Main purpose of job:

The British Government’s Consulate in New York has an exciting opportunity for a dynamic person to join the Policy and Public Affairs Team as Political Officer. This opportunity is a rewarding role which supports and further develops the special relationship between the UK and the US, working at the forefront of international diplomacy in order to make a real difference globally.

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 side-by-side with 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 Political Officer is key to the British Government’s understanding of US politics and engagement with US political actors in the region of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Fairfield County Connecticut. The Political Officer’s role is threefold: to provide political analysis and reporting of US politics in the region; to engage an extensive network of State and City political and stakeholder contacts in the region on our policy priorities; support senior officials and Government Ministers to engage effectively in the region (including through organising visits) and deliver UK policy priorities in the region by engaging and working with US stakeholders on these priority areas.

As a core member of a small policy team, the Political Officer works closely with the Consul General and Deputy Consul General, our Communications and Media team, as well as supporting our Embassy in DC, the Ambassador to the US and many senior government officials and ministers. The role is based in New York, but the jobholder regularly travels outside NYC.

The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated individual who enjoys being busy, has excellent organisation skills, is able to build a network of influence, and who is flexible and willing to take on new opportunities as they arise. The successful candidate will have an interest in US politics and have an established network of contacts in the political world. The post holder will have a good understanding of the US politics in the region and should be comfortable distilling complex ideas into simple concepts. The post holder may be expected as part of their duties such as assisting in the running of a senior visitor programme to visit locations in the NYC area.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Lead the Consulate General’s political engagement in the States of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Fairfield County, Connecticut. 
• Cultivate networks of contacts with key political opinion formers, governors, mayors, state legislatures, party chairs and think tanks, foundations, business leaders, NGOs, Presidential campaigns, Congressional candidates, lobby groups, faith groups, academics, and the Irish American Community etc. 
• Engage stakeholders throughout the region both virtually and in person and represent the UK Government at external events and through advocacy work. 
• Produce regular reporting and analysis of key political and policy developments in the region significant to UK interests
• To engage these networks, host and attend events, on a wide range of UK Government priorities and support Ministers and senior officials visiting New York, including economic and trade issues, and foreign and domestic policy priorities
• Provide programme ideas and planning for Prime Ministerial, Ministerial and senior official visits and written and oral briefings.
• Play a leading role in the UK’s bilateral elements of UN General Assembly week programme, including planning Ministerial programmes and events.
• Work closely with the Political and policy teams in DC and London on all of the above.
• Take an active role in creating an inclusive and productive workplace. 
• Participate in crisis training and exercise and be part of the Consulate-wide team response in the event of a crisis.
• Any other duties as assigned.

Essential on arrival:

• Substantial prior professional experience in the public sector, a foundation, think tank, academic or advocacy role or as a staffer for an officer holder.
• Political expertise in the NY, NJ, PA and Fairfield County CT region.
• Excellent analysis, good written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and advocacy skills.
• Ability to deliver through teams and work productively with wider networks of colleagues.

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, or A, NATO, and L2 visa holders with EAD cards.  

* The UK Mission to the UN (UKMIS) may sponsor a G visa in exceptional circumstances.

* L2 visa holders are required to independently secure a valid EAD card after receiving an offer of employment and before starting employment.  

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