Geostrategic Advisor (China)

Location: Andrews Air Force Base (AFB), MD (Onsite (Space Available)/Telework Eligible)

Clearance: TS/SCI

Education: MA/MS in international relations, economics, strategic studies, Chinese studies, political economy, or a related field (or BA/BS plus 8 additional years of experience)

Outcomes:

The successful candidate is expected to accomplish the following outcomes during the first year in the position:

• Formally track all tasks, to include: assigned by, suspense, status, and comments on all assigned tasks through completion and be prepared to brief upon request.

• Develop digital continuity folders and files that include standard operating procedures, workflows and POC lists to accomplish all tasks.

• Create 2-3 products beyond the client’s requirements that positively impact the client to either increase efficiency, effectiveness, or innovation.

• Master position tasks within 60 days and exceed requirements within 90 days.

Responsibilities:

The Geostrategic Advisor SME supports the Secretary of the Secretary of the Air Force, Office of Competition (SAF/OC), Office of Commercial and Economic Analysis (OCEA) analyzing global economic and geopolitical trends—particularly those involving China—that impact Department of the Air Force strategy and planning. The Geostrategic Advisor (China) SME provides in-depth geopolitical and economic research and advice on China’s global activities, commercial sector dynamics, and their implications for U.S. defense strategy and national security with deep understanding of Chinese government-industry-military integration and strategic approaches. Per PWS section 1.3.10.11, Consulting Support, specific responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Conduct in-depth geopolitical and economic research on China’s global activities and their implications for U.S. defense strategy and national security across multiple economic disciplines.

• Analyze Chinese economic statecraft tools, technology policies, investment strategies, and market access restrictions affecting U.S. and allied defense interests.

• Evaluate Chinese commercial sector companies that compete with or supply DoD and Air Force operations, assessing their government relationships, competitive positioning, and strategic implications within broader market dynamics.

• Assess Chinese government-industry coordination mechanisms, state-owned enterprise roles, and civil-military fusion integration affecting strategic competition and defense supply chains.

• Monitor Chinese foreign direct investment patterns, acquisition strategies, and market penetration efforts in defense-relevant commercial sectors including technology, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing.

• Analyze open-source and government-provided materials to track trends, commercial threats, and strategic opportunities related to global commerce and influence operations.

• Independently and as part of a team, synthesize OCEA materials to produce timely, accurate and objective analysis and recommendations.

• Develop, present and distribute analytical reports ranging from macro-economic and foreign industrial policy issues to international business and global technology competition.

• Maintain and grow new customer relationships across the government and allies and partners.

• Independently execute program coordinator duties- to include daily coordination with vendors and customers- on strategic projects, ensuring all final outputs are relevant to select customers.

• Routinely audit internal processes, to include workflows and external collateral, to maximize organizational efficiency and enhance brand awareness.

• Assist with information management and product dissemination functions on unclassified and classified networks.

• Consult on individual and others’ research, evaluations, studies, analyses, scenarios/simulations, reports, business policy and regulation development assistance, and strategy formulation.

• Prepare and/or present studies and papers in academic or professional events/forums.

• Facilitate mission validation and analysis, reporting, and stakeholder briefings.

• Understand foreign government (specifically Chinese) policies related to economic, fiscal, trade, and industrial development, including their coordination with commercial and military objectives.

• Synthesize market and financial information to inform national security decisions.

• Analyze the impact of China’s economic and commercial industry activities on U.S. national security policies and defense capabilities..

• Offer new research questions and scope appropriately.

• Provide policy recommendations to DAF and DoD stakeholders on China strategic competition or other related issues.

• Participate in communities of interest.

• Conduct ongoing research on macroeconomic policies, news and trends.

Qualifications:

The candidate must have the following qualifications:

• A minimum of fifteen (15) years of work-related experience with demonstrated China-focused analytical capabilities.

• Of those 15 years, at least 10 years supporting a component of the DoD.

• Expert analytical, writing and briefing skills with ability to communicate complex geoeconomic and political-economic dynamics.

• Expertise in U.S. foreign policy, national defense strategy, and Indo-Pacific affairs.

• Expertise in Chinese foreign policy, international economics, or strategic competition with understanding of government-industry relationships.

• Experience in geopolitical or strategic economic analysis with focus on China or Asia-Pacific region.

• Experience providing objective analysis and recommendations on strategic level national security and foreign policy issues.

• Experience in one of more of the following fields as applied to China analysis: macroeconomics; international finance; international business, industrial policy, emerging technology; commercial sector analysis; supply chain assessment; foreign industrial policies.

• Understanding of Chinese commercial sector dynamics and their relationship to government strategic objectives.

• Ability to manage requirements across multiple projects and synthesize disparate information into coherent analytical products.

• Ability to distill and translate customer needs into clear requirements.

• Ability to synthesize disparate information into coherent analytical products with recommendations using corporate and entrepreneurial methods.

• Ability to write clear and concise analytical memos and to present cogent verbal briefings.

• Eagerness to materially contribute to a multi-disciplined, highly functioning team.

• Strong interpersonal skills and intellectual curiosity of global affairs.

• Strong analytical writing and briefing skills.

The following qualifications are desired:

• Experience supporting senior DoD or interagency stakeholders

• Chinese language skills (read, write and speak) with ability to analyze Chinese-language sources.

• Direct experience with Chinese academic institutions, think tanks, or commercial organizations.

• Knowledge of Chinese military-industrial relationships, defense procurement, or civil-military fusion concepts.

• Understanding of Chinese regulatory frameworks affecting foreign investment, technology transfer, and commercial operations.

• Experience analyzing Chinese state media, policy documents, and official communications for strategic intelligence purposes.

• Familiarity with Chinese approaches to economic statecraft, technology acquisition, and intellectual property strategies.

Travel:

• Occasional local or CONUS travel may be required.