The Budget Analysis Division is seeking an assistant analyst for a period not to exceed three years to work in its State and Local Government Cost Estimates Unit. This position is ideal for those interested in obtaining substantive work experience before attending graduate school. This is an opportunity to be involved in carrying out CBO’s responsibilities under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act. In particular, the analyst’s primary responsibilities will include estimating the impact of federal legislation on the budgets of state, local, and tribal governments and, in some cases, on private-sector entities. The assistant analyst may also be called upon to provide research assistance to other analysts and to help track legislation and CBO analyses. CBO’s estimates of the costs of federal mandates on governments at other levels play a significant role in the Congress’s consideration of legislation. The State and Local 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 assistant analyst will be responsible for a portfolio of specific program areas that will probably include legislation dealing with health, income security, education, and agriculture issues (but the specific portfolio will depend, in part, on the skills and experience of the person hired).  Qualifications Candidates for this position must be able to accurately interpret and analyze legislative proposals and must have a bachelor’s degree in public policy, public administration, political science, or a related field. Familiarity with state or local finance is desirable. The ideal candidate must be adept at searching out sometimes hard-to-find information that will help identify the potential effects of legislation and be able to distill that information into a concise, readable format. This position requires someone with a strong analytic skills 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. In addition to proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel, experience working with SharePoint and Access would be helpful. This position is only for those with or obtaining a bachelor’s degree; it is not for those who have, or are completing, a master’s degree. Salary and Benefits The salary range is from $39,000 to $44,000 per year; the salary will be commensurate with education and related experience. CBO offers excellent benefits and an appealing work environment.   How to Apply Please submit a cover letter, résumé, short writing sample, and contact information for three references. Recent graduates should submit an unofficial copy of transcripts. This position is covered by the Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 as made applicable to CBO by the Congressional Accountability Act, as amended. Although there is no deadline for this position, CBO may close the position when we have received a sufficient number of applications from qualified candidates. 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 CBO's Veterans' Preference Eligibility Form together with the supporting documentation specified on that form to veoa@cbo.gov or faxed to 202-225-7539 within two weeks of applying or no later than the deadline specified for positions with deadlines. 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 or Angela Smart, Washington, DC, 202-226-2628, careers@cbo.gov EEO M/F/V/D