Private Secretary to the UK Permanent Representative to the United Nations

About the role

The UK Mission to the United Nations in New York is seeking a Private Secretary to support the Private Office of the UK Permanent Representative. This role is crucial for managing the daily operations and ensuring smooth interactions with various stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• To monitor all communication coming into the Private Office (emails, mail etc), using judgement in order to delegate or take other action as required;
• Passing on invitations, meeting requests etc to the Chief of Staff;
• Handling all incoming post;
• Tracking requests from the PR and DPR to the wider Mission (eg draft replies, advice);
• Supporting PA tasks 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 and DPR, providing hospitality;
• Managing office stationery supplies including business cards;
• Day-to-day tasking of the Mission drivers: ensuring that their schedules are clear, that the PR and DPR have drivers as required, and liaising with staff across UKMis and BCG in tasking drivers for other requests including high-level visitors;
• 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.

Requirements

• Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail;
• Daily diary management experience;
• Event organization experience;
• Strong IT skills including Microsoft Office;
• A strong team player, able to work with colleagues, to deliver tasks and a quality service;
• Outstanding interpersonal skills, including with senior staff;
• Exceptional customer service skills, including in representational scenarios, with senior external contacts and visitors and a wide range of other stakeholders;
• Fluency in the English language.

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;
• Familiarity with Microsoft CoPilot AI software.

Essential Behaviours

• Communicating and Influencing;
• Delivering at Pace;
• Managing a Quality Service;
• Working Together.