Senior Risk Analyst (Ustda)

Ascendant is seeking a Senior Risk Analyst to support a multi-year contract we hold with the U.S. Trade & Development Agency (USTDA). This full-time role focuses on project management, risk assessment, and enhanced due diligence to support USTDA’s funding and programmatic decisions. The position is based in Arlington, VA (Rosslyn) and is metro accessible.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide project management support for due diligence (DD) projects, including coordinating, tracking, and reviewing reports prepared by USTDA’s external DD contractor
• Assess risks identified through due diligence and provide clear, actionable mitigation recommendations to support USTDA decision-making
• Coordinate with Ascendant Research Analysts and USTDA program staff to identify key individuals and entities associated with proposed projects
• Review due diligence questionnaires and DD reports for completeness and accuracy
• Conduct supplemental and enhanced due diligence research as needed, including adverse media reviews related to financial crimes, AML, sanctions, bribery, and corruption
• Perform in-depth analysis of foreign project sponsors, U.S. companies, and beneficial owners
• Evaluate the materiality of findings based on U.S. regulatory frameworks and potential reputational risk to the Agency
• Prepare clear, concise written summaries of findings, red flags, risks, and recommendations
• Present investigative findings to USTDA regional teams, the Office of General Counsel, and senior leadership
• Advise on due diligence best practices and contribute to improvements in processes, protocols, and guidance
• Provide training on due diligence guidelines and best practices

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s or advanced degree preferred. Relevant fields include international relations, political science, security studies, law/pre-law, library or information science, or related disciplines
• 5+ years of experience conducting due diligence research and/or risk assessments
• 2+ years of experience providing research training and/or quality control review
• Spanish and/or Portuguese foreign language skills and LAC regional knowledge/experience is required
• Prior experience managing complex investigations within a risk advisory or due diligence firm, financial institution, law firm, insurance company, or government entity
• Strong knowledge of AML, sanctions, and anti-bribery regulatory frameworks, particularly in an international or foreign assistance context
• Advanced internet and database research skills; experience with tools such as Westlaw, LexisNexis, SAM.gov, and similar platforms
• Demonstrated ability to analyze complex corporate structures, beneficial ownership, and public company filings
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey complex issues to senior stakeholders
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and able to operate independently in a fast-paced environment
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, SharePoint, Outlook, Teams)
• Candidates must be able to obtain a Secret level security clearance with the U.S. Government.
• A public trust background check with U.S. Government must be completed prior to starting work