Senior Policy Advisor – Europe and Disarmament, Political Section

Position description

The British Government’s Mission to the United Nations in New York (UKMIS) has an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic and driven individual to act as Policy Advisor on Europe and disarmament issues.

The jobholder will sit in the Europe, Asia and Strategic Threats Team, providing support to the team leader on Ukraine, and covering a variety of bilateral Europe files and multilateral disarmament issues, such as UN First Committee and the UN Disarmament Commission. It is the opportunity to understand how the UN Security Council functions, as well as broader UN and international processes such as the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty Review Conference in 2026. The portfolio is not fixed, and the job holder should expect to work on a range of different files during their time in the role, according to UK and UNSC foreign policy priorities. 

The US Network offers a unique career enhancing opportunity and is committed to supporting its staff through a variety of benefits including generous leave, insurance packages and a highly competitive 401k programme.  It also promotes a culture of flexibility which enables people to better maintain wellness through an excellent work/life balance approach that encompasses hybrid working, including working from home and flexible hours, where possible.  In this role you would be working in a diverse international environment working alongside UK diplomats, armed forces personnel and other country-based staff operating across the British Government’s network of Consulates and Government Offices in the United States. This network provides a platform for approximately 30 Government departments and agencies to conduct their work in the United States and is made up of over 900 staff with a rich and diverse background, skill sets, and experiences.  

The ideal candidate must have a can-do attitude. They will be an enthusiastic and flexible team player, able to deliver results quickly and accurately with great attention to detail and be able to shift priorities swiftly to a variety of different tasks. 

Strong written communication skills, along with experience of either disarmament issues, Europe including Ukraine or wider UN work is required. Understanding of UNSC issues is highly desirable. 

Roles and responsibilities:

Over the course of the year will include:

• Policy work and diplomatic representation on disarmament policy files including helping shape HMG’s approach to disarmament issues at the UN for the next 3 year cycle of the UN Disarmament Commission, and working with colleagues in London and UKMIS Geneva on First Committee.
• Policy work and diplomatic representation on Europe including but not limited to: providing briefings for the Permanent Representative and other senior members of the UK Mission on bilateral Europe issues, attending relevant UNSC Committees and diplomatic reporting, and potentially, negotiating Security Council products,
• Providing support to the team leader on Ukraine, currently one of the most high-profile issues on the UNSC agenda, including preparing for UN Security Council meetings, especially ministerial meetings, and supporting delivery of Ukraine-focused events, including Arria-formulas, high level round tables etc.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience 1 

•    Substantial work experience in a relevant field
•    Excellent written and oral communication skills
•    Track record of organisational skills, including managing multiple tasks and strong attention to detail
•    Strong knowledge of either Europe, Ukraine or disarmament issues
•    Track record of policy/diplomatic type work (this does not have to be in government)
•    Keen and flexible team player, ready to help out all colleagues and sections when they need it

Language requirements: 

Language: English

Level of language required: Fluent (written and oral)

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience 1 

•    Experience of work in public service
•    Familiarity with the UK Government
•    Experience of the UN Security Council 

Required behaviours 1 

Seeing the Big Picture, Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace, Working Together

Application instructions

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