Job Description

Overview The UK mission to the United Nations in New York is offering an exciting opportunity to join the Private Office as Private Secretary to the UK Permanent Representative. The UN sits at the heart of the multilateral system; it is the forum where global geopolitics play out in day-to-day diplomacy and where the voices of all 193 Member States are heard. The work of the mission spans across and is an enabler to all FCDO priorities, with a critical role in security and development priorities, playing a supporting role in driving the climate and nature and migration agenda, and driving stability and prosperity which is critical to global and UK growth. As Private Secretary to the Permanent Representative in the Private Office, you will be at the heart of the UK Mission to the UN’s work. Positioned within Private Office, you will work closely with all sections in the Mission (Political, Human Rights, Humanitarian) and external partners including other Missions and external organisations. Responsibilities Roles and responsibilities To monitor all communication coming into the Private Office (emails, mail etc), using judgement in order to delegate or taking other action as required; this includes seeking policy advice on diary requests; passing on invitations, meeting requests etc to the Chief of Staff; handle all incoming post. Tracking requests from the Permanent Representative (PR) to the wider Mission (e.g. draft replies, advice). PA support including sending out official correspondence, dealing with enquiries by telephone, providing support to the rest of Private Office as required including cover in times of absence. Budget management: profiling and monitoring spend against the Private Office travel and entertainment budget. Escorting guests to meetings with the PR, providing hospitality. Responsible for office stationery supplies including business cards. Arranging accommodation at the Residences for visiting VIPs, Ministers and officials, liaising with programme leads on all accommodation and hospitality arrangements to be made during visits. Diary management may include Manage all meetings and engagements for the PR, consulting experts, taking judgements on conflicts and prioritization, often managing senior managers and contacts around politically important issues. Writing to contacts and responding to invitations, complete diary management and providing well-judged advice to the PR and ensuring that each day is well-planned according to priorities and the PR’s preferences. Maintain contacts database ensuring it is always up to date and regularly transferred to PR Outlook contacts. Arrange all overseas travel (logistics, flights, visas, accommodation, etc.), and organising visit programmes. Social Secretary/event delivery may include Management of social events for the PR. Draw up guest lists and invitations, providing specific advice as required on possible attendees; chase attendance; bring in reserve invitees as required. Prepare name plates, table plans and menu cards for events at the Residences. Close liaison with Residence staff on preparations for the events, updates on numbers of attendees, coordinate with the Chef to ensure menu meets dietary requirements, and ensuring high-class service and quality of every aspect of official entertainment. Advisory role to Mission staff on organising events to be hosted by the PR. Input into major events such as UN General Assembly Ministerial week, UK’s Presidency of the Security Council. Working with the Visits and Events Team on large-scale functions hosted by the PR. Resources managed The Private Office team supports the PR and Deputy PR. You will report to the Chief of Staff. It is essential that the Private Office perform to a high standard at all times to meet the expectations of the senior leaders in the UK Mission. Essential qualifications, skills and experience Excellent IT skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office suite. Excellent organisational skills, time management and attention to detail. Fluency in written and spoken English and excellent writing skills. Demonstrated diary management experience. A strong team player, ability to work with colleagues, mostly senior, to deliver tasks and a quality service. Outstanding interpersonal skills. Exceptional customer service skills, including in representational scenarios, with senior external contacts and visitors and a wide range of other stakeholders. Legal status to live and work in the US in your own right, from time of application. Due to security requirements, must hold one (or more) of the following passports: UK, US, Canada, Australia and/or New Zealand. Desirable qualifications, skills and experience Previous EA/PA or Private Office experience, especially for a senior figure. Knowledge and understanding of the UN and/or the diplomatic community in New York. Familiarity of working in public service, particularly with the UK Government. Experience coordinating/managing events, travel and logistics. You must have the right to live and work in the US to take up this role, whether in your own right or as a dependent, and be able to demonstrate that when required. If you are not a US citizen, dual US citizen or US Permanent Resident, it is your responsibility check your eligibility to work for a foreign government in the United States, and specifically to work in this role at this location and provide proof of your eligibility via an Employment Authorisation Document or other relevant document when required. The UK Government does not routinely sponsor work visas. We cannot accept student Visas (J1, F or M) nor other forms of work Visas (I, H, P). You may refer to our website for additional information: All selected candidates are subject to background checks and will require a security clearance prior to starting work. Learning and Development/Benefits The British Embassy and its US Network is committed to all employee’s ongoing learning and development needs. We offer a comprehensive platform for personalised learning for everything from soft skill development (communicating with impact, handling difficult conversations, time management) to more technical or professional skills necessary to complete your job (software training, formal qualifications etc.). The UK Government operating in the US offers a substantial benefits package including generous leave, a choice of medical insurance, 401(k) matching up to 7%, extensive learning opportunities and a great work/life balance. Working patterns The job holder(s) will be expected to work in the office 5 days a week as standard, although there will be periods e.g. when the (D)PR is travelling, when working from home may be permitted. Please note the need to work occasional evenings as required in order to attend functions (as the PR may request). There are also peak times in the year (e.g. UN General Assembly, held annually in September) when additional hours will need to be worked. The two successful candidates will work staggered hours. One will work earlier in the morning and finish earlier and one will start mid-morning and finish later in the evening. There will be the opportunity to express preference due to personal circumstances. Deadline The deadline for applications is 23:55 (EDT) on 2 September 2025. Job details Job Category: UK Mission Job Subcategory: Private Office, UKMIS (UK Mission to the United Nations) Required behaviours: Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Working Together Grade: Executive Officer (EO) Type of Position: Full-time, Permanent Working hours per week: 40 Region: Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories Country/Territory: United States Location (City): UK Mission to the United Nations, New York Type of Post: UK Delegation Number of vacancies: 2 Start Date: 29 September 2025 Seniorities and Function (illustrative) Seniority level: Associate Employment type: Full-time Job function: Administrative, Strategy/Planning, and Other Industries: Government Administration, International Affairs, and Public Policy Offices #J-18808-Ljbffr Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Work at office, Work from home, Overseas, Visa sponsorship, Work visa, Day shift, Afternoon shift, Early shift,

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