The UK Mission to the United Nations (UN) & World Trade Organisation (WTO) in Geneva represents the interests and policies of the UK across international organisations based in Geneva.
We are looking to recruit a talented Climate and Environment Officer to build on the UK’s policy objectives on climate and the environment here in Geneva. The role supports and advances UK’s priorities on international climate and environment issues through the implementation of UK Government priorities, lobbying and contributing to complex negotiations. This is an opportunity to contribute directly to expanding the UK’s influence internationally on one of the most pressing global issues.
Why should you apply?
This job provides a great opportunity to promote an important strand of work for the UK Mission and to play a role in our diplomatic effort to increase global ambition on environmental and climate change issues. It will give the successful candidate the opportunity to develop policy and negotiation skills at expert level. The role will require strategic vision, political awareness and a strong drive to get things done, suiting someone who wants to build their diplomatic and multilateral skills.
The ideal candidate will be able to demonstrate their abilities in working with others, delivering results at pace, communicating and influencing, strategic awareness, and problem solving and judgement. 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.
The candidate joining the Mission will be joining a Mission that centres itself on the values of Respect, Inclusiveness, Empowerment, Teamwork, and Kindness. These values sit at the core of the Mission, and all colleagues in the Mission are encouraged to demonstrate and to hold each other to account for these values.
Roles and responsibilities:
The role involves leading on Climate and Environment for the Mission, as well as working across wider teams on climate and environment-related files where subject matters intersect. You will support UKMis engagement on climate and environment standard-setting and trade in the Geneva-based economic organisations working closely with the Mission’s Trade and Economic Team. You will work with the Humanitarian Team on the challenges which the humanitarian agencies in Geneva face on climate change and the environment, advocating for a co-ordinated approach. You will support colleagues in the Global Health team on the health-environmental nexus and on the impact of climate change on health.
To coordinate, support and track climate and environment-related work taking place across the different teams in the UK Mission (trade and regulatory, humanitarian, health, human rights), identifying synergies and ensuring coherence in approach
To act as focal point across climate and environment policy at the UK Mission, coordinating short-and long-term climate and environment engagement priorities, and scoping and planning opportunities in the UN / international calendar to help deliver UK objectives through meetings, events, and receptions
To establish a network of contacts working on climate and environment issues in Geneva
To advise the Head of Mission and the senior leadership team on climate and environment-related lobbying and engagement in Geneva
To work with a network of colleagues across the UK government to report on stakeholder priorities, develop UK positions, and advance climate and environment objectives.
To support UK Ministerial and Civil Servant engagement and visit programmes, briefings and reports. As well as support cross-mission visits, events, engagements and corporate activities.
Fluency at C1 level in English according to CEFR framework*, or equivalent
Proven ability to build and maintain networks, influence and create and deliver a strategy.
Strong interest and engagement on climate and environment issues.
Strong written and oral communication skills
Fluency at B1 level in French according to CEFR framework*, or equivalent
Previous experience of working in a multilateral setting;
Working experience on international climate and environment policy.
This is a temporary contract until 31 March 2025, for 40 working hours per week with possibility of extension subject to budget availability and jobholder performance. The start date indicated above is an estimation and may vary.
The annual leave entitlement is 25 days per year pro rata and the Embassy also enjoys a maximum of 14 Swiss/ UK public holidays per year.
FCDO is committed to continual learning and development. The Embassy will provide funding in line with L&D requirements and a variety of learning and development is provided throughout the year both directly at post and virtually through the FCDO International Academy. There will be opportunities to attend training, lectures etc. on the job.
Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy are subject to terms and conditions service according to Swiss employment law.
The successful candidate will be subject to professional background and security clearance.
The successful candidate must have pre-existing work authorisation for Switzerland in order to apply. All applicants should have the right to live and work in Switzerland.
United Kingdom, European Union and EFTA nationals do not require visa sponsorship along with Nationals of: Brunei Darussalam, Japan, Malaysia, New Zealand, Principality of Andorra, Principality of Monaco, San Marino, Singapore and Vatican.
Visa/work permit requirements: Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Switzerland and be prepared to ensure that right remains throughout the scope of the contract. Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal requirements to live and work in this country.
Please note that the deadline for applications is 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”.
We advise you to allow enough time to complete and submit your full application, since only applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered.
Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen.
The British Diplomatic Missions will not be able to meet the travel costs incurred when travelling to the interview, nor the costs connected with relocation if offered a job.
- Please note for more information regarding the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, please click on the following link CEFR. Please bear in mind in case you are invited for an interview your language skill is going to be assessed.
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