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Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations

Policy Advisor for Global Themes (100%)

Start date: August 1, 2025 (or upon agreement)

The Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations in New York is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of Policy Advisor for the team responsible for sustainable development and humanitarian affairs, beginning on 1 August 2025, or as soon as possible. The Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations in New York represents Switzerland'sinterests at the UN in accordance with the country's foreign policy objectives and through its work with the main organs of the UN (General Assembly, Economic and Social Council, Security Council) and member states.

Job description

We are looking for a person familiar with the Agenda 2030, who has a strong profile in global development and humanitarian issues, preferably in the field of environment, water, food security or health and who is highly motivated to work in a challenging, multilateral setting and within the UN framework. You have strong negotiation, analytical and synthesis skills and are comfortable dealing
with issues of a certain intellectual complexity, often under time constraints. You like to develop negotiation strategies, pursuing your goals with tenacity and a set of highly developed social skills, including an interest in intercultural exchanges.
You have a Master’s degree in a field relevant to this position. Professional and technical experience in the Swiss federal administration, a Permanent Mission or representation of Switzerland or in a multilateral forum would be an asset.

Duties and responsibilities

  • To support the Permanent Mission of Switzerland, in close coordination with the relevant federal offices in Berne, in multilateral matters related to environment, water, food systems/food security, migration and other global themes, and follow closely related discussions and trends.
  • Represent Switzerland's interests in the above-mentioned fields in intergovernmental processes, including negotiations of resolutions in the General Assembly or the Economic and Social Council, as well as with the Permanent Missions of other UN Member States, the UN Secretariat and its organs and entities.
  • To elaborate and defend Swiss positions in the framework of negotiations in the abovementioned bodies.
  • To support capital in the preparation of Swiss positions, contributing to the drafting of formal Swiss interventions or communication elements (including for social media).
  • To gather information, to provide political analysis in the above-mentioned fields, and to write reports on a regular basis.
  • To identify opportunities and initiatives for Switzerland in the above-mentioned areas, to participate in meetings and working groups and report on these.
  • To organize, accompany and support delegations visiting the Permanent Mission of Switzerland.

Skills required

  • Master's degree in relevant field.
  • Solid knowledge of international politics and Swiss foreign policy, with a strong interest in areas related to sustainable development.
  • Experience with multilateral organizations or a solid knowledge of the work of multilateral organizations, as well as of the development architecture and instruments.
  • Previous professional experience in at least one of the relevant fields.
    Great capacity for analysis and synthesis, with a certain ease in dealing with complex issues.
  • Strong interest in negotiation and ability to work in an intense working environment requiring good resistance to stress and excellent self-management capacities.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with a flair and ambition to develop professional networks.
  • Excellent knowledge of English, good knowledge of French as a second official language of the United Nations and a national language of Switzerland.

What we offer

  • A stimulating working atmosphere in a multilingual environment with a team of about 50 employees
  • A diverse working environment
  • A competitive salary and benefits
  • 401k plan with matching employer contribution
  • 4 weeks of paid vacation and respect for American and some Swiss holidays.

To apply

Interested candidates should send their resume, cover letter and salary expectations in PDF format
to: newyork.un.jobapplication@eda.admin.ch. Please write "Policy Advisor for Global Themes" in the subject line of your email to ensure prompt processing of your application.

Application deadline: June 20, 2025

Incomplete applications or those that do not meet the above requirements will not be considered. Please note that only electronic applications will be accepted. Applications from candidates not selected for an interview will be destroyed at the end of the selection process.