Main purpose of job:

The UK Government’s Mission to the United Nations (UKMIS) in New York has an exciting opportunity for a dynamic and driven person to join the Sustainable Development and Economic (SDE) Team in the Humanitarian, Development and Peacebuilding (HPD) Section, as a part-time Economics Adviser. This opportunity is a rewarding role which supports and advances UK Government priorities on the Sustainable Development Goals at the United Nations (UN), to make a real difference globally. 

This is a chance to contribute directly to expanding the UK’s influence within the UN. The jobholder will undertake work on strategic economics issues which cross-cut intergovernmental discussions on sustainable development policy in the UN General Assembly, its Second Committee and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), as well as other fora. They will be expected to build and maintain a network of internal and external contacts; represent the UK in UN discussions and negotiations; provide policy advice and written/oral briefing to UK Ambassadors, Ministers and other senior representatives, along with other work as required. The jobholder will work in a team with the policy lead for financing for development, alongside colleagues working on broader sustainable development issues (on climate and environment and social development). 

This is a critical time to be working on these issues at the UN as its Member States focus on how to put the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development into action ahead of the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development in 2025. You will be working for a government who cares about this issue as a top priority, whose views are influential, and whose thought leadership and convening power are respected. The role of UKMIS is critical in supporting delivery of a wide range of UK government department views and objectives at the UN.

UKMIS 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 a work/life balance approach that encompasses hybrid working, including some remote working and flexible hours, where possible.  In this role, you would be working in a diverse international environment working with UK diplomats and other country-based staff, armed forces personnel, UK government officials based in the UK and across the UK overseas network, foreign diplomats and UN officials. 

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate their abilities in working with others, delivering results at pace, communicating and influencing, strategic awareness, problem solving and judgement.  There will be scope for the portfolio to grow as the jobholder gains experience in the role.  You will work in a fast-paced and changing environment and must be willing to support other team members and priorities, including outside your portfolio, as needed.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Advise on UK policy engagement around a new UN Convention on International Tax Cooperation, the UN Multidimensional Vulnerability Index, and ‘Beyond GDP’, including representing the UK in discussions, negotiations and events
      
• Advise on economic and financing issues to shape the UK’s approach to and engagement in the Summit of the Future (Sept 2024), 3rd International Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (Dec 2024), 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (June/July 2025) and its preparatory committees, World Social Summit (2025) and UN Oceans Conference (2025)
      
• As needed, represent the UK in Second Committee negotiations (Oct-Nov) and wider General Assembly and ECOSOC discussions on economic development issues, working with HQ and member states to develop and promote UK positions and offers
      
• Work with UK government departments in HQ and at posts (including FCDO Finance leads, Economists and Statisticians, UK Treasury, Office for National Statistics, UKDel Washington, Paris) to develop UK positions, feedback political developments, and influence policy and strategy development
      
• Work with the macro-economic policy lead and others in SDE team and HPD section to drive UK strategy on cross-cutting economic, financing for development and financial system reform priorities, and upskill team on economic understanding and expertise 
      
• Develop policy papers and provide high-quality advice for UK Ambassadors and HQ Senior Civil Servants on key economics and development issues being debated at the UN (e.g. Debt, Tax, SDRs, SDG Stimulus), to build capacity, understanding and ability to influence at senior level
      
• Develop and use strong relationships with other member states, the UN Secretariat and agencies (e.g. UN DESA, UNDP, UNOHRLLS, UN Statistical Commission, Economists), and New York focal points for the World Bank, IMF, OECD, G77+, G20 and G7 to understand and report on stakeholder priorities, capitalise on opportunities in the international calendar, and influence to advance UK priorities 
      
• Develop expertise on UN and member state perspectives, processes, systems and procedures to advise colleagues across UKMis, FCDO and other government departments on UN working
      
• Support delivery across UKMis New York operations as needed, including leading on wider Ministerial and Senior Official visits and events, briefing and statements, including for the annual UN Financing for Development Forum, UN High Level Political Forum (July) and UN General Assembly (Sept)
      
• Contribute to making the UK Mission a great place to be, through engaging in wider cross-mission visits, events, corporate activities, learning and development 

• Relevant work experience 
     
• University degree in international development and/or economics 
     
• Expertise on international economics, financing and sustainable development issues and policy
     
• Experience of work in a fast-paced, professional office environment
     
• Excellent written and oral communication including public speaking, particularly with senior stakeholders
     
• Strong organisational, project and time management skills, with excellent attention to detail
     
• Ability to manage competing priorities, and prioritise and deliver results across multiple areas of work
     
• Keen and flexible team player
     
• Excellent networking skills with the ability to develop and maintain long-lasting relationships at all levels
     
• Flexible and resilient under pressure, and decisive, with a proven track record of delivering results to a high standard within tight deadlines
     
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Teams
     
• Willingness to work flexibly around part-time hours, especially during peak periods throughout the year

Please note: Under US State Department requirements, the UK Government in the US may only employ, as non-diplomatic staff, persons who are US citizens, US Permanent Residents, A and NATO visa holders with EAD cards, and L2 visa holders with an up-to-date I-94 form.

You may refer to our website for additional information: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/living-in-the-usa. All selected candidates are subject to background checks and will require a security clearance prior to starting work.

Language requirements: 

Language: English

Level of language required: Fluent