Main purpose of job

The British Government’s Mission to the United Nations in New York City is offering an exciting opportunity to join the General Assembly and Human Rights Team as a Human Rights Policy Advisor. This is a meaningful role which supports and further develops the special relationship between the UK and the US – contributing to work shaping international diplomacy to make a real difference globally.

The US Network offers a unique, career-enhancing opportunity and is committed to supporting its staff through a comprehensive benefits package- including generous leave, competitive insurance options, a top-tier 401(k) programme, and access to world-class learning and development resources. 

We are committed to fostering a healthy work-life balance and supporting employee wellbeing through a structured hybrid working model that includes opportunities for remote work and flexible hours, where operational needs allow.

In this role, you will be part of a dynamic international environment spanning the British Government’s extensive network across the United States and the United Kingdom, which includes the Embassy in Washington, the UK Mission to the United Nations, multiple Consulates, and other Government Offices—comprising over 900 staff and supporting the work of approximately 30 UK government departments and agencies.

This is a chance to contribute directly to expanding the UK’s influence with the other 192 member states of the United Nations. The jobholder will lead work on human rights, primarily in the General Assembly, but also through the Economic and Social Council as well as other commissions, to build and maintain a network of contacts; provide policy advice and written/oral updates, including briefing to the UK Permanent Representative and/or Deputy Permanent Representative on human rights priorities, as required. The jobholder will be the policy lead for economic, social and cultural rights, while representing the UK in negotiations on particular human rights portfolios, including civil society, ageing, youth and disabilities.

The UK Mission to the United Nations 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 a work/life balance approach that encompasses hybrid working, including some remote working and flexible hours, where possible. In this role, you would be working in a diverse international environment working with UK diplomats and other country-based staff, armed forces personnel, UK government officials based in the UK and across the UK overseas network, foreign diplomats and UN officials. 

Roles and responsibilities

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to, those outlined below. The successful candidate should be prepared to work flexibly across a range of tasks:

• Act as policy adviser and UK Mission focal point on a diverse portfolio of human rights issues by coordinating UK positions with relevant departments in London; representing the UK at Member State and United Nations meetings, including negotiating resolutions; and providing advice, briefing and other policy support to Ambassadors and other UK officials in New York.
• Work independently to lead negotiations on high-profile resolutions and other products in the General Assembly, Third Committee and other UN forums, including the Commission on the Status of Women, building a range of contacts with key counterparts in other UN Missions.
• Areas of policy focus include championing civil society space at the UN and playing a key role in supporting the UK’s membership of the NGO Committee (the main UN body for accrediting NGOs to access and work with Member States at the UN). Other focus areas include ageing, disabilities and other marginalised groups.
• Provide policy cover and support as needed to other members of the team and wider Mission on human rights issues, the Third Committee of the General Assembly, and the ECOSOC Functional Commissions.
• Build a network of key contacts across member states and in the United Nations, to support the above objectives.
• Support delivery across the team’s operations as needed, including leading on high-level visits and events, briefing and advising UK Mission senior officials.

Resources managed

• Potentially some programme funds (circa $50k)

• At least one to two years of relevant work experience.
• Experience of work in a fast-paced, professional office environment.
• Excellent written and oral communication and stakeholder management, particularly with senior stakeholders.
• Strong teamwork and negotiation skills.
• Excellent research skills and ability to produce oral and written reports/briefs for a range of audiences.
• Knowledge of international human rights issues and policies, or wider international relations.
• Strong organizational, project and time management skills, with very good attention to detail; ability to prioritise and deliver results across multiple areas of work.
• Excellent networking skills with the ability to develop and maintain long-lasting and load-bearing relationships at all levels.
• Flexible and resilient under pressure, and decisive, with a proven track record of delivering results to a high standard within tight deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
• Willingness to work additional hours as necessary, especially during peak periods throughout the year.
• Legal status to live and work in the US in your own right, from time of Application. Please note this role is not eligible for visa sponsorship.