View Vacancy - Political Officer British Consulate General New York

Main purpose of job:

The Political Officer is key to the British Government’s understanding of US politics and engagement with US political actors in the region of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Fairfield County Connecticut. The Political Officer’s role is threefold: to provide political analysis and reporting of US politics in the region; to engage an extensive network of political contacts in the region (in Federal, State, City, private sector, foundation, NGO and academic positions) on our policy priorities; support senior officials and Government Ministers to engage effectively in the region (including through organising visits) and deliver UK policy priorities in the region by engaging and working with US stakeholders on these priority areas.

The Political Officer works closely with the Consul General and Deputy Consul General, as well as supporting our Embassy in DC, the Ambassador to the US and many senior government officials and ministers. The role is based in New York, but the jobholder regularly travels outside NYC.

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

• Lead the Consulate General’s political engagement in the States of New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Fairfield County Connecticut.

• Cultivate networks of contacts with key political opinion formers, governors, mayors, state legislatures, party chairs and think tanks, foundations, business leaders, NGOs, Presidential campaigns, Congressional candidates, lobby groups, faith groups, academics, and the Irish American Community etc.

• Produce regular reporting and analysis of key political and policy developments in the region significant to UK interests.

• To engage these networks on a wide range of UK Government priorities and support Ministers and senior officials that visit New York to do so, including economic and trade issues, the peace process in Northern Ireland, our foreign policy, the UK’s anti-trafficking agenda, counter-terrorism etc.

• Provide programme ideas and planning for Prime Ministerial, Ministerial and senior official visits and written and oral briefings. Represent the UK Government at some external events and through advocacy work. Leading the US elements of UN General Assembly week programme, including planning Ministerial programmes and events.

• Work closely with the Political and policy teams in DC and London on all of the above.

• Take an active role in creating an inclusive and productive workplace.

• Participate in crisis training and exercise and be part of the Consulate-wide team response in the event of a crisis.

       Essential on arrival:

• Five years prior experience in the public sector, a foundation, an NGO, academic or advocacy role.
• Political expertise in the NY, NJ, PA and Fairfield County CA region.
• Established political network of contacts in the region.
• Prior experience of a government policy-making environment.
• Excellent analysis, good written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication and advocacy skills.
• Ability to deliver through teams and work productively with wider networks of colleagues.