Main purpose of job:

The British Government’s Mission to the United Nations in New York is offering an exciting opportunity to join the General Assembly, Human Rights and Management, Reform and Finance Section as a Senior Policy Adviser – Cyber, Digital & Tech. This is a meaningful role which supports and further develops the special relationship between the UK and the US – contributing to work shaping international diplomacy to make a real difference globally.

The US Network offers a unique, career-enhancing opportunity and is committed to supporting its staff through a comprehensive benefits package- including generous leave, competitive insurance options, a top-tier 401(k) programme, and access to world-class learning and development resources. 

We are committed to fostering a healthy work-life balance and supporting employee wellbeing through a structured hybrid working model that includes opportunities for remote work and flexible hours, where operational needs allow.

In this role, you will be part of a dynamic international environment spanning the British Government’s extensive network across the United States and the United Kingdom, which includes the Embassy in Washington, the UK Mission to the United Nations, multiple Consulates, and other Government Offices—comprising over 900 staff and supporting the work of approximately 30 UK government departments and agencies.

As Senior Policy Adviser – Cyber, Digital & Tech in the General Assembly, Human Rights and Management, Reform and Finance Section, you will contribute to strengthening UK engagement on cyber digital and technology. Positioned within the UK Mission to the United Nations, the role offers opportunities to work through the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council, and occasional working through the Security Council and external partners.

On digital technologies, you will contribute directly to the UK’s work to shape global governance around four principles – open, responsible, secure and resilient. You will work closely with the UK Mission lead on Cyber, Digital and Technology, to deliver UK priorities in the Global Digital Compact negotiations and upcoming WSIS+20 review.  

Your role will also involve working across the mission on processes that have technology-dependent aspects. This may include supporting the UN’s Science, Technology and Innovation Forum, resolutions on ICT for sustainable development, protection and promotion of human rights in digital spaces, and promotion of UK efforts to bridge the digital divide.

This is a wide and evolving portfolio, the ideal candidate will be a self-starter, identifying opportunities across the mission to advance UK interests. To leverage those opportunities, the candidate will require excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build impactful relationships, strong analytical abilities to shape UK strategy to achieve complex objectives, organisational skills to manage a diverse portfolio, and the ability to prioritise activity that delivers results

Roles and responsibilities:

• Advance the UK’s strategic priorities on cyber, digital and emerging technologies – such as those set out in the UK Cyber Strategy and Digital Development Strategy. 
• Identify and pursue opportunities to advance UK interests in cyber, digital and technology related multilateral processes, including those that govern or respond to the emergence of ICTs – such as the Global Digital Compact, WSIS+20 Review, and AI governance initiatives. Provide policy advice and represent the UK Mission in negotiations and engagements that shape these agendas. 
• Support delivery across the team’s cyber/digital/tech portfolio, including:
  • Leading on high-level visits and events related to digital governance
  • Briefing and advising UK Mission senior officials on processes such as the UN Statistical Commission or STI Forum
• Represent the UK and negotiate in the General Assembly and its Committees on issues that are cyber/digital/technology related, including:
  • The Global Digital Compact
  • Resolutions on ICTs for Sustainable Development
  • Resolutions on STI for Development where digital systems are central to the policy process
  • Protection and promotion of human rights in digital spaces, where those rights are shaped by the existence of ICTs
• Coordinate with UK government departments – primarily FCDO and DSIT – on the UK’s international engagement in cyber/digital/technology processes. This includes:
  • Inputting into policy development on digital governance
  • Feeding back on political developments in UN digital processes
  • Preparing UK Ambassadors and senior officials for engagements on digital governance, AI, and DPI

Essential on arrival:

• At least one year of relevant experience working on cyber, digital, technology, or international governance issues, ideally in a multilateral or cross-government context.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, with the ability to represent UK positions in multilateral negotiations and draft clear, strategic policy advice.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage a high volume of work under pressure, including preparing briefings, coordinating visits, and supporting senior officials.
• Proven ability to build effective working relationships with colleagues and external stakeholders, such as Whitehall departments and international partners.
• A good understanding of the United Nations system, particularly the General Assembly and its Committees, and how Member States engage with digital and technology-related processes.
• Willingness to work flexibly and collaboratively in a fast-paced team environment.

Language requirements:

• English (Expert)