United Nations Advocacy Associate

Overview:

The national offices of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), based in Louisville Kentucky, serve with mid-councils, congregations, worshipping communities, and partner organizations to carry forth the mission of Jesus Christ. Approximately 400 individuals, diverse in race, age, gender, sexual orientation, faith, skills, and more, come together as colleagues to work for a world where justice reigns, peace prevails, and God’s love extends to all people. This community comprises the staff of several national entities: the Office of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Investment and Loan Corporation, the Presbyterian Mission Agency, the Presbyterian Publishing Corporation, Presbyterian Women, and the Administrative Services Group.

The UN in New York is a complex institutional world of 193 member countries, 6,500 UN staff, and more than 5,500 NGOs engaging with the UN. Ithas set global standards in areas such as human rights, sustainable development, climate change, gender equality, and humanitarian engagement. UN provides an exceptional platform as a global ministry to confront critical challenges and engage in international issues important to the PC(USA).

The UN Advocacy Associate works under the supervision of the Manager of the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations (PMUN) to advance the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Assembly advocacy policies andpriorities at the United Nations in New York City. This work is done in collaboration with PC(USA) staff, church and global partners, external advocacy partners includingUN agencies, diplomats, staff, and civil society. The Advocacy Associate will provide communications, administrative and logistical support for PMUN programs, educational events, and publications.

The position is based in New York City.

Major Responsibilities:

United Nations Advocacy and General AssemblyPolicy – 70%

• Coordinate the portfolio of several PC(USA) advocacy thematic priorities such as gender, climate, poverty, andcountry issues such as Israel-Palestine and the Korean Peninsula. This is doneby providing competent research analysis, and expertise; participating in working groups; building relationships and strategizing with PC(USA) staff and partners; meeting and building relationships with Permanent Missions, UN agency staff, international NGOs, and ecumenical partners.
• Produce briefings, policy, and advocacy papers, presentations, resources, and articles.
• Coordinate process for UN sign on letters and statements
• Work in conjunction with other offices of Presbyterian Mission Agency and the Office of General Assembly to advance policy goals.
• Attend and participate in PC(USA), Ecumenical and Church Center activities (staff meetings, devotions and worship service, retreats, etc.)
• Represent/Advocate the policies of the PC(USA) General Assembly on matters of international issues.
• Work collaboratively to identify and advocate on issues where PC(USA) can make a unique contribution with respect to each advocacy priority.
• Communicate and work collaboratively with the Washington Office of Public Witness, especially with the International Representative

Administrative - 20%

• Respond to general inquiries via phone and email.
• Organize hospitality for guests and visitors of PMUN and meetings on behalf of PC(USA) staff and partners.
• Provide administration related to PMUN UN accreditation and membership in various working groups.
• Plan arrangementsfor PMUN events, both in person (seminars, workshops, UN side and parallel events) and online (consultations, forums, webinars, etc.).
• Serve as logistics coordinator for UN Commission on the Status of Women and other UN commissions and forums, student travel seminars and workshops (in-person and online). Process applications, registrations, payments, and publicity materials. Assist with accommodations: meeting spaces, supplies, and meals. Arrange UN tours and provide audiovisual and online support.
• Provide administrative, hospitality, and supervisory support to fellows, seminary interns, and Young Adult Volunteers.
• Update PMUN website as needed. Manage social media platforms.
• Communications: Attend Communication meetings and collaborate in the production of PMUN resources and publicity materials.
• Perform other administrative duties as needed.

Church Outreach - 10%

• Equip Presbyterians to engage in advocacy on international issues
• Arrange UN related appointments with visiting PC(USA) staff, partners and stakeholders.
• Limited travel related to the advocacy portfolio and for training opportunities.

Qualifications:

Essentials:?

• Bachelor's degree with preference for studies in public policy, global studies/international relations, peace/justice/conflict transformation, international development, human rights, political science, history, or related fields; relevant, equivalent experience accepted in lieu of degree;
• Strong relational/communication skills including ability to build relationships and work collaboratively with diplomats and UN agency staff, ecumenical partners and non-governmental organizations;
• Strong research skills;
• Strong oral and written communication skills in English;
• Passion and ability to engage critical global issues through multiple disciplines – political, socioeconomic, peacebuilding and theological;
• Skill and experience in event organizing and logistics;
• Ability to prioritize and manage multiple issues and tasks independently;
• Theological understanding of systemic injustice and work for change in public policy and critical global issues.
• Ability to work effectively and collaboratively with diverse groups of people;
• Strong administrative and organizing skills and follow through.

? Preferred:

• Master’s degree;
• 1-3 years of work experience related to advocacy, international relations, peacebuilding, or international development;
• Knowledge of Arabic, French, Korean, or Spanish

Helpful Skills:

• Have a deep understanding and commitment to cultural and racial ethnic inclusiveness. Values diverse groups, ethnicities, genders, communities, cultural constituencies and points of view. Able to relate well to people from all walks of life and of varying theological perspectives.
• Ability to speak one or more languages other than English very helpful

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) retains the discretion to add or to change the functions, responsibilities, and/or minimum qualifications for this position at any time.

Additional Information/Benefits:

We believe a balanced life, with time for work, leisure, and spiritual nurture, makes us healthier and more productive colleagues at the Presbyterian Center.

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) offers a competitive benefits package for eligible employees including Medical, Dental, Pension Plan, Short-Term and Long-Term Disability, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), Flexible Spending accounts, 403(b) Retirement Savings Plan, Vacation Days, Sick Days, and Paid Holidays.

A Corp Commitment:

Our faith in God inspires our commitment to the values of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging and is grounded in scripture, the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), and actions of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is committed to being not only an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer as defined by the U.S. government, but with the inclusion of gender identity and sexual orientation as well.

Candidates from Presbyterian communities in the global south and other historic Presbyterian Communities of Color, preferably with theological training and fluency in languages other than English, are encouraged to apply.