Defense Analyst

Description

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 analyst for its Defense, International Affairs, and Veterans’ Affairs Cost Estimates Unit to cover programs that provide health care and related benefits for veterans. Over time, that analyst’s portfolio could expand to include other benefit programs for veterans, international assistance programs related to health care, or military personnel and other defense-related issues.

The following are among the analyst’s responsibilities:

·       Prepare multiyear spending projections for veterans’ health care benefits and for facilities of the Department of Veterans Affairs;

·       Prepare cost estimates for legislation involving changes to veterans’ health care benefits and to the Veterans Health Administration; and

·       Analyze the Administration’s annual budget proposals.

The Congress relies on CBO’s work to prepare its annual budget plans, review the President’s budget proposals, and evaluate the budgetary effects of legislation. CBO’s analysts work closely with Congressional staff and federal agency officials; they have wide-ranging responsibilities and often contribute significantly to legislative and budget processes.

Qualifications

Candidates must hold a graduate degree in public policy, economics, or a related discipline with an economic and quantitative background or a bachelor’s degree in one of those fields and at least four years of relevant work experience.

Candidates exceeding those requirements also are encouraged to apply; experience will be considered when determining salary and job responsibilities.

Candidates must be U.S. citizens and able to obtain and maintain top secret security clearance.

The position requires the following:

·       Strong quantitative skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Excel;

·       Resourcefulness in investigating unfamiliar issues;

·       Exceptional oral and written communication skills, especially the ability to clearly explain analytical results to colleagues at CBO, Congressional staff, and Members of Congress.

·       Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with a team; and

·       Facility with handling multiple projects simultaneously, often under tight deadlines.

The following skills and experience are desirable but not required:

·       Knowledge of federal budget, legislative, and regulatory processes;

·       Familiarity with programs, policies, and procedures of the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense; and

·       Recent experience analyzing health policy or health data.

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 one- to two-page résumé, a writing sample of no more than three pages, and contact information for three references at www.cbo.gov/careers. Recent graduates must submit an unofficial copy of their academic transcripts. To ensure consideration, apply by May 31, 2024; incomplete applications will not be considered. This position is governed by the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998, as made applicable to CBO by the Congressional Accountability Act, as amended.

Contact

Kate Green or Annita Gulati, Washington, D.C., careers@cbo.gov.

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.