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 Policy Officer on finance and countries in special situations. This opportunity is a rewarding role which supports and advances UK’s priorities on means of implementation for the Sustainable Development Goals at the United Nations (UN) through implementation of the UK Government priorities, lobbying and contributing to complex UN negotiations in order 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 Financing for Development and countries in special situations (Small Island Developing States, Least Developed Countries, Landlocked Developing Countries), 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 contacts; represent the UK in negotiations, provide policy advice and written/oral briefing to UK Ministers, the UK Permanent Representative and other senior representatives, along with other tasks as required. The jobholder will work in a team with the policy lead for Financing for Development and Macro-economic issues, alongside colleagues working on broader sustainable development issues. 

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 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:

• Lead the UK’s partnership with and development offer to Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Least Developed Countries (LDCs), Landlocked Developing countries (LLDCs) and Middle-Income Countries (MICs) at the UN. Advise on the UK’s response to issues related to their sustainable development, including graduation, ODA eligibility, Beyond GDP and the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index.
• Work with the Macro-economic Policy Lead and others in the SDE Team to drive UK strategy and engagement at the UN on UK financing for development and international financial system reform priorities, especially on especially on the SDG Stimulus, international trade, private sector investment and remittances.
• Lead UK policy on private sector engagement for the SDGs and partnership with the UN Global Compact, understanding and reporting on stakeholder priorities, and scoping and planning opportunities in the UN / international calendar to help deliver UK objectives through joint meetings, events, and receptions to expand private sector investment and responsible business practices to accelerate progress on the SDGs.
• Coordinate UK membership of the UN’s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) and its subsidiary bodies, and engagement with UN Regional Economic Commissions.
• Maintain strong relationships with UN entities, including UN-OHRLLS, DESA, UNCTAD, UNDP, UN Global Compact, and the Statistical Commission, and New York focal points for the World Bank, IMF, OECD and Regional Economic Commissions.
• Support delivery across the team’s operations as needed, including leading on high-level visits and events, briefing, reports and advising UK Ministers and Senior Officials, including for the annual UN High Level Political Forum and UN General Assembly High Level Week.
• Represent the UK in General Assembly, ECOSOC and Second Committee negotiations on sustainable development issues, working with HQ colleagues and member states to develop and present UK positions.
• Develop expertise on UN and member state perspectives, processes, systems and procedures to advise colleagues across the UK Mission, FCDO and other government departments.
• Work with relevant government departments in HQ, primarily the FCDO, inputting into policy development and feeding back on political developments, negotiate statements and mandates, and prepare UK Ambassadors or other senior officials for meetings.
• Contribute to making the UK Mission a great place to be, through engaging in wider cross-mission visits, events and corporate activities.

• One to two years of relevant practical work experience.
• An interest in engaging with international stakeholders on macroeconomic issues, Financing for Development and sustainable development 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 very good 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 additional hours as necessary, especially during peak periods throughout the year.
• Ability to write reports and deliver briefings to a high standard.
• Fluent written and spoken English.
• Legal status to live and work in the US in your own right, from time of application.

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 visa holders with EAD cards, and L2 visa holders with an up-to-date I-94 form.

This role is not open to sponsorship.

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.