Junior Program Analyst

Job Description

Job Description

Forge is a global solutions provider. We are a proud, certified woman-owned, service-disabled, veteran-owned small business (WOSB, SDVOSB) ignited to redefine the traditional GovCon mold, deliver innovations, and elevate collective impact. We are known as international problem fixers who only pursue work where we can truly make a difference. We are deeply integrated members of trusted client communities, energized and honored to be partners in questioning and solving human challenges across the world.

Forge strikes a precise balance between empowering autonomy and emphasizing the necessity of being part of a connected network of people and initiatives. It's led to a new echelon of collective excellence- one that continues to lead to monumental growth - and built a dream team of top-tier, collaborative, 'get-it-done' experts.

Our culture is everything. People come first. Our culture is built around a diverse group of employees empowered to think in different directions, a leadership team that trusts employees to lean in to unique greatness, and an operations team that deploys programs to support employee well-being and growth - both personally and professionally. We treat Forge like a co-op in which the input of staff drives corporate action.

With a 93% retention rate, it's evident that once we hire great people, we keep them. We're rated #2 Best Medium Business in all of Virginia, and we are a multi-year, multi-award winner of the Fortune® Magazine Best Workplaces in Consulting & Professional Services™, Best Medium Workplaces™, and Best Workplaces for Parents™.  Based on employee feedback and independent analysis, we have been certified as a Great Place to Work™ six years in a row. In addition to recognition for top workplace culture, our growth ranked us on the 2024 and 2025 Inc. Magazine 5000 List of the Fastest-Growing Companies in America, and the Women Presidents Organization (WPO) and J.P. Morgan Chase named us one of 50 Fastest-Growing Women-Owned/Led Companies nationally. But most importantly, we're proud to be a company that puts people first.

The future of Forge is exciting and evolving - as capability and community remain the battle rhythm sustaining transformative success. We're searching for those who want to work hard, play hard, give back, and enjoy life. If this resonates with you, then come make a difference at Forge.

Requirement:  Junior Program Analyst

Job Description:  The candidate will support CISA International in the coordination and execution of international engagement activities and program priorities. This position will assist with research, briefing materials, reporting, stakeholder coordination, meeting and travel preparation, and tracking of engagements and action items. The Junior Program Analyst will work with CISA International personnel and other government stakeholders to support bilateral and multilateral engagements, maintain program information, and ensure activities are documented and completed on schedule. This is an excellent opportunity for an early-career professional interested in international affairs, national security, cybersecurity policy, or federal government programs.

Key Responsibilities : Key responsibilities of the candidate will be (but aren't limited to):

• Support planning and coordination of CISA international meetings, engagements, exchanges, exercises, training activities, and other events.
• Conduct research on countries, regions, international organizations, policy developments, and issues relevant to CISA's international mission.
• Assist in drafting and editing briefing materials, talking points, issue papers, readouts, meeting summaries, presentations, reports, and other written products.
• Track international engagements, taskings, action items, clearance requests, deadlines, and follow-up activities.
• Support preparation of CISA officials for meetings and engagements with international partners.
• Maintain stakeholder contact information, engagement histories, meeting records, and other information in CISA databases and management tools.
• Coordinate meeting logistics, agendas, participant information, briefing materials, notes, and post-meeting documentation.
• Assist with domestic and international travel planning, including schedules, meeting information, transportation, and other logistical requirements.
• Support working groups and coordination activities involving CISA components, DHS, other federal agencies, and external stakeholders.
• Contribute to recurring reporting, records management, SOP maintenance, and other program administration activities.

Qualifications/Requirements:

The Candidate must have the ability to think strategically, act tactically, and display strong analytical and critical thinking skills. They must also build strong cross-group working relationships and demonstrate exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail. The Candidate must be able to thrive and succeed in an entrepreneurial environment and not be hindered by ambiguity or competing priorities.

We are looking for an early-career professional with an interest in international affairs, national security, homeland security, foreign policy, or federal government programs. Successful candidates will have strong research, writing, organizational, and communication skills and the ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines. Candidates should be comfortable working with diverse stakeholders and handling both substantive analytical assignments and the coordination and administrative activities necessary to execute international engagements. The ideal candidate is proactive, detail-oriented, adaptable, and interested in developing expertise in CISA's international mission.

