Political Analyst

Political Analysts support policymakers by producing written and oral assessments of the domestic politics, foreign policy, stability, and social issues of foreign governments and entities.

• Full time
• Starting salary: $58,070 - $172,500
• Bachelor's or master's degree
• Foreign language bonus eligible
• Opportunities for domestic and foreign travel are possible

About the Job

As a Political Analyst at CIA, you’ll support policymakers by producing and delivering written and oral assessments of the domestic politics, foreign policy, stability, and social issues of foreign governments and entities. Analysts examine actors’ goals and motivations, culture, values, history, society, decision-making processes, and ideologies in the context of how those elements affect U.S. interests and national security.

Opportunities exist for foreign and domestic travel, language training, and analytic tradecraft and management training. You will have an opportunity to develop deep substantive expertise and participate in broadening assignments with other offices in the Agency and across the U.S. Government.

Who You’ll Work With

At the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA), we recognize our Nation’s strength comes from the diversity of its people. People from a broad range of backgrounds and viewpoints work at CIA, and our diverse teams are the reason we can keep our country safe.

Read more about diversity and inclusion

What You’ll Get

Our benefits support every aspect of a working professional’s life, including health and wellness, time off, family, finances, and continuing education. Our programs include highly sought-after government health benefits, flexible schedules, sick leave, and childcare. In some cases, we also offer sign-on incentives and cover moving expenses if you relocate.

As a CIA employee, you’ll also get the satisfaction of knowing your work is part of something bigger than yourself. Our work is driven by one mission: to keep our Nation safe. Every day is an opportunity to enhance U.S. national security.

Learn more about working at CIA

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s or master’s degree in:
• International Affairs
• Political Science
• At least a 3.0 GPA on a 4-point scale
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Ability to meet the minimum requirements for joining CIA, including U.S. citizenship and a background investigation

Desired Qualifications

• Deep regional or functional expertise, including travel or residency in the region
• Strong verbal presentation skills
• Awareness of U.S. national security interests
• Foreign language capability
• Proficiency in at least one language pertinent to area expertise
• Demonstrated ability to write clear, concise text
• Research experience in international affairs
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Interest in a career that requires regular writing assignments

What You’ll Need to Apply

• Resume
• Unofficial transcripts for all degrees
• A cover letter specifying your qualifications for one or more analytic positions. Please address why you want to work as an analyst and what differentiates you from other applicants.
• Two (2) different writing samples, three to five pages (3-5) each, single-spaced PDF. Submit papers that showcase your writing style, research abilities and critical thinking skills. Subject matter should focus on your current areas of expertise that relate to your interest in positions at CIA. You can excerpt longer papers.