Budget Analyst

The Congressional Budget Office is a small nonpartisan agency that provides economic and budgetary analysis to the Congress. CBO’s Budget Analysis Division seeks an analyst for its Income Security Cost Estimates Unit, which provides multiyear projections and cost estimates for legislative proposals related to Social Security, nutrition, income security, and family service programs. The analyst’s portfolio will include the Social Security Disability Insurance Program and federal programs that provide support to families. The analyst also will contribute to analyses of other income security programs, which may vary over time depending on the unit’s needs.

The Congress relies on CBO’s work to prepare its annual budget plans, review the President’s budget proposals, and evaluate the budgetary effects of legislation. CBO’s analysts work closely with Congressional staff and federal agency officials; they have wide-ranging responsibilities and often contribute significantly to the legislative and budget process.

 

Applicants must have a graduate degree in public policy, public administration, economics, or a closely related field; or a bachelor’s degree and at least five years of relevant experience in budgeting or policy analysis. Experience analyzing or working on social insurance, labor, or low-income programs is strongly preferred.

Candidates exceeding those minimum requirements also are encouraged to apply; experience will be considered in determining salary and job responsibilities.

The position requires the following:

·       The ability to accurately interpret and analyze legislative proposals;

·       Strong quantitative skills—proficiency in Excel and statistical software or a programming language is required (preferably SAS, although similar software is acceptable);

·       Strong oral and written communication skills, especially the ability to explain complex material clearly and concisely to colleagues, Congressional staff, Members of Congress, and the public;

·       The ability to work on several analytical problems simultaneously and to complete projects under tight deadlines;

·       The ability to work both independently and collaboratively; and

·       A desire to contribute to policy analysis in a nonpartisan setting. 

Candidates must be able to obtain and maintain a Tier 2 (Public Trust) investigation.

Submit a cover letter, a one- to two-page résumé, a brief writing sample, and contact information for three references at www.cbo.gov/careers. Recent graduates must submit unofficial transcripts.