Minimum Qualifications:

• US Citizen 
• Bachelor's Degree in International Relations, Political Science, National Security, Homeland Security, Public Policy, Government, Communications, or a related field, or equivalent relevant professional experience.
• Strong research and analytical skills with the ability to synthesize information into concise written products.
• Strong professional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated organizational skills and ability to track multiple assignments, deadlines, meetings, and action items.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook.
• Ability to work collaboratively with government personnel, team members, and external stakeholders.
• Ability to obtain and maintain DHS Public Trust suitability.
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally and occasionally support activities outside normal business hours.

Highly Desired Qualifications:

• Internship or professional experience with DHS, CISA, Department of State, DoD, another federal agency, Congress, a think tank, NGO, or international organization.
• Academic or professional experience related to international affairs, foreign policy, national security, homeland security, or cybersecurity policy.
• Experience conducting research and preparing briefing materials, reports, presentations, meeting summaries, or other professional written products.
• Experience coordinating meetings, conferences, events, travel, or other activities involving multiple stakeholders.
• Familiarity with U.S. Government foreign policy, interagency coordination, or international engagement processes.
• Knowledge of cybersecurity, critical infrastructure security and resilience, emergency communications, or related CISA mission areas.
• Regional or country-specific expertise gained through academic study, work, study abroad, or other international experience.
• Foreign-language proficiency.

Job: Full-time

Location: Arlington, VA

Salary Range: $83,000 - $98,000 per year

Assigned Forge Job Title: Analyst

Essential Duties:

• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems promptly; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem-solving situations; uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; varies writing style to meet needs; presents numerical data effectively; able to read and interpret written information.
• Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; promotes a harassment-free environment; builds a diverse workforce.
• Ethics - Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and ethics; upholds organizational values.
• Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; understands organization's strengths & weaknesses; analyzes market and competition; identifies external threats and opportunities; adapts strategy to changing conditions.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritize and plan work activities; use time efficiently; plan for additional resources; set goals and objectives; organize or schedule other people and their tasks; develop realistic action plans.
• Professionalism - Tactfully approaches others; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments.
• Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; meets challenges with resourcefulness; generates suggestions for improving work; develops innovative approaches and ideas; presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.
• Qualifications - To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below represent the required knowledge, skill, and/or ability. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• Language Skills - Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, proposals, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Mathematical Skills - Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Reasoning Ability - Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to question activities and issues in all functional areas and make sound business decisions based on that data.
• Physical Demands - The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, type, or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms.
• Work Environment - The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The employee will normally work in a temperature-controlled office environment, with frequent exposure to electronic office equipment.

This job posting sets forth the basic authorities and responsibilities of this position, which may be changed from time to time as shall be determined. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Benefits:

Forge fosters a rich company culture built on a diverse, hard-working employee base. Our staff is the core of our success and the impetus behind our decisions. In today's corporate culture, there is no longer a line between work and home life. As a result, we focused our benefits approach on the whole family.

The Forge total compensation model is based on a "choose-your-own-adventure approach," allowing each employee to create a comprehensive package of benefits and perks tailored to his or her needs. Examples of benefits included in our total compensation package include:

• Complete Flextime
• 401k With Employer Matching
• Healthcare, Including Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Health Savings Account (HSA) And Pre-Tax Premium Options
• Supplementary healthcare and family support
• Extended Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability
• Healthcare Insurance Deductible Paydown
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Tuition Reimbursement, Student Loan Repayment, and Education & Training Stipends
• Cell Phone / Internet Stipends
• College Saving Plans with Employer Contributions
• Alternative Work Locations and Tele-Commuting
• Employee Referral Awards
• Retention, Signing & Performance Bonuses
• Commuter Benefits
• Paid Sabbatical

Forge Group, LLC is a proud DoD Skillbridge and V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) certified company committed to hiring and retaining military veterans and spouses.

Forge Group, LLC is an Equal Opportunity [and/or] Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or military or protected veteran status. We participate in the E-Verify Employment Verification Program.