Defense Legislative Affairs Officer: Congressional Liaison

WLG; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

WLG based in Washington, D.C. seeks an analytical professional to monitor and analyse the U.S. defence budget process from planning through execution and interpret its implications for alliance transformation.

You will track congressional defence reform, report on debates concerning Ukraine and Euro-Atlantic security, and produce regular briefings for senior leadership. A background in government relations and defence policy is essential.

Qualifications

• United States nationality, and English at C1 level or above.
• At least two years working with or within the United States Congress on defence, appropriations or foreign policy.
• Track record in government relations: managing a legislative portfolio, communicating complex policy and navigating the legislative process.
• Ability to inform, educate and persuade elected officials, policymakers and senior staff, in writing and in person.
• Strong expertise in defence policy, international security and political-military affairs, with in-depth knowledge of the authorisation and appropriations cycles.
• Demonstrated ability to turn complex political and budgetary information into actionable recommendations, and to work autonomously at pace.
• Desirable: a master degree in political science, international relations, economics or law; familiarity with alliance structures and the transformation agenda; previous liaison, advisory or diplomatic roles; or service in the United States departments of state or defense.

Responsibilities

• Monitoring and analysing the United States defence budget process from planning through to execution, and drawing out what it means for the alliance.
• Tracking congressional defence reform and assessing its impact on transformation.
• Reporting on congressional debate and decisions concerning Ukraine and wider Euro-Atlantic security.
• Assessing budget issues tied to the United States troop presence in Europe, including the burden-sharing debate.
• Analysing the political dynamics of defence legislation and identifying who is driving it.
• Planning and holding informal engagements with legislators and staffers, and managing relationships with Members of Congress.
• Monitoring legislative initiatives, hearings and committee activity, and providing tailored briefings on organisational priorities.
• Coordinating with United States executive agencies, missions and allied embassies so the message stays coherent.
• Producing regular reporting for senior leadership on congressional trends, risks and opportunities.
• Supporting delegations, senior visits and interactions with Congress, and facilitating participation in hearings, conferences and networking events.
• Contributing to the wider engagement strategy with think tanks, academia and the policy community, and travelling within the United States and to headquarters up to about thirty days a year.

Job description

WLG based in Washington, D.C. seeks an analytical professional to monitor and analyse the U.S. defence budget process from planning through execution and interpret its implications for alliance transformation.

You will track congressional defence reform, report on debates concerning Ukraine and Euro-Atlantic security, and produce regular briefings for senior leadership. A background in government relations and defence policy is essential.