john jacobs

Served as the local diplomatic point of contact for the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul.

Served as lead officer on trade issues related to the Western Hemisphere for the Department of State's Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs.

Supported the development of business opportunities around the world by providing expert analysis of international affairs and issues related to trade, security, and public policy.

Acted as the embassy’s political and economic advisor on issues related to energy, technology, science, environmental affairs, health, intellectual property rights, and agriculture. Reported extensively on Portuguese political and economic developments related to the European financial crisis, including serving as acting Economic Unit Chief and supervising the work of five U.S. government officials from Mar. 2012 – Jul. 2012. Engaged with senior Portuguese government representatives to increase collaboration between Portuguese and U.S. government institutions and universities related to scientific, energy, and environmental research.

Adjudicated non-immigrant and immigrant visas in accordance with the Immigration and Nationality Act and Department of State regulations; conceptualized and implemented major revisions to the process flow and the operations of the section, which served more than 1,000 visa applicants per week; developed mechanisms to streamline visa processing for applicants representing U.S. businesses. Led a nationwide strategy, which included media events, television features, radio interviews, and online and print stories, to raise awareness about the Diversity Visa Lottery and improve public opinion of the United States in the world’s largest Muslim-majority.

Evaluated the performance, efficiency, and compliance with law and best practices of Texas state agencies and made recommendations to senior management to address identified concerns. Performed statistical analyses of financial data to determine the effects of policies on revenue flows. Interviewed agency officials, researched policies, performed analyses, drew conclusions, and made recommendations to the legislature regarding processes, methodologies, and findings of audits.

Researched and developed legislation to address state contracting, consumer lending, and other legislative issues of concern. Advised the senator prior to committee hearings, legislative debates, and meetings with other senior government officials. Analyzed legislative policies and briefed the senator on how issues affected constituents and the state. Drafted speeches, letters, and news publications.

Coordinated field activities in a multi-county region, supervising the activities of close to 100 volunteers and paid employees.