The Budget Analysis Division is seeking an analyst to work in its State and Local Government Cost Estimates Unit. This is an opportunity to be involved in supporting and carrying out CBO’s responsibilities under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act. The mandate cost estimates prepared by the State and Local Unit play a critical role in the consideration of legislation by Congress. The unit works closely with Congressional staff and representatives of state, local, and tribal governments, acting as a key link in the legislative process to identify and quantify the effects of federal legislation on other levels of government. The analyst will be responsible for a portfolio of specific program areas that could include advancement of commerce, national defense, and transportation (but the eventual portfolio will be determined at the time of hiring). The analyst’s primary responsibilities will include: Estimating the impact of federal legislation on the budgets of state, local, and tribal governments; Preparing special studies about proposed legislation and responding to inquiries from Congress; Tracking and analyzing financial data from state and local governments. Qualifications Candidates for this position must be able to accurately interpret and analyze legislative proposals and must have a Master’s degree in public policy, public administration, economics, or a related field. Familiarity with state or local finance is desirable. The ideal candidate is adept at searching out sometimes hard-to-find information that will help identify the potential effects of legislation and is able to distill that information into a concise, readable format. This position requires someone with a strong quantitative orientation and, because the pace is closely tied to the flow of legislative activity on Capitol Hill, the ability to write well and complete projects under tight deadlines. Salary and Benefits Salary is competitive and will be commensurate with experience, education, and other qualifications. CBO offers excellent benefits and an appealing work environment.   How to Apply Please submit a cover letter, resume , salary history, short writing sample, and contact information for three references online. Recent graduates should submit an official copy of transcripts. Only complete applications will be considered. This position is covered by the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 as made applicable to CBO by the Congressional Accountability Act, as amended.   Because this position is covered by the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act, the following categories of people may be eligible for preference in the hiring process relative to other applicants: veterans who have separated from the armed forces under honorable conditions after serving on active duty in the armed forces during a war, in a campaign or expedition for which a campaign badge has been authorized, or during particular defined periods; disabled veterans; and the mother, spouse, or unmarried widow or widower of certain veterans.   To claim this preference, an applicant must identify himself or herself as eligible for veterans' preference in the Self-Identification for Veterans' Preference section of the application and must complete and submit a Veterans' Preference Eligibility Form together with the supporting documentation specified on that form within two weeks of applying. Applicants may obtain a copy of CBO's Veterans' Preference in Appointments policy by submitting a written request to careers@cbo.gov .   Contact Nancy Fahey, Washington, DC, 20515, 202-226-2628 , careers@cbo.gov EEO M/F/V/D