Disarmament and Arms Control Attaché (CHEG25.130)

Who are we?

The UK Mission to the United Nations in Geneva represents the interests and policies of the UK at many international organisations and is now looking for a Disarmament and Arms Control Attaché to advance UK policies and priorities in the Geneva-based disarmament institutions and regimes, as part of its Disarmament delegation.

The UK Mission in Geneva prioritises dignity and respect at work. We value respect, inclusiveness, empowerment, teamwork and kindness.

Main purpose of job:

The role requires a team player, with excellent oral and written communication and influencing skills, sound policy judgement and attention to detail who can deal confidently with senior staff and contacts. They should be able to multi-task and deliver to a high standard, often under time pressure. The content of the Attaché’s portfolio will vary over time, depending on priorities, but is currently focussed on issues related to nuclear and biological weapons, outer space security and emerging technology.

We provide a friendly, supportive and collaborative environment. The issues we work on offer stretching opportunities to work on some of the most high-profile issues in diplomacy seeking to respond to global threats, secure international security, and establish future peace. We put wellbeing and inclusiveness at the heart of our approach. We strongly value diversity: we welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including from under represented groups; encourage people to bring their unique ideas and perspectives to our work.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Supporting the Permanent Representative and Deputy Permanent Representative to the Conference on Disarmament in promoting UK positions in multilateral negotiations.
• Preparing for multilateral meetings, including drafting and delivering statements, briefing and policy papers.
• Writing reports and analysing developments in the multilateral disarmament machinery.
• Supporting, and leading on aspects of, engagement with a wide-ranging network of internal and external stakeholders, to include the UN Secretariat, Whitehall Departments, other States, and civil society.
• Some administrative, logistical and policy support, including on organising side events, visits and delegations to meetings away from Geneva.
• Contributing to the corporate life of the Mission.

Our Ideal Candidate shows:

• Proficient written and spoken English (C1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages);
• Minimum 2 years of prior experience in multilateral diplomacy and/or international security policy;
• Experience of working in a team to deliver shared goals and objectives;
• Previous experience in drafting and providing clear and concise reports and analysis;
• Excellent interpersonal skills;
• Able to communicate effectively and engage with external and internal partners, often at senior levels;
• Ability to juggle competing priorities, and respond quickly in a fast-moving, busy, high-profile environment, with a proven ability to deliver results.

Nice to have:

• Full professional proficiency in French (written and spoken, minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework*);
• Professional or academic experience in disarmament, arms control or non-proliferation issues.