Policy Analyst

Policy Analyst – American Foreign Service Association 

The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), the labor union and professional association of the United States Foreign Service, seeks a full-time Policy Analyst at its Washington, D.C. headquarters located at 2101 E St NW, Washington DC 20037. All full-time employees have access to Health, Dental and Vision Insurance, vacation and sick leave, and a 401(k)-retirement account. Applications will be accepted through Friday, Aug 20, 2021.  

The Organization: 

The American Foreign Service Association (AFSA), created in 1924, is the professional association for the U.S. Foreign Service. AFSA’s 16,800 members include active and retired Foreign Service officers and specialists primarily at the Department of State as well as at the U.S. Agency for International Development, the Foreign Agricultural Service, the Foreign Commercial Service, the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, and the U.S. Agency for Global Media.  

AFSA is also a labor union, serving as the exclusive representative of members of the Foreign Service. AFSA negotiates with the management of the principal U.S. Government foreign affairs agencies on personnel policies and practices affecting members’ working conditions, and represents members in formal grievance proceedings, office of security and inspector general investigations, disciplinary proceedings, and EEO cases.  

The Position and Its Principal Responsibilities: 

This position is for a full-time employment at AFSA and will receive full benefits.  The incumbent will support and report to AFSA’s Director of Advocacy and the Director of Professional Policy Issues (PPI). Remote work environment at the time of hire to evolve into a hybrid remote/in-person work environment post-Labor Day. 

Compensation:  

The salary range for this position is $45K - $50K depending on experience.  As a full-time employee, benefits include but are not limited to Health, Dental, Vision insurance, paid vacation and paid sick leave, and access to a 401(k) retirement account. 
 

Duties: 

Use State Department personnel and workforce-related policy documents, the Foreign Service Act, and previous AFSA products on the Foreign Service workforce to conduct background research for AFSA advocacy and policy responses and communications. 

Advocacy: 

• Help craft, execute, and run logistics on programming for members of Congress and staffers, including Pearson Fellows, working on Capitol Hill.  
• Help build AFSA’s network of contacts at the state and local levels to ensure AFSA members are not disadvantaged in terms of residency requirements and benefits when they return to the States from overseas. 

• Build and regularly update documents related to state and local legislation that could affect the Foreign Service, including tax exemptions, in-state tuition eligibility, and retirement benefits specific to government employees. 
• Build and regularly update documents detailing the policies, exceptions, and offers specific to the Foreign Service for private businesses/entities such as airlines and banks. Serve as the main AFSA point of contact for these entities.  
• Assemble content and quotes from Capitol Hill regarding the Foreign Service for The Foreign Service Journal.  
• Draft letters of appreciation or concerns to members of Congress related to the Foreign Service.  
• In-person advocacy work on Capitol Hill will be minimal initially, as COVID restrictions limit access to Congressional offices. 

Professional Policy Issues: 

• Maintain Foreign Service metrics data library, updating statistics on the Foreign Service workforce, career, recruitment, and retention. 
• Draft background documents on professional development, career advancement, and life challenges in the Foreign Service.   
• As necessary, help members with Foreign Service life challenges by writing letters to institutions of higher learning, financial institutions, real estate management companies, and vehicle leasing organizations explaining what the Foreign Service is and why members should receive due consideration for in-state tuition or necessary breaking of vehicle and residential leases due to personnel deployment. Help research issues regarding Foreign Service parity with the military. 
• Keep current with relevant personnel and human resource developments regarding the professional Foreign Service in all foreign affairs agencies.  

• Conduct AFSA membership research and design member surveys for analysis. Assist in collating and synthesizing responses to member surveys. 
• Assist with logistics for PPI and AFSA events as needed. 

• Online town halls using virtual meeting software (100 – 500 people) 
• Structured Conversation using virtual meeting software (8 – 10 people) 

• In person when safely allowed 

Competencies: 

• High-level research and writing skills and the ability to brief clearly and concisely. 
• Excellent organizational ability. 

• Self-starter with the ability to prioritize multiple projects after obtaining guidance. 
• Familiarity with the organization of data, including spreadsheets. 

Qualifications:  

• Bachelor’s degree required. 
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint and high proficiency in conducting virtual events via online platforms such as Zoom and Teams.  

• Familiarity with the Foreign Service a plus. 
• Previously experience working in a legislative branch (federal or state) a plus. 

Work Environment: 

Prolonged periods sitting at a desk working on a computer. Will occasionally need to move heavy equipment and furniture. Primary work location will be AFSA HQ located at 2101 E St NW, Washington DC 20037.  

Due to COVID-19 and AFSA’s soft re-opening on June 1, 2021, the incumbent is required to have proof of a full COVID-19 vaccination for employment and building entry due to frequent interaction with the AFSA Governing Board, staff, guests, and members.  

To Apply: 

Please email a detailed cover letter that explains why you are interested and qualified in this position and your resume, along with a brief writing sample, to jobs@afsa.org by COB on Friday, Aug 20, 2021. No phone calls, please.