CIA

Political Analyst

Work Schedule: Full Time
Salary: $44,465 – $86,801*
Location: Washington, DC metropolitan area

The Central Intelligence Agency's Directorate of Intelligence (DI) is looking for candidates to serve as political analysts. We have particular needs for specialists on China, North Korea, the Middle East, and South Asia and have more limited openings for specialists on Europe, Latin America, and Africa. Political analysts support US policymakers by evaluating the goals and motivations of foreign governments and entities. They examine: their culture, values, society and ideologies; their resources and capabilities; their political and decision making processes; the strengths and weaknesses of their strategies for achieving their goals; and the implications of all of the above for US interests. Agency analysts are encouraged to maintain and broaden professional ties through academic study, contacts, and attendance at professional meetings. They may also choose to pursue additional studies in fields relevant to their areas of responsibility. Opportunities exist for language training, analytic and management training, rotational assignments to other offices in the Agency and throughout the US Government, and foreign travel once job experience is acquired.
*Higher starting salary possible depending on experience level.
Minimum requirements include a master's degree in foreign area studies, international relations, political science, history or national security studies. A degree in demography, anthropology, geography, comparative politics, media studies and more, combined with an international focus, is also of interest. Undergraduate candidates with exceptional regional expertise or analytical skills, language capabilities, and work experience will also be considered. Candidates with abilities in at least one of the languages of their area of expertise (Mandarin Chinese for China specialists, Arabic or Farsi for the Middle East, or Urdu or Hindi for South Asia), and some travel or residency in the region are highly desired. They must also possess strong skills in written and oral English and a keen interest in a career that requires regular writing assignments. A GPA of 3.0 or better on a 4.0 scale is required.
All applicants must successfully complete a thorough medical and psychological exam, a polygraph interview and an extensive background investigation. US citizenship is required.
To be considered suitable for Agency employment, applicants must generally not have used illegal drugs within the last twelve months. The issue of illegal drug use prior to twelve months ago is carefully evaluated during the medical and security processing.
Important Notice: Friends, family, individuals, or organizations may be interested to learn that you are an applicant for or an employee of the CIA. Their interest, however, may not be benign or in your best interest. You cannot control whom they would tell. We therefore ask you to exercise discretion and good judgment in disclosing your interest in a position with the Agency. You will receive further guidance on this topic as you proceed through your CIA employment processing.

Additional Requirments / Information

A History of Premier Intelligence

In 1947, President Harry S. Truman signed the National Security Act, creating the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) with a mission to advise the President on intelligence matters related to national security. Today, as the premier agency responsible for providing global intelligence on the ever-changing political, social, economic, technological and military environment, the CIA accomplishes its mission through research, development, and deployment of high-leverage intelligence-gathering technology. The agency also works closely with other organizations within the Intelligence Community to ensure that government policymakers and warfighters receive the best intelligence possible.

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Students, learn more about the Student Internship Opportunities at the National Clandestine Service.

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