedited removal process for U.S. asylum seekers and the first study of religious freedom conditions in North Korea based on refugee interviews. The bipartisan Commission is comprised of nine private citizens who are appointed for their expertise in law, human rights, and international affairs by the President and the leadership of both parties in the Senate and the House of Representatives; the Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom at the U.S. State Department serves as an ex-officio, non-voting member. The Commission is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are encouraged to send or fax a cover letter, a resume, a writing sample and three references to: administration@uscirf.gov or to Jacqueline Mitchell, United States Commission on International Religious Freedom, 800 North Capitol St., NW, Suite 790, Washington, DC 20002. Fax: 202-523-5020.