The U.S.-China Economic and Security Review Commission is seeking to fill the Director of Security and Foreign Affairs position.
Administratively Determined, Full-Time, Term-Appointed Position (Employees of the Commission are appointed to administratively determined positions in the “excepted service,” are employed on a term basis with a term that typically does not exceed one year (but that is renewable at the option of the Commission), and are not covered under the provisions of 5 United States Code that are applicable to Executive Branch employees regarding appointment, termination, competition, and pay rules and regulations. By statute, this appointment is at-will, and the selectee will serve at the pleasure of the Commission.)
Finalists may be required to complete a research and writing examination. The selectee for the position will be required to obtain and hold a Federal security clearance at the Top Secret/SCI level.
MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the direction of the Executive Director, the incumbent is responsible for leading and managing the unclassified and classified research and analysis of 5–8 analysts and interns for the Security and Foreign Affairs Team.
Lead and manage the Security and Foreign Affairs Team in monitoring, investigating, and assessing developments relevant to the Team’s portfolio including, but not limited to: military/defense/national security, cybersecurity, export controls, foreign affairs, science and technology, and energy security issues involving China.
Lead and manage the Security and Foreign Affairs Team in developing detailed written and oral analyses and assessments of issues within the Team’s portfolio.
Collaborate with the Economics and Trade Team.
Initiate, develop, manage and lead the drafting of assigned portions of the Commission’s Annual Report, memos, and reports on the issues noted in major duty 1.
Manage and coordinate the programmatic support for Commission events—including hearings, briefings, and roundtables—on the areas of responsibility noted in major duty 1.
Ensure the Team’s analytic products: are accurate, timely, predictive, and cogent; satisfy the requirements of Commissioners and Congress; are fully coordinated within the Commission; reflect the Commission’s positions; are relevant to Congressional policy making; and meet professional and tradecraft standards.
Advise the Executive Director on the direction and allocation of the team’s human and information resources.
Perform a wide range of supervisory duties to include: assigning and prioritizing assignments; monitoring and evaluating employee performance; recruiting, developing, and retaining a diverse, highquality workforce; and recommending corrective or disciplinary actions as appropriate.
Draft testimony, talking points, editorials, and other communications for Commissioners to a wide variety of audiences and represent the staff at conferences and with universities and private sector groups.
Provide official responses to Congressional inquiries and legislated reporting requirements.
Serve as the Team’s primary liaison to and resource for Commissioners, ensuring the Commissioners are equipped to carry out their duties.
Mentor and guide junior personnel in developing their research, analytic tradecraft, writing, and briefing skills. Provide tailored coaching to improve their performance and analytic skills.
Develop and sustain a professional network with China analysts in the U.S. government, private sector, and academia.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Executive Director and Commissioners.
REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS
1. Proven ability to present information clearly and concisely through memos, reports, briefings, consultations, and other presentations.
2. Advanced research, analytical, and evaluative skills, including the ability to synthesize and analyze large amounts of disparate data on emerging and/or controversial issues.
3. Expert knowledge of Chinese security and foreign affairs. Extensive record of publication on these issues, either at the unclassified or classified level.
4. At least five years of professional experience reporting on and analyzing Chinese security and foreign affairs, preferably in Executive or Legislative Branch.
5. Comprehensive knowledge, gained through professional experience, of U.S. foreign and national security policy and U.S. military systems and capabilities.
6. Extensive knowledge, gained through professional experience, of the organization, mission, and capabilities of the State Department, Department of Defense, Intelligence Community, and Pacific Command as well as relevant federally-funded research centers, think tanks, and academic centers of excellence.
7. Experience leading people or teams in conducting research or managing projects.
HIGHLY DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS:
(Not required, but may be considered in the selection process)
1. Graduate degree in a relevant field, such as Asian Studies, International Relations, Political Science, Security Studies, or Asian History.
2. Experience living and/or working in China, Taiwan, or Hong Kong.
3. Ability to speak and read Mandarin Chinese, to include ability to effectively utilize sources of electronic and print information.
HOW TO APPLY
Submit a complete application package containing all of the below required documents in one PDF file via email to Opportunities@uscc.gov. Incomplete application packages or information not received by midnight Eastern Time on the closing date will not be considered. Note: Emails with attachments over 5 MB will not be received.
Cover letter, to include: a. Position title b. Vacancy number c. Brief statement outlining your interest in the Commission and this position d. Concise, point-by-point responses to all mandatory qualifications and highly desired qualifications listed above e. Your salary requirements and/or salary history f. Name and contact information for two professional references
Professional Resume a. Chronological work history (starting with the most recent position held), education (including degrees and dates attained), applicable publications, etc. b. Position-related training courses (title and year) c. Job-related skills (e.g., computer software, program and database programs, etc.) d. Job-related certificates and licenses e. Job-related honors, awards, and special accomplishments (e.g., publications, memberships in professional or honor societies, leadership activities, public speaking, performance awards, etc.)
Current Writing Sample An essay on a security or foreign affairs topic related to China; writing and editing must be your own work and should not exceed 5 pages; include citations.
Opening and Closing Dates: April 17, 2018 to May 11, 2018
Contact: Opportunities@uscc.gov
