View Vacancy - Senior Policy Adviser

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer.  We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)
UKMIS (UK Mission to the United Nations)

Main purpose of job:

Terrorism and violent extremism are priority issues for the UK. Our work with international partners is critical to how we tackle these challenges. But the manner in which countries deal with these threats can be very different. The UN is the place where all countries’ different approaches to countering terrorism and preventing violent extremism collide. We and our partners have to work hard to ensure that our ideas win the debate and that the UN system and its Member States adopt the right approaches.

The jobholder will lead on Counter-Terrorism (CT) and Preventing Violent Extremism (PVE) issues in the Political Section of the UK Mission. As one of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, working at the UK Mission affords unique responsibilities and opportunities, including leading negotiations at the Security Council and in the General Assembly.

The jobholder will represent UK interests in the 1267 Al Qaeda / ISIL Sanctions Committee, the Counter-Terrorism Committee and with the UN Office for Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) and other UN agencies. The jobholder will advise the Ambassador on CT and PVE issues at the UN, and will work closely with UK government partners in London and across the UK diplomatic network to ensure that UK policies and interests are protected and promoted at the UN.

Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?:

Counter-terrorism and Preventing Violent Extremism is a priority issue for the UK and many other UN Member States. The UN system is growing its CT/PVE activity rapidly, funded and encouraged by a range of countries – not all of whom share our values or interests. This is an exciting and challenging time to work on these topics. The jobholder may also contribute on occasion to wider work on international security issues.

The jobholder will be responsible for covering the range of CT and PVE issues at the UN. This involves negotiating Security Council and General Assembly documents, reporting meetings, managing the caseload of CT sanctions in the 1267 AQ/ISIL regime, representing UK positions in Committees, providing advice and drafting speeches for the Ambassador to deliver in the Security Council and other UN fora, and seeking out opportunities for the UK to work with other Member States, civil society and the UN system to secure our CT/PVE objectives.

As a permanent member of the Security Council and a globally-respected voice on CT/PVE, the UK is influential on these issues at the UN. We have strong partnerships with other countries, but we also have many competitors. The jobholder will need sound judgment and excellent prioritisation skills to work through the range of work that comes up. It will be essential for the jobholder to understand UK priorities on CT/PVE and how these can be achieved through the UN, as well as links to the broader strategic picture. The work itself spans detailed, quasi-legal textual negotiations with broad geo-politics. The jobholder will need to be comfortable with both and capable of operating at both tactical and strategic levels.

The job requires core diplomatic skills. The jobholder will be expected to communicate effectively in written and oral communication. Presenting UK arguments in clear, coherent and persuasive language is fundamental to success. The jobholder will develop expertise in multilateral approaches to CT and be an effective advocate to colleagues in London and across the Mission for how the UK can make the most of the UN to secure UK interests.

The jobholder will build a network across UK government in London in order to report to and represent the wide range of stakeholders on CT/PVE policy. Doing the job effectively requires delivering for that network as well as establishing load-bearing relationships with other diplomats at the UN and UN staff working on CT/PVE.

This is a challenging role with the opportunity to lead on some of the Security Council’s highest profile issues and to develop specific expertise on terrorism and extremism issues.  The portfolio may evolve as the job holder 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 as needed.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

Personal expenses budget

  • An undergraduate or postgraduate degree in a relevant field;
  • At least 7 years of relevant work experience, including work on national or international security policy, CT or PVE policy;
  • Proven track record of influencing a wide range of stakeholders;
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills in English;
  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to work independently as well as part of a larger team;
  • Ability to work flexibly and adapt to changing priorities across a range of tasks and responsibilities that require long-term planning, as well as reaction to urgent day-to-day developments.
  • Experience of public service work;
  • Knowledge of the work of the UN, particularly regarding peace and security issues;
  • Knowledge of human rights law and international humanitarian law;
  • Familiarity with UK Government.
29 November 2020
Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Full-time, Permanent
40
Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories
United States
UK Mission to the United Nations, New York
UK Delegation
1
USD
$92,194.00 per annum
1 February 2021

The target salary for this position is $92,194.00 gross per annum. Salary will be confirmed upon offer of employment and is non-negotiable.

Remote working opportunities are currently mandatory, and working patterns will be at the line manager’s discretion. Note that this post requires attendance at events and meetings set by the UN and other member states, which will not be flexible and may occasionally take place during the evenings and weekends. 

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 visa holders with EAD cards*. If you hold a visa other than an A visa you are not currently eligible to work at our office. Please refer to our website for information on exceptions to this policy at www.gov.uk/government/world/usa. All selected candidates are subject to background checks and will require a security clearance prior to starting work.
*A visas are acceptable at the Embassy and Consulates. The UK Mission to the UN (UKMIS) accepts G visas, and British Defense Staff (BDS) outposts accept A or NATO visas.

There is considerable scope for personal development in the range of responsibilities outlined, and through the UK Mission’s Learning & Development Budget and the UK Government’s Diplomatic Academy. Proactive candidates will also identify further opportunities for development, such as shadowing and possible field visits.

The UK Government operating in the US offers a substantial benefits package including generous leave, a choice of medical insurance, 401(k) matching up to 7%, extensive learning opportunities and a great work/life balance.
Staff recruited locally are subject to terms and conditions of service in accordance with US, state, and/or local employment law.

Individuals who are not a US taxpaying citizen will be paid a net salary based on a simulated US tax status.

Internal candidates must inform their supervisor before they apply to a different position.

Only successful candidates will be contacted. Please no phone calls. Due to the high volume of resumes we receive, we cannot guarantee consideration of your application if the submission instructions are not properly followed.

The British Embassy is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and to creating a diverse working environment, free from discrimination, where everyone is included and treated fairly, based on merit alone. We are an equal opportunity employer, making all employment decisions without regard to race, gender, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation or any other criterion protected by law.

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This opportunity is closed to applications.