Speechwriter and Communications Manager

Speechwriter and communications manager (100%)

Starting date: 1 October or as soon as possible

The Permanent Mission of Switzerland to the United Nations in New York is seeking a qualified candidate for the position of speechwriter and communications manager. You will be working within the communications team and cooperate directly with the mission management, the peace and security team as well as the legal team and the sustainable development and humanitarian affairs team. You will be in charge of various communication tasks with a strong focus on preparing statements and speeches delivered at the United Nations Security Council and other UN organs during Switzerland’s membership (2023-2024). This is a locally recruited position.

Our ideal candidate is an outgoing, proactive, eloquent individual with an excellent command of French and English as a working language, both orally and in writing, of high linguistic precision and political “flair”. He or she is familiar with diplomatic language, tone and finesse. Ideally, our candidate has already gained professional experience in journalism and /or in international diplomacy, is an expert in political communication and political messaging with in-depth knowledge of the United Nations system. Ideally, you have worked for one of the permanent or observer missions at the United Nations in a similar function. He or she has also a solid knowledge of the Swiss political system and Swiss foreign policy.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Drafting of speeches, official statements and communication products of the mission, with a specific focus on the United Nations Security Council and Switzerland’s priorities during its term in 2023-2024. Official statements are, as a rule, written and delivered in French
• In support of the head of mission and communications team, managing the coherent and professional communication of the Swiss mission in matters related to the work of the United Nations Security Council, of other organs and entities, and Swiss foreign policy
• Proactive advice, support and preparation of the head of mission and head of communications when interacting with the media (Press, TV, Radio) and with other New York-based permanent representations and stakeholders on Security Council and UN.-related matters
• Performance of various communication tasks

Requirements:

• Academic credentials and a minimum of three years professional experience in a communications and/or policy advisor position
• Experience and/or training as a journalist is an advantage
• Excellent communication and presentation skills in diplomatic language and U.N. jargon
• Strong ability to understand the subtleties of political language and operating in a sensitive political context
• Solid knowledge of the Swiss political system and Swiss foreign policy
• Accuracy and diligence when drafting and presenting, even under time pressure
• Ideally a native French speaker. An excellent command of English as a working language is essential, as well as a good knowledge or very good passive language skills of German
• Strong social skills, resilience and an excellent ability to develop networks fast
• High stress resistance and a readiness to work outside office hours when necessary

We offer:

• A once in a lifetime chance to expand the professional profile in political communication and insights into diplomatic work during a security council term
• Dynamic, highly stimulating atmosphere in a multilingual setting
• Diversified work in a foreign representation and diplomatic environment
• Office conveniently located in midtown Manhattan
• Competitive salary and benefits package
• 401k plan with matching employer contribution
• Paid vacation, American and some Swiss holidays

To Apply:

Please send your resume, a letter of interest and salary expectations no later than 6 September 2022 in electronic format (word or pdf) to nyc.job-application-un@eda.admin.ch. Please write in the subject line “Speechwriter and communications manager” to ensure timely processing of your application. Incomplete applications will not be considered. Please do not contact the Permanent Mission of Switzerland. Only those who are chosen for an interview will be contacted.