Private Secretary to the UK Permanent Representative to the United Nations

The UK Mission to the United Nations in New York is offering an exciting opportunity to join the Private Office of the UK Permanent Representative to the UN as Private Secretary. The Mission advances UK priorities across international peace and security, sustainable development, human rights and humanitarian issues. As one of two Private Secretaries, you will help ensure that the Permanent Representative and Deputy Permanent Representative can use their time effectively and are well prepared for meetings, decisions and official engagements. Working to the Chief of Staff, you will manage competing requests, coordinate diaries and events, track commissions and maintain effective relationships with teams across the Mission and with external contacts. This is a Private Office role with meaningful responsibility. It requires excellent organisation, sound judgement, discretion and the confidence to work professionally with senior colleagues and external stakeholders. You will need to take ownership of tasks, anticipate practical problems, recognise when to elevate and remain calm when priorities change. The role would suit someone who enjoys working at pace, takes pride in accuracy and wants to develop a career in Private Office, executive support, diplomacy or public service. Previous Private Office experience is helpful but not essential. The successful candidate will receive support from experienced Private Office colleagues and on-the-job development in prioritisation, executive support, stakeholder management and event delivery. 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. While, 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, this role is full-time, office-based role, with hybrid work only on rare occasions based on workload and executive/team needs. Permanent hybrid working arrangements not available. 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. Roles and responsibilities The balance of responsibilities may evolve according to office priorities, but the role’s core accountabilities are to: Monitor the Private Office inbox and other incoming correspondence, assess requests, commission advice from relevant teams and elevate sensitive or urgent issues appropriately. Support management of the Permanent Representative’s complex and frequently changing diary, gathering advice on priorities, resolving clashes and ensuring that engagements reflect senior leaders’ objectives and preferences. Maintain (and improve) clear systems for tracking requests, decisions, deadlines and follow-up actions, ensuring that commitments are met and nothing is missed. Ensure that the Permanent Representative and Deputy Permanent Representative are properly prepared for meetings and engagements by checking timings, logistics and required briefing material. Coordinate official correspondence, invitations, overseas travel, visits and accommodation, working closely with policy teams, drivers, Residences staff and external contacts. Support the delivery of official events and hospitality, including guest lists, invitations, seating plans, dietary requirements and liaison with Residence and Visits and Events colleagues. Maintain accurate contact, financial and administrative records, including monitoring relevant Private Office travel and entertainment expenditure. Provide flexible cover across the Private Office and contribute to the smooth running of the wider team, particularly during absences and peak periods such as UN General Assembly High-level Week. There are potential Line Management duties with this role The jobholder will represent the office when dealing with visitors and contacts and must maintain a positive, discreet and professional approach at all times. Essential qualifications, skills and experience Experience of coordinating competing tasks, appointments, deadlines or requests in a busy working environment. Strong organisational skills, accuracy and attention to detail. Evidence of taking ownership of work and following actions through to completion. Sound judgement, including the ability to prioritise, make sensible initial decisions and recognise when to seek advice or elevate. Clear, concise and professional written and verbal communication in English. Confidence in building effective relationships with colleagues, senior stakeholders and external contacts. Ability to remain calm and constructive when priorities change and to handle sensitive information with discretion. Competence in Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel and Teams, or the ability to learn new digital systems quickly. Applicants must be UK, US, Canadian, Australian or New Zealand citizens. Desirable qualifications, skills and experience Experience of diary management, executive support or complex coordination. Experience supporting senior leaders or working in a high-profile environment. Experience organising meetings, travel, visits or events. Experience maintaining trackers, budgets, contact databases or other administrative systems. Knowledge of the United Nations, diplomacy, government or international affairs. Required behaviours Delivering at Pace, Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together Grade Executive Officer (EO) Type of Position Full-time (40 hours per week), Permanent Location UK Delegation New York Number of vacancies 1 Start Date 4 January 2027 All selected candidates are subject to background checks and will require a security clearance prior to starting work. You must have the right to live and work in the US in order to take up this role, whether in your own right or as a dependant, 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; the job advertisement will state clearly whether sponsorship is available. You may refer to our website for additional information: Core Hours/Hybrid Working The job holder will be expected to work in the office 5 days a week as standard, although there may 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 or DPR may request). There are also peak times in the year (eg UN General Assembly, held annually in September) when additional hours will need to be worked. The successful candidate may be required to work staggered or adjusted hours to support the PR and DPR’s schedules, with working patterns agreed in line with business need. All working hours and hybrid working are position specific and subject to change at any time, without notice. If you have any questions, please address them with the hiring manager. Learning and Development 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. Please note that the tax arrangements imposed by the US on staff working for foreign governments, as well as those imposed by the UK Treasury on British and dual nationals working for the UK Government overseas, are atypical. The UK Government cannot withhold taxes (including FICA) on behalf of a US taxpayer. Instead, a US taxpayer is required to file taxes as if they are self‑employed, and a FICA allowance is granted for those required to pay the employer contribution. Certain categories of staff (for example dual UK‑US nationals and some visa holders) who work at Consulates General are not subject to US taxes. For those not subject to US taxes the UK Government reduces gross pay to a level broadly equivalent to taxed net pay. There are also social security implications for dual UK‑US nationals. Please keep all this in mind when looking at the salary and the benefits package. If you are offered a job with the UK’s US Network you will be given further tax and social security information relevant to your personal circumstances and place of work; you are advised to consider this information and its impact on your circumstances carefully – potentially with the advice of a tax professional - before accepting a job. Closing date of receiving applications is before 23:55 (Local Time) on 15 November #J-18808-Ljbffr UK Mission to the United Nations