Foreign Policy Advisor (French Speaking)

Under the supervision of the Director of the Office of International Justice and Peace, the Foreign Policy Advisor serves the U.S. Bishops as a senior advisor on the religious and moral dimensions of U.S. policy on international issues related to specific regions or countries and international concerns of USCCB. The Foreign Policy Advisor evaluates international developments, analyzes U.S. policy, drafts USCCB policy recommendations and documents, conducts advocacy with U.S. Government officials in collaboration with the Office of Government Relations, and, in close collaboration with the Secretariat’s outreach and education managers, helps educate Catholics and the wider public on the application of the principles of Catholic Social Teaching in the international sphere. The Advisor demonstrates shared qualities of effectiveness in all work interactions. With the direction and coordination of the Director, the Policy Advisor serves as a member of a team within the Office of International Justice and Peace and the Secretariat for Justice and Peace.

Continuing Responsibilities: (List from highest to lowest priority.)

1)Policy Development and Advocacy

a)Evaluate and analyze international developments and corresponding U.S. policies related to priority international concerns of the U.S. Bishops, especially in light of religious and moral dimensions and impact on the poor and the vulnerable.

b)Contribute to the development, review and clearance of bishops’ statements, official correspondence, resources, alerts and other communications on international issues to advance the USCCB mission and advocate the Bishops’ international policies and priorities.

c)Contribute to advocacy on priority international issues with members of Congress and the Executive Branch in close coordination with the Office of Government Relations, and with the media in close coordination with the Office of Public Affairs and the Communications Manager for Social Mission.

d)Represent the Conference and its positions on international policy with Congress and the Executive Branch staff (in close collaboration with the Office of Government Relations), and with other international policy and advocacy organizations.

2)Staffing Bishops’ Committees

a)Provide staff assistance and support, under the supervision of the Director, for the Committee on International Justice and Peace as well as other USCCB structures where appropriate.

b)Work collegially to support joint efforts by the Committee on International Justice and Peace, the Committee on Domestic Justice and Human Development, and other Conference committees as appropriate.

3)Representation/Relationships

a)Maintain and build necessary relationships with colleagues at Catholic Relief Services to foster coordination and with staff at other Catholic international agencies to strengthen collaboration.

b)Maintain and build relationships with staff of other international policy and advocacy organizations, especially ecumenical and interfaith partners, representing USCCB and strengthening collaboration where appropriate.

c)Develop and maintain relationships with staff of other national and regional bishops’ conferences to strengthen analysis and policy development and to express solidarity; help host international visitors.

4)Education/Convening/Communications

a)Work with education and communications staff of the Secretariat to help develop action alerts, educational materials and other initiatives to inform and engage Catholics in international issues of concern to the U.S. bishops.

b)Develop, deliver and arrange presentations (e.g. speeches, articles, talks, interviews and workshops) on international issues and the bishops’ teaching and positions.

c)Collaborate with other Conference staff on major meetings that address international issues, e.g. the annual Catholic Social Ministry Gathering.

d)In coordination with the Department of Public Affairs, coordinate responses to requests from journalists and others and proactively promote USCCB positions on priority international concerns.

5)Other Responsibilities

a)Participate in and contribute to meetings of the Office of International Justice and Peace and the Secretariat for Justice and Peace.

b)Participate in, contribute to, and, as required, coordinate Conference-wide or inter-departmental initiatives to advance the bishops’ mission and major priorities.

c)In consultation with the Director, respond to requests from the General Secretariat and other USCCB offices and, as appropriate, from bishops on international issues.

Undertake other activities as requested to advance the USCCB mission, the Secretariat’s work, the bishops’ priorities and the ongoing work of the Conference.

Level: bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred

Major Field/Specialty: International affairs, Political Science, History, and/or Catholic Social Teaching or related field preferred.

The Associate Director is a practicing Catholic, registered in a Catholic parish or regularly attending a Catholic parish or faith community, who embraces, upholds and promotes in every aspect of his/her work the authentic teaching of the Catholic Church.