Policy Analyst

POSITION SUMMARY:

HIAS seeks a Policy Analyst to conduct policy research and analysis in support of the Policy Center’s mission and goals. The Policy Center was recently created to produce and disseminate knowledge and generate new ideas that advance refugee rights, improving the lives of populations on the move due to political crises and humanitarian emergencies. Working closely with the Senior Director, Policy Center and other colleagues, the Policy Analyst will create and support the production and dissemination of a broad range of documents and publications that provide timely, relevant and informative analysis of current and emerging policy debates.

Note, this position is based at our headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland or our office in New York, New York, and we will consider a remote option for applicants who live outside of commuting distance to either of our offices and are based in other states in which we are registered (Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas, Virginia, West Virginia, Wisconsin).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Analyzes policy issues and recommends solutions based on evidence.
• Keeps up to date on refugee policy developments.
• Conducts literature reviews.
• Conducts statistical analysis of refugee policy-related data.
• Designs data collection instruments; fields surveys or conducts interviews.
• Analyzes interview transcripts and other documents.
• Supports and/or collaborates with other researchers in various research or policy analysis projects.
• Drafts a range of written materials, including fact sheets, policy briefs, reports and blog posts.
• Monitors and informs the team about new relevant research.
• Attends and/or speaks at different events, including relevant convenings, conferences and briefings.
• Prepares talking points for internal and external audiences.
• Communicates with consultants, as needed.
• Represents the Policy Center in a range of internal and external meetings.
• Supports outreach efforts (e.g., helps disseminate Policy Center publications through relevant channels, building relationships with researchers and advocates).
• Assists with Policy Center-hosted convenings and events.
• Performs other duties, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

• Undergraduate degree required; graduate degree in a social science discipline (e.g., sociology, economics, public policy, government, etc.) preferred.
• 4-6 years of relevant experience required (preferably in a policy research role).
• English fluency required; fluency in a second language preferred.
• Solid quantitative research training; proven experience conducting quantitative research, including advanced statistical analysis.
• Excellent writing and editing skills.
• Background in or demonstrated understanding of migration and refugee policy issues.
• Experience using academic research databases (e.g., Academic Search Premier, JStor, LexisNexis, Google Scholar, etc.).

EXTERNAL REPRESENTATION:

All employees are expected to represent the organization in alignment with HIAS’ mission, vision and values. Some employees of HIAS are expected to speak externally on behalf of the organization with clients, donors, affiliates, partners, etc. as part of their work-related responsibilities. Applicants for these roles acknowledge and accept the inherent risk associated with external representation of HIAS.

HIRING PROCESS:

We are committed to a fair and respectful hiring process, and we do our absolute best to respond to every applicant. We prioritize communication and transparency with all candidates, even those who are not moving forward. Here’s a snapshot of our hiring process:

Step 1: Submit your application!

Step 2: Phone screen with a HIAS recruiter.

Step 3: Video interview with the hiring manager.

Step 4: Video interview with a panel of HIAS employees.

Step 5: Online reference check with SkillSurvey.

Step 6: Offer and background check with Shield Screening or ESR.

Step 7: Start your professional journey with HIAS!

Note: Some of our hiring processes may vary, and not all candidates will advance to each step.

ABOUT US:

Over one hundred years ago, the Jewish community founded HIAS (originally the Hebrew Immigrant Aid Society) in New York City, the immigrant gateway to America. Supporting Jews fleeing persecution and poverty in Eastern Europe, our founders were guided by the traditions, texts and history of the Jewish people—a history of oppression, displacement and diaspora. HIAS has since helped generations of Jews facing violence because of who they were, and HIAS remains committed to helping Jewish refugees anywhere in the world. Today, our clients at HIAS come from diverse faiths, ethnicities and backgrounds, as do our staff. We bring our experience, history and values to our work across five continents, ensuring that refugees today receive the vital services and opportunities they need to thrive.

HIAS is a learning community, committed to diversity and inclusion. We do our work with integrity, accountability, transparency and a commitment to the highest ethical standards. We seek employees from diverse backgrounds and life experiences to join our teams located in the United States and across the globe. People who identify as BIPOC, people with disabilities, people from the LGBTQ+ community and people with lived experiences of forced displacement or immigration are all encouraged to apply. We are committed to building a diverse workforce that reflects our vision, mission and values.

VISION:

HIAS stands for a world in which refugees find welcome, safety and opportunity.

MISSION:

Drawing on our Jewish values and history, HIAS provides vital services to refugees and asylum seekers around the world and advocates for their fundamental rights so they can rebuild their lives.

VALUES:

Welcome • Acogimiento • Hospitalité • Hachnasat Orchim

We Welcome the Stranger

Justice • Justicia • Justice • Tzedek

We Pursue Justice

Empathy • Empatía • Empathie • Chesed

We Approach our Clients with Empathy

Partnership • Compañerismo • Coopération • Chevruta

We Believe in Changing the World through Partnership

Courage • Coraje • Courage • Ometz

We Act with Courage to Build a Better World

Resilience • Resiliencia • Résilience • Ruach

We Adapt and Thrive, Continuously Demonstrating our Resilience

DIVERSITY:

HIAS is committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. As an equal opportunity employer, all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, ethnic background, ancestry, citizenship status, religious creed, age, sex, gender, sexual orientation, physical disability, mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, registered domestic partner or civil union status, familial status, pregnancy, childbirth, military status, protected veteran status, political orientation or other legally protected status.

SAFEGUARDING:

HIAS is committed to the protection of children, vulnerable adults and any other person from any harm caused directly or indirectly due to their coming into contact with HIAS. We will not tolerate sexual exploitation, abuse or any form of child abuse or neglect by our staff or associated personnel. Any candidate offered a job with HIAS will be expected to sign and adhere to HIAS’ Code of Conduct and Safeguarding policies. All offers of employment will be subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks, which can include criminal records. HIAS also participates in the Inter-Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme. In line with this Scheme, we will request information from job applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment. Likewise, HIAS will share this information when other organizations inquire about current and former HIAS staff as part of their recruitment process. By submitting an application, the job applicant confirms their understanding of these recruitment procedures.