Main purpose of job

The UK Government’s Mission to the United Nations (UKMIS) in New York has an exciting opportunity for a dynamic and driven person to join the Sustainable Development and Economic (SDE) Team in the Humanitarian, Development and Peacebuilding (HPD) Section, as a Climate and Nature Adviser. This opportunity is a rewarding role which supports and advances UK Government priorities on the Sustainable Development Goals at the United Nations (UN), to make a real difference globally.

This is a chance to contribute directly to expanding the UK’s influence within the UN. The jobholder will undertake strategic diplomatic work to help tackle the climate and nature crisis, as a top UK government priority. These issues cross-cut intergovernmental discussions in the UN General Assembly, its Second Committee and the Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), and other multilateral and UN fora outside New York. They will be expected to build and maintain a network of internal and external contacts; develop engagement and influencing strategies; represent the UK in UN discussions and negotiations; provide policy advice and written/oral briefing to UK Ambassadors, Ministers and other senior representatives, along with other work as required. The jobholder will manage a policy officer, and work in a team alongside colleagues working on broader sustainable development issues (on macroeconomic, financing for development, and social development).

This is a critical time to be working on these issues at the UN as its Member States focus on how to accelerate the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and its 17 Sustainable Development Goals at the halfway point towards the deadline, and with progress on mitigating climate change and biodiversity loss significantly off-track. This year is a pivotal point to influence, with UN conferences on the three Rio Conventions (UNFCCC, CBD, UNCCD) this year, and the 3rd UN Oceans Conference coming up in 2025. You will be working for a government who cares about this issue as a top priority, whose views are influential, and whose thought leadership and convening power are respected. The role of UKMIS is critical in supporting delivery of a wide range of UK government department views and objectives internationally at the UN.

UKMIS 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.

The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate their abilities in strategic awareness and planning, working with others, delivering results at pace, communicating and influencing, creative problem solving, good judgement and decision-making. There will be scope for the portfolio to grow as the jobholder 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, including outside your portfolio, as needed.

Roles And Responsibilities

Develop and deliver strategies, engagement plans and communications campaigns to guide and increase the UK’s international leadership on climate and nature issues
Represent the UK on climate and nature policy issues at United Nations HQ, including in Second Committee negotiations (annually Oct-Nov), wider General Assembly and ECOSOC discussions and events, working with HQ and member states to develop and promote UK positions and offers
Shape UK engagement on climate and nature issues for the 3rd International Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries (Dec 2024), UN Oceans Conference (June 2025), 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (June/July 2025), and World Social Summit (2025)
Provide high-quality advice for UK Ambassadors, Ministers and HQ Senior Civil Servants on key climate and nature issues being debated at the UN to support ability to influence at a senior level
Line manage one Climate & Environment Policy Officer
Work with UK government departments in HQ and at posts (including BCG, FCDO Energy, Climate & Environment leads, Climate & Environment Advisers, DEFRA, DESNZ, Nairobi, Geneva, DC, Bonn) to develop UK positions, feedback political developments, and influence policy and strategy
Develop and use strong relationships with other member states, the UN Secretariat and agencies (e.g. UN Climate Action Team, UNDP, UNOHRLLS, UNEP), and New York focal points for the World Bank, IMF, G77+, G20, G7 and SIDS to understand and report on stakeholder priorities, capitalise on opportunities in the international calendar, and influence on UK priorities
Develop expertise on UN and member state perspectives, processes, systems and procedures to advise colleagues across UKMis, FCDO and other government departments on UN working
Support delivery across UKMis New York operations as needed, including leading on Ministerial and Senior Official visits and events, briefing and statements, including for the annual UN Forum on Forests, UN High Level Political Forum (July), UN General Assembly and New York Climate Week (Sept)
Contribute to advancing the UK’s priorities for UNFCCC, CBD and UNCCD Conferences of Parties through complementary engagement at United National HQ
Help upskill the wider UKMis New York office on climate and nature priorities
Contribute to making the UK Mission a great place to be, through engaging in wider cross-mission visits, events, corporate activities, learning and development

Resources managed (staff and expenditure)

x 1 EO Climate & Environment Policy Officer

Department for Business and Trade jobs

Climate and Nature Adviser, Sustainable Development Team - UK Mission to the UN NY