View Vacancy - Policy and Analysis Officer - UK Mission to the UN, New York
Main purpose of job
The position of Policy and Analysis Officer is a full-time role availalble in the Management Reform and Finance team (MRF) at the UK Mission to the United Nations (UKMIS New York).
The UN sits at the apex of the international system that on the whole has kept the UK and our partners safe and prosperous since 1945. It needs to modernise and meet emerging challenges as it nears its 75th anniversary in 2020. As the UK leaves the EU, UKMIS New York will deliver a step-up in the UK’s visibility, influence and activity across the UN and with other UN Member States.
The eight person Management Reform and Finance (MRF) team is responsible for a wide range of work in the UK Mission including on the UN Programme (“Regular”) and Peacekeeping Budgets, UN management reform, governance and oversight. The team represents the UK in the UN's Fifth Committee (Budget and Administration) and leads work on UN elections and senior appointments.
This role will support critical functions within the team and wider Mission. The successful candidate will contribute to policy and budgetary work in support of the UK objective of a more efficient, effective UN, primarily covering UN reform and management, including by providing budget analysis, peacekeeping advice, supporting the team and negotiating on behalf of the UK as needed during General Assembly Fifth Committee negotiations.
This position is one of a number of new and restructured roles in UKMis contributing to work of the broader team in New York to deliver this step-up and the UK National Security Council agreed priorities of putting the Government’s work at the UN at the centre of the UK’s foreign policy going forward and delivering a strategic plan on the Rules-Based International System.
What will the jobholder be expected to achieve?
- Help to deliver policy objectives on UN and management reform, helping the UK play a leading role in supporting a more efficient, effective UN, leading work on oversight bodies, pattern of conferences and the Committee on Contributions;
- Advise UK staff on the budgetary implications of potential UN Security Council and General Assembly resolutions, in particular on UN Peacekeeping and Political Missions;
- UK Secretariat for the Fifth Committee Like-Minded Group and broader Geneva Group on UN budgets and reform, organising regular meetings including agreeing agendas, administrative arrangements and communications; Provide analysis of budget and performance data for the team in support of UK negotiating positions during budget negotiations;
- Provide additional support to the team as needed, and any other support needed during General Assembly Committee negotiating sessions (November, December, March, May, June), including negotiating, covering and reporting on UN meetings, support on ministerial visits programmes and events.
The successful candidate must have an adaptable approach with a willingness to learn and work flexibly across a broad range of issues, including new areas not covered above, which might emerge during the individual’s time in the role. Portfolios and responsibilities can change in UKMis, so the successful candidate will be one who is flexible and open to change to their role and to continuous improvement. All staff in UKMis take on ad hoc tasks, new work and projects, which emerge unexpectedly, and help other teams on work which is not part of their usual role, at times of pressure and increased workload. Therefore, the successful candidate will be collaborative, proactive and willing to help others enthusiastically.
Essential on arrival:
- Bachelors degree (or equivalent) and 3-5 years experience in a relevant field.
- Excellent written and oral communication skill; fluency in English.
- Making effective decisions: ability to make good use of evidence, knowledge and judgement to support well-considered decisions and advice.
- Ability to collate and analyse numerical or budgetary data.
- Collaborating & partnering: team-player who can build relationships and work collaboratively with others inside and outside the mission.
- Delivering at Pace: ability to achieve quality outcomes on time, working across multiple issues.
- Engaging internationally: ability to promote UK interests with international partners.
- Interest in the UN and policy work.
Desirable:
- Experience of work in the public service.
- Familiarity with the UK Government.
- Up-to-date knowledge of and interest in foreign policy issues; knowledge and understanding of the UN, international relations or international development.
Learning and development opportunities:
UKMis has an active Learning & Development Committee. Staff are encouraged to follow the 70:20:10 model and opportunities for L&D are many and varied, including access to some UN training and language courses.
The UK Mission prides itself on being a high-performing and exciting environment at the heart of multilateral policy-making. Learning and development is a top priority and staff are encouraged to take full advantage of the variety of excellent career development opportunities available. Outside of the core responsibilities there is scope to shape the role’s focus according to your own experience and interests.
Working patterns:
Monday to Friday, 09:00–17:30. Occasional evening and weekend work is required.
While the team can be very busy during General Assembly Fifth Committee sessions (November-December, March, May-June) at other times we support flexible working, including the option of working remotely one day a week.
Our values
We strive to nurture a diverse workforce by promoting policies that emphasise fairness, transparency, creativity and a comfortable and safe working environment in which individual differences are respected and the contributions of all staff are recognised and valued. The Mission values honesty, integrity, professionalism and teamwork. Treating all colleagues with respect is fundamental. We have a zero tolerance policy towards bullying, harassment and discrimination. We want staff to express themselves freely, to think creatively and to feel free to challenge policy perspectives constructively.
The job offers a strong benefits package. This package includes medical, dental, vision, life, long term and short term disability insurance, a 401(k) retirement savings plan, generous vacation and leave time, and an enriching training package.
Applicants must be either US citizens, US Green Card holders or G visa holders. Given the jobholder’s responsibilities and beneficial background knowledge of Government and UN operations, the UK Mission may consider sponsorship of a candidates application for a G Visa, if the candidate is the best applicant with all the proven experience listed above, and meets all other eligibility criteria, including the successful conclusion to background checks and security clearance.
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 applicants must inform their supervisors before applying. Only successful candidates will be contacted.
The British Embassy and UK Mission 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.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
