Job opening in new york

Policy advisor

Deadline: 2 March 2026

Position: UN Policy Advisor/Senior Policy Advisor
Length of employment: Two years from May 1st, 2026 (or as soon as possible thereafter) with the possibility of extension
Location: 666 Third Avenue 11th Floor, New York, NY 10017
Deadline for application: March 2, 2026

The Permanent Mission of Denmark to the United Nations in New York (the Danish UN Mission) is seeking to recruit one Policy Advisor / Senior Policy Advisor.

The Danish UN Mission represents Denmark at the UN Headquarters in New York. We participate – including through the EU – in multilateral negotiations in the General Assembly and other UN fora where we work to promote Danish interests. We administer Denmark’s contributions to a number of UN Funds and Programmes and are actively engaged in their Executive Boards.

Denmark has a strong focus on peace and security, climate and sustainable development, humanitarian affairs and international humanitarian law, human rights, including the rights of women and girls. Denmark is a member of the UN Security Council in 2025-26.

As a Policy Advisor at the Danish UN Mission, your job will be to promote Danish interests, engage in multilateral diplomacy, analyse and report to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Copenhagen on matters of Danish priority and engage in communication and public diplomacy.

Who We Are
The UN Mission is an ambitious, high-paced, and dynamic workplace with approximately 55 employees, including 10 interns. As part of the Danish Foreign Service, we work closely with partners across the UN to promote Denmark’s priorities. We are a diverse and dedicated team that values professionalism, collaboration, and a supportive work culture. Despite the fast pace, we maintain a friendly and informal atmosphere and regularly organize social events and team activities to strengthen cohesion.

Main tasks and responsibilities
You will be positioned in Team Development and Climate, which covers issues related to the implementation of the 2030-agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), Danish development policy, reform of the UN development system, as well as climate, global health and youth engagement. The position will generally include the following responsibilities:

Representing and preparing the Permanent and the Deputy Permanent Representatives’ representation of Denmark in meetings and negotiations in the General Assembly, ECOSOC, and other relevant subsidiary committees.
Preparing negotiations at the UN, including coordination of positions and strategies in the EU and with other partners, and representing Denmark in these processes.
Engaging in information sharing, outreach and cooperation with other UN member states.
Liaising with relevant parts of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Copenhagen and the Danish Government for instructions and inputs for intergovernmental processes, negotiations and events at the UN.
Analysing and reporting to the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs on outcomes and trends in the work of the UN in New York.
Contributing to the external communication effort of the Danish UN Mission through social media and other channels.
Contributing to the preparation of high-level Danish participation in UN events, including practical/logistical aspects.

In this position, you will serve as Desk Officer for UN Women and UNFPA, with overall responsibility for Denmark’s partnership, policy and governance engagement, including day-to-day coordination with UN counterparts and strategic follow-up on Danish development priorities, including:

Representing Denmark in the Executive Boards of UN-Women and UNFPA, including preparation of Danish positions, coordination within like-minded donor groups, and active engagement in governance oversight, strategic discussions, and decision-making processes.
Covering UN health-related files in New York, including preparation for and participation in high-level meetings and intergovernmental processes related to global health, sexual and reproductive health and rights, and development.
The position also includes occasional travel outside New York for relevant programmatic field visits.

Qualifications

Master’s degree or equivalent.
Strong interest in Danish foreign and development policy, the UN Development System, the EU and grant management and governance within multilateral organizations.
Strong interest in advancing Danish priorities in human rights - in particular gender equality and sexual and reproductive health and rights - in multilateral settings.
Solid knowledge of foreign policy, ministerial procedures and public administration, and the ability to operate confidently within a specialised and politically sensitive portfolio.
Prior experience with UN processes, SRHR or related areas is an asset. Strong analytical skills and excellent written and oral communication abilities.
Proven negotiation skills and the ability to collaborate, build networks and foster common solutions with colleagues and external partners.
Ability to work in a team as well as independently.
Ability to exercise sound judgment and operate with discretion in politically sensitive contexts.
Ability to work in a results- and solutions-oriented manner, prioritise effectively and manage multiple tasks under time pressure.
High degree of flexibility and readiness to take on new tasks and shifting priorities.
Proficiency in English both written and orally.
Knowledge of Danish is a prerequisite.

Employment conditions

Full-time employment for 2 years on a contract on local terms with the Permanent Mission of Denmark to the UN - with the possibility of extension
You will be employed with a working week of – on average – 37 hours, including a 30-minute daily lunch break, but you are employed without an upper limit on working hours. This implies that if your work so requires you must work more than 37 hours a week without receiving compensation for overtime. You must expect longer working hours during peak periods. However, you do have some flexibility to organize your daily working hours.
You are entitled to 5 weeks (25 working days) of paid vacation days per year.
he basic gross yearly salary for the position – for an employee subject to US income taxation – is USD 90,940. For a tax-exempt employee the net yearly salary is USD 72,750 Depending on the candidate’s experience and qualifications and additional allowance may be added.
In addition, the Mission will cover the employer part of pension contribution and the employer part of medical insurance.
As part of your salary, you will be covered by a workplace pension scheme. You will be offered reasonable coverage of sickness expenses. So will your spouse/partner/children under the age of 26, if you provide for him/her/them.

Application and recruitment process

To apply for the position, please send your application (cover letter, CV, proof of relevant education, recommendations and 2-3 references) in Danish or English to [email protected] the Danish UN Mission with the subject line “UN Policy Advisor/Senior Policy Advisor” no later than Monday March 2, 2026.

The Danish UN Mission attaches great importance to equal opportunities for all and therefore welcomes applications from all qualified persons regardless of race, nationality, gender, religion, age or disability.

Selected candidates will be invited for interviews – expected to take place start of March 2026.

The chosen candidates must present a “No Criminal Record” and pass security clearance by the Danish authorities prior to appointment.
Questions For any questions regarding the position, please contact Lykke Nielsen, Administrative Officer at the Danish UN Mission, at [email protected], with Team Leader Michael Blichfeldt, at [email protected], in copy.

About us
For more information about the Danish UN Mission, please visit Permanent Mission Of Denmark To The UN In New York (um.dk) & Denmark on the UN Security Council (dk4unsc.dk).