View Vacancy - Deputy Permanent Representative to the Conference on Disarmament, C4 Genève (CHEG207)

The United Kingdom Mission to the UN and other International Organisations in Geneva represents the interests and policies of the UK at many international organisations and is currently looking for an experienced and highly motivated Deputy Permanent Representative to the Conference on Disarmament.

Geneva is the focal point for multilateral arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament activity. The 65-member Conference on Disarmament, the negotiating body of the UN Disarmament Machinery, meets for 27 weeks a year. The Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention holds its meetings in Geneva, as does the Arms Trade Treaty, the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons, the Anti-Personnel Land Mines Convention and the Convention on Cluster Munitions. This ensures an active community of interest comprising member states, think tanks, NGOs and the secretariats.

As part of a small team the successful candidate will be responsible for contributing to the delivery of UK priorities for multilateral arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament, in Geneva and New York as well as elsewhere as necessary, representing the UK and working closely with colleagues in London to support policy development.

Main Duties / Responsibilities

• Develop a wide-ranging network of internal and external stakeholders, to include the UN and Convention Secretariats, other member states and the EU Delegation, relevant Whitehall departments, and civil society.
• In support of the Permanent Representative, represent the UK at arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament meetings and influence Geneva stakeholders in support of UK interests.
• Follow and provide analysis on developments within the UN’s Disarmament Machinery, in particular the Conference on Disarmament and the First Committee of the UN General Assembly, and other relevant Conventions.
• Work closely with London and to develop UK policy on arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament issues.
  • Make a contribution to the corporate life of the Mission.

This position is open only to holders of a UK Passport. It involves travel outside of Switzerland including a sustained period of 4-5 weeks in New York at least once each year.

• Fluency in English (i.e. the ability to draft correspondence and cover meetings) is essential;
• Strong spoken and written communication skills, including the ability to produce written reports in a timely manner and in a clear and concise style;
• 3 - 5 years of professional experience of the UN/multilateral system, preferably in non-proliferation, disarmament and/or arms control;
• Proven strong skills in planning, organisation and administration towards the achievement of team objectives: ability to work flexibly to manage competing priorities and work under pressure to tight deadlines;
• Excellent interpersonal and team-working skills including significant experience representing a Member State or organisation in face-to-face meetings. Ability to work in a multi-cultural environment with respect for diversity;