The British Government’s Embassy in Washington DC has an exciting opportunity for a proactive and self-driven person to join the Development, Humanitarian and Human Rights Policy team in the Foreign, Security and Development Section – as the US Development Policy Adviser. This opportunity is a rewarding role which supports and further develops the special relationship between the UK and the US in the areas of economic development, development finance, humanitarian assistance, conflict prevention and human rights in order to make a real difference in a more geopolitical and contested world.

As part of a busy and dynamic Development, Humanitarian and Human Rights Policy team, you will help to advance the UK’s international development policy priorities with the US government and other partners. The vision of which is to create a world free from poverty on a liveable planet by:

• Modernising the UK’s approach to development.
• Strengthening the UK’s international development leadership.
• Supporting faster reform to the global financial system to tackle unsustainable debt and kleptocracy, and to unlock finance for development.
• Addressing fragility, prevent and resolve conflict, and tackle uncontrolled migration.
• Empowering women and girls in every part of the world.
• Ensuring a rapid and agile UK humanitarian operation to support the world’s most vulnerable.

As the US Development Policy Adviser you will be monitoring, analysing and reporting on US domestic policy making processes by the US Administration, Congress and other policy influencers (think-tanks, NGOs and academia) in order to provide evidence based and objective policy advice to the Development Counsellor (UK Diplomat) on opportunities and risks for US-UK strategic partnerships on international development, humanitarian and human rights policy.

In analysing US policy, trends and outcomes in the areas noted above, you will have to be a team player, able to work effectively and efficiently (in an inclusive and respectful manner) with your team, across the section, and the Embassy – in a matrix ways of working approach.
As you will be representing the UK government in external meetings you will have to have good networking and speaking/presenting skills in order to contribute to British diplomatic engagement outcomes.

Terms and Conditions summary:

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, reporting to a UK Diplomat, and working side-by-side with other 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.

Roles and responsibilities:

I. Policy Research, Analysis, Reporting and Advice

• Supporting the Development Counsellor with the monitoring, analysing and reporting on US International Development, humanitarian and human rights policy.
• Tracking the US Administration’s plans, announcements and impacts related to international development, humanitarian and human rights policy.
• Producing clear, concise and evidence-based reports in the FCDO/British Government style.
• Use statistics, data and infographics to contribute to improved analysis and reporting.
• Contribute to drafting and reviewing Ministerial and senior officials’ briefing and policy papers from the team, section, Embassy and Headquarters in London.
• Contribute to or produce monthly roundups updating London and the US Network on top level and relevant developments in the team’s policy areas.
• Note: Upon arrival you will agree with the Development Counsellor on areas of policy that you will lead on.

II. Congressional Foreign Assistance Budget Monitoring, Analysis and Reporting

• Supporting the Development Counsellor with monitoring, analysing and reporting on the US Congress’ deliberations and decisions on US foreign assistance related to international development and humanitarian assistance (that is classed as Overseas Development Assistance by the OECD DAC).
• Contribute to or produce quarterly roundups and forward look reports updating London and the US Network on top level and relevant developments in Congressional debates and decisions relevant to the team’s policy areas.

III. Deputy Team Leader

• Supporting the Development Counsellor/team leader with team leadership and management, by occasionally deputising for the team leader, particularly in internal corporate meetings, and external engagements.
• As requested by the Development Counsellor, attend and effectively and professionally represent the UK at external diplomatic and international events.

IV. US think-tanks/civil society/academia

• Engage with, monitor and report on think-tanks, civil society and academic organisations that influence US policy on international development, humanitarian and human rights policy.
• Partner and organise events with US think-tanks/civil society (conferences, seminars, roundtable discussions etc…).

V. Ministerial and Senior Officials Visits

• Effectively, efficiently and professionally manage UK Ministerial and Senior Officials visits to the USA related to your policy areas, and as instructed by the Development Counsellor.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):  None.

• Prior experience in a professional work environment in the areas of international development, or international relations, or diplomacy, or government or other related areas;
• Excellent influencing and communication skills, both written and oral;
• Strong analytical skills, and able to effectively and accurately collate and present data;
• Strong networking and relationship-building skills;
• Self-motivated and able to work autonomously;
• Highly organised, adaptable in managing day-to-day work and able to quickly re-prioritise as necessary;
• Comfortable with high profile and senior interaction, as well as routine administrative work related to a heavy inward visits schedule at the Embassy;
• Knowledge of US foreign policy, particularly as it applies to international development, humanitarian assistance and human rights – both bilateral and multilateral policy;
• Knowledge on how the US Congress (Senate and House) operate, particularly in the areas of budget (foreign assistance) oversight and authorisation, and ability to research and report on Congressional debates and decisions.

Applicants for this position must be a national of one of the following countries: UK, US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand.

US State Department requirements, the UK Government in the US has restrictions on the type of visas our non-diplomatic staff may hold. If you are not a US Citizen or a US Permanent Resident, or the dependent of a diplomat (with an EAD card), you may not be eligible for employment with the UK government. We cannot accept student Visas (J1, F or M) nor other forms of work Visas (I, H, P). If you hold a work visa it is best to check on your eligibility to work for a foreign government before applying for a position. The UK Government does not routinely sponsor work visas; the job advertisement will state clearly whether sponsorship is available.

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 written and spoken English.