Policy Advisor, Multilateral & Diplomacy

Location: New York, NY (in-person)
Reports to: CEO or Deputy Director
Compensation: $80,000-$120,000 with benefits — salary commensurate with experience.
Start Date: As soon as possible (posted in late January 2026)

About Us

The Starling Institute builds networks of champion states, think tanks, and NGOs and works with them to more effectively navigate and change the multilateral system together. We aim to make change through practice, by modeling the kind of culture and processes that we’d like to see in effective systems. We believe that means fostering cultures of connection, belonging,  generosity — and especially, excellence — within the team and among our many partners.

Join us if you’re ready to be part of a dynamic team that focuses equally on ideas and action, and has unparalleled networks, a startup spirit, and a deep commitment to solving problems.

Role Overview

The Policy Advisor, Multilateral & Diplomacy, will be Starling Institute's day to day representative to the diplomatic and UN community in New York and key advisor and analyst on issues of concern for multilateral engagement. You will build and maintain relationships with UN missions and headquarters, identify and analyze opportunities for progress on multilateral challenges, and organize high-level convenings and other activities that advance policy outcomes and coalition-building.

This role requires combining strategic vision with diplomatic pragmatism. You must have the ability to acutely assess political dynamics, identify potential coalitions and solutions sets, develop analytical products, and design gatherings that senior diplomats and policymakers find invaluable. Success depends on earning trust with diplomats, key UN staff, civil society advocates, and policy experts.

Working with our CEO and team, you will help develop and execute strategies to strengthen multilateral cooperation. You should have experience navigating multilateral negotiations, assembling and building trust among stakeholders to advance policy goals, and working effectively in small, mission-driven teams with start-up energy and mentality.

Key Responsibilites

Diplomatic Strategy and Outreach (33%)

  • Build and maintain relationships with UN Permanent Missions and UN staff, with particular focus on Global South representatives

  • Develop and execute outreach strategy to identify champion states, understand their priorities, and deepen the Starling Institute’s role as a trusted partner

  • Track and analyze multilateral developments and advise on strategic opportunities

  • Represent Starling Institute in New York's diplomatic community

Convenings & Retreats: Conceptualization to Execution (33%)

  • Design and organize high-level retreats and convenings for diplomats and government officials (20-120 participants), from strategic framing through execution

  • Develop agendas, curate speakers, and manage participant engagement to ensure substantive policy discussions

  • Work with CEO and team to ensure effective execution

  • Ensure convenings advance policy goals, build coalitions, and strengthen our positioning

Program Leadership (33%)

  • Lead our New York-based work on multilateral cooperation, UN reform, Secretary-General selection, and thematic priorities (e.g., sustainable development and climate, peace and security, human rights, humanitarian affairs, and technology)

  • Develop analysis, briefings, and recommendations to support our research and thought leadership

  • Coordinate between research, operations, and advisors to ensure coherent program delivery

  • Make decisions on outreach priorities, messaging, and sequencing

  • Manage follow-up activities and maintain relationships with key stakeholders

  • Develop strategies to amplify Global South voices and leadership in multilateral negotiations

Qualifications

Essential:

  • 7+ years of experience in diplomacy, international relations, or multilateral affairs with direct experience working at or closely with UN Headquarters in New York (e.g., serving in or working very closely with a Permanent Mission or UN secretariat or agency who has worked with diplomats)

  • Graduate degree in relevant field, preferable international relations, international politics, public policy

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills

  • Entrepreneurial mindset: proactive, resourceful, self-motivated, comfortable with ambiguity

  • Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills; comfortable engaging with senior government officials and able to build trust

  • Demonstrated experience designing and executing high-level retreats, convenings, events, or dialogues for diplomats or government officials

  • Deep familiarity with Global South perspectives and priorities in multilateral forums and proven ability to center these voices authentically

  • Strong project management skills: ability to manage multiple workstreams, identify strategies, tactics, and next steps, and drive initiatives to completion

  • Work authorization  in the United States

  • Based in New York-metro area or able to relocate immediately

Strongly Preferred:

  • Experience working on UN reform, financing for development, peace and security, humanitarian, or sustainable development processes

  • