Main purpose of job:

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 Senior Policy Advisor on Asia & cross-cutting UN Security Council issues in the Political Section. 
The jobholder will sit in the Europe, Asia and Strategic Threats Team, with potential to lead on several Asia dossiers (e.g. Afghanistan, Central Asia, Myanmar) and provide additional support on the procedural workings of the UN Security Council to the UK Political Coordinator. The Asia 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 Security Council and its procedures are required, in particular procedural knowledge of the Presidency Programme of Work, and UNSC elections, understanding of how Security Council resolutions are negotiated and Asia policy files at the UN are highly desirable. 

Roles and responsibilities:

The work will include:

• Policy work and diplomatic representation on Asia policy files, including but not limited to: negotiating Security Council products, providing briefings for the Permanent Representative and other senior members of the UK Mission, attending relevant UNSC Committees (e.g. 1988 sanctions committee) and diplomatic reporting on Asia issues

• Providing support to the Political Coordinator, and the rest of Political Section as required, on procedural workings of the UN Security Council, including attending meetings of the Informal Working Group (IWG).

• Assisting with UNSC cross-cutting issues, including for example, high level meetings of the Security Council, especially Ministerial meetings and the UK PresidencyLeading on annual UNSC elections and incoming member engagement at post.

• Additional duties, tasks, and/or projects as assigned.

Essential on arrival:

• Significant professional experience in a relevant field (i.e. public service sector)

• Excellent written and oral communication skills;.

• Track record of organisational skills, including managing multiple tasks and strong attention to detail;

• Strong knowledge of UN Security Council working practices.

• Track record of policy/diplomatic type work, ideally on Asia files.

• Keen and flexible team player, ready to help out all colleagues and sections when they need it;

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

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.