The Congressional Budget Office is a small nonpartisan agency that provides economic and budgetary analysis to the Congress. CBO's Budget Analysis Division seeks an experienced analyst for its Defense, International Affairs, and Veterans' Affairs Cost Estimates Unit, which provides estimates of the costs of legislative proposals for defense programs and the use of appropriated funds. Initially, the analyst's portfolio will include military construction programs, environmental programs and policies for defense installations, and nuclear security. The Congress relies on CBO's cost estimates and budgetary analyses in preparing annual budget plans, evaluating the President's budget proposals, and assessing the potential budgetary consequences of various policy proposals. CBO's defense analysts work closely with each other and with Congressional staff during the legislative and budget process and are particularly involved during the preparation and enactment of the National Defense Authorization Act; the Department of Defense Appropriations Act; and the Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act. Qualifications Applicants must hold a graduate degree in quantitative analysis, operations research, economics, public policy, public administration, or a related discipline and have a strong quantitative background. The position requires the following: US citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a top secret security clearance; The ability to accurately interpret and analyze legislative proposals; Strong quantitative skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Excel; Resourcefulness in investigating unfamiliar issues; Superior written and oral communication skills, especially the ability to explain technical material to nonspecialists; and The ability to work on several projects simultaneously and to complete projects independently or in teams under tight deadlines. The preferred background includes the following: At least five years of recent practical experience with budget formulation, budget execution, quantitative program analysis, or financial analysis, preferably related to the Department of Defense; Knowledge of defense programs, policies, and procedures; and Familiarity with the Congressional budget and legislative process. Salary and Benefits Salaries at CBO are competitive and commensurate with experience, education, and other qualifications. CBO offers excellent benefits and a collegial, respectful work environment. How to Apply Submit a cover letter, a rsum of no more than two pages, a brief writing sample, and contact information for three references at . Recent graduates must submit unofficial transcripts. To ensure consideration, apply by March 1, 2021; incomplete applications will not be considered. This position is covered by the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998, as made applicable to CBO by the Congressional Accountability Act, as amended. The following categories of people may be eligible for preference in the hiring process: veterans who have separated from the armed forces under honorable conditions after serving on active duty in the armed forces during a war, in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized, or during particular defined periods; disabled veterans; and the mother, spouse, or unmarried widow or widower of certain veterans and service members who qualify for veterans status and who are able to certify that they expect to be discharged or released under honorable conditions from active duty service in the armed forces within 120 days of certification. To claim this preference, an applicant must identify himself or herself as eligible for veterans' preference in the Self-Identification for Veterans' Preference section of the application. To do so, complete CBO's Veterans' Preference Eligibility Form together with the supporting documentation specified on that form and email it tono later than the deadline to apply. Documents submitted by email may not be secure, so please remove confidential personal identifying information (such as your Social Security number and birthdate). Do not upload supporting documentation as part of your application. Applicants may obtain a copy of CBO's Veterans' Preference in Appointments policy by submitting a written request to. Contact Kate Green or Annita Gulati Cox, Washington, DC, RETURNING APPLICANTS If you have previously applied to CBO, you are a returning applicant and should log back in with your email address and password to access your application materials. We encourage you to review and update them prior to submitting your new application. If you are eligible for veterans' preference and have previously applied to positions that were not covered by the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA) and are now applying for a position that is covered by VEOA, please be sure to update your application to indicate your eligibility.