Main purpose of job:

The British Government’s Mission in New York has an exciting opportunity for a dynamic and enterprising person to join the General Assembly, Human Rights and Management, Reform and Finance Section as a Policy Adviser – Digital Technologies (50% of the role) and Science and Innovation (50% of the role).  This opportunity is a rewarding role that supports and advances UK’s priorities in the United Nations, working at the forefront of multilateral diplomacy on exciting and emerging topics.

The UK Mission to the United Nations 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 with UK diplomats, armed forces personnel, country-based staff, and officials at the British Consulate General in New York, UK government officials based in the UK and across the UK overseas network, as well as foreign diplomats and UN officials.

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.  

On wider science, tech and innovation, working closely with the Humanitarian, Development and Peacebuilding Section of the Mission, you will promote the role of science, research, technology, data and innovation in progressing sustainable development and the SDGs, including bridging digital divides.

The role offers opportunities to work through the General Assembly and the Economic and Social Council, and occasional working through the Security Council.

The ideal candidate will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills; strong analytical and organisational abilities; the ability to prioritise and deliver results across multiple areas of work; and ability to work proactively in emerging areas to shape UK policy and strategy.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Policy adviser and UK Mission expert-level lead on digital technologies and science, technology and innovation for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
• Provide leadership on digital technology policy areas, including governance of the internet; responsible, trustworthy and safe Artificial Intelligence; digital public infrastructure; and promoting human rights online.
• Provide leadership on wider science, tech and innovation policy areas, including promoting the role of science, research, technology, data and innovation in progressing sustainable development and the SDGs in line with UK International Development White Paper priorities; and, supporting inclusive, responsible and sustainable digital transformation in low and middle-income countries in line with the UK’s Digital Development Strategy 2024-2030.
• Support delivery across the team’s operations as needed, including leading on high-level visits and events, briefing and advising UK Mission senior officials (e.g. annual UN Statistical Commission, UN Science, Technology and Innovation Forum, UN Geospatial Committee).
• Represent the UK and negotiate in the General Assembly and its Committees. This could include UN processes such as the Global Digital Compact, second committee resolutions on ICTs for Sustainable Development or Science, Technology and Innovation for Sustainable Development.
• Work with relevant government departments in HQ, primarily the FCDO and Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), inputting into policy development and feeding back on political developments, negotiating statements and mandates, and preparing UK Ambassadors or other senior officials for meetings.
• The postholder will need to work collegiately in a fast-paced and changing environment and be willing to support other team members and priorities as needed.
  

• At least two years of relevant experience working on science, innovation, or technology-related issues.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with a good understanding of the challenges and sensitivities of working with other UN Member States.
• Reliable, capable under pressure, able to complete multiple tasks and high volume of work on deadline with colleagues and with considerable autonomy.
• An ability to build rapport with colleagues and wider stakeholders to enable excellent working relationships, with relevant experience to demonstrate this.
• An understanding of the United Nations system.
• Willingness to work flexibly in busy periods to support the Mission.
• Fluency in written and spoken English.

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. 

Visa sponsorship for this role may be considered but cannot be guaranteed. Please be clear on your application if you do not have the right to work in the US and/or would require visa sponsorship to undertake this role.

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.