Positions Available at the U.S. Helsinki Commission
Members of the bipartisan, bicameral U.S. Helsinki Commission are supported by a professional staff with in-depth regional and policy expertise.
For all positions, relevant experience and degree(s) will be valued over Capitol Hill or political work. Critical language skills from the OSCE region are preferred.
Successful applicants will possess excellent writing, oral, analytical, and interpersonal skills; be proactive, resourceful, well-organized, and able to meet deadlines; and be willing to travel internationally.
In addition, they must be U.S. citizens and have, or be able to obtain, a top-secret security clearance.
Job Announcement: Political-Military Advisor (Mid-Career)
Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe (U.S. Helsinki Commission)
Location: Washington, D.C.
Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent
Salary: Commensurate with experience (excepted service)
Posting Date: September 2, 2025
Application Deadline: September 15, 2025
About the Commission
The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the U.S. Helsinki Commission, is a U.S. government commission responsible for monitoring compliance with the Helsinki Accords and advancing comprehensive security through promotion of human rights, military security, and economic cooperation across the 57 participating States of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE). The Commission is made up of 18 bipartisan members of Congress, nine from the Senate and nine from the House of Representatives. The Commission is led by a chairman and co-chairman, rotating every two years between the House and the Senate.
Position Summary
The Commission seeks a mid-career political-military advisor to cover political-military affairs across the OSCE region. The policy advisor will lead policy development and analysis on issues such as defense policy, security cooperation, arms control, and regional conflicts in the Europe/Eurasia region. The role involves advising Commissioners and senior staff, drafting policy materials, acting as a liaison with U.S. and foreign officials, and representing the Commission in interagency and international settings. Policy advisors support Commissioners from both parties and chambers of Congress and should be comfortable operating in a nonpartisan capacity.
Key Responsibilities
- Monitor and analyze developments in political-military affairs across the OSCE region, including regional conflicts, transatlantic security policy, and security cooperation
- Support the organization of Commission hearings, briefings, and overseas travel focused on security-related issues
- Advise Commissioners and senior staff on relevant security issues, including conflicts involving participating States, military activities, and defense posture
- Coordinate with congressional offices, U.S. and foreign government agencies, international organizations, think tanks, and NGOs on political-military matters
- Draft legislation, policy reports, briefing papers, talking points, speeches, public statements, and congressional letters and testimony
- Liaise with U.S. and foreign officials and represent the Commission in interagency and international settings
Qualifications
- U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security clearance
- Advanced degree or law degree; military experience; and/or critical language skills strongly preferred
- Minimum 5 years of professional experience in political-military affairs, national security, or a closely related field
- Demonstrated understanding of European and Eurasian security dynamics, transatlantic security policy, and regional conflicts
- Strong analytical, communication, and writing skills
- Experience working with Congress, the executive branch, or international organizations is highly desirable
- Ability to travel internationally and domestically, sometimes on short notice
How to Apply
Interested candidates should submit the following documents:
- Cover letter detailing relevant experience and interest in the position
- Resume or CV
- Writing sample (no more than 3 pages)
- Contact information for 2-3 professional references
Submit application materials to: csce.jobs@mail.house.gov
No phone calls, please.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.