Diplomatic Advisor (New York)

Position: Diplomatic Advisor

Location: New York City, some travel required

Dates: immediate start - April 2026

Compensation: Starting at $350 USD/day dependent on experience

Number of days: Approx 110 days

Deadline to Apply: October 8, please apply as soon as possible

This position is only open to candidates who currently reside in New York City. 

Background

The Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Initiative is a campaign and diplomatic Initiative — supported by 17 nations, 131 cities and subnational governments, the World Health Organization, over 1 million individuals, more than 4000 civil society organisations and 3000 scientists — calling for a managed, supported, global phase out of fossil fuel production and transition to renewable energy with equity at its core. 

The Treaty Initiative is working towards a multilateral instrument to complement and accelerate the Paris Agreement and provide guidance on international cooperation required to transition away from fossil fuels fairly and equitably. The Treaty does not yet exist, rather countries are asked to support the three pillars of the proposal and to participate in developing the provisions for a new Treaty instrument. 

Objectives 

Based in a UN Permanent Mission of one of the Participating Nations in New York City [TBD], the Diplomatic Advisor will be the Treaty Initiative’s representative responsible for:

• Strengthening relationships with and between Senior Officers and Representatives of the Diplomatic Missions of participating countries and with the Treaty Initiative team 
• Build relationships with Senior Officers and Representatives of Diplomatic Missions of target countries
• Keep abreast of UN negotiating spaces and advise the Treaty Initiative team on opportunities for supporting participating countries to strengthen language on fossil fuels and conditions for just transition
• Provide input and advice to the Fossil Fuel Treaty team on the legal and diplomatic pathway for a Fossil Fuel Treaty. 
  
  

Key Responsibilities 

• Strengthening relationships with participating countries
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with diplomatic representatives, at technical and political levels, in the missions of participating countries and between the missions and the Political team at the Treaty Initiative.
  • Coordinate regular quarterly meetings of the representatives of participating countries to update them on progress of the campaign and the diplomatic outreach as well as to receive their questions and feedback. 
  • Disseminate the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative monthly bulletin to the missions of the participating countries and agreed target countries.
  • Support efforts to organise global events involving the participation of diplomats in NY or other Missions (such as Geneva) or taking place in NY (such as in the margins of the UNGA).

• Build relationships with target countries
  • Build relationships with diplomatic representatives, at technical and political levels in the missions of target countries and prepare to handover to existing team members.
  • Organise bilateral meetings between the [country] Permanent Representative and the Permanent Missions of target countries. 
  • Engage with intergovernmental blocs, primarily AOSIS, where participating and target nations are members, to determine effective ways to engage and increase credibility and profile of the Treaty Initiative.
  • Liaise with Regional Leads to connect and advance advocacy and relationships in capital with key stakeholders in the Permanent Missions of target countries 

• UN negotiating spaces 
  • Advise the Treaty Initiative team on opportunities for supporting participating countries to strengthen language on fossil fuels and just transition in UN negotiating spaces
  • Prepare and share talking points, briefing materials and other relevant policy documents to support and strengthen engagement of participating countries in UN negotiating spaces to advocate for phase out, transition and for a Fossil Fuel Treaty
  • Where agreed with the Political Director, support the Permanent Representatives of the participating countries in UN negotiations (UNOC and FFD4) relevant to the goals of the Fossil Fuel Treaty Initiative 
  • Evaluate and provide learning following engagements to determine lessons, future needs and improvements relevant to the Treaty Initiatives work and mission.

• Providing input and advice
  • Provide input and advice to the Fossil Fuel Treaty team on the legal and diplomatic pathway for a Fossil Fuel Treaty
  • Advise the Fossil Fuel Treaty team on the strategy towards gaining greater diplomatic and multilateral support for a fossil fuel treaty. 
    
    

Experience & Attributes

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in International Relations, Political Science or related fields.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in government relations in an international or multilateral context.

Core Competencies:

• Strong understanding of international relations, diplomacy, and diplomatic protocols.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills in English (additional languages are an asset).
• Experience engaging and working with diplomats and diverse cultural groups effectively and respectfully in multilateral and/or intergovernmental spaces.
• A team player, keen to share ideas, brainstorm, report back and work collaboratively with your manager and team members

Technical and Organizational Skills:

• Proficiency in project management - experience of project management tools, platforms and event planning software is an asset.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to prioritize tasks under tight deadlines.

Flexibility and Adaptability:

• Proactive attitude, ability to think on your feet and to take advantage of opportunities to connect and engage with target audiences
• Willingness to travel internationally and work flexible hours to accommodate varying time zones and event schedules.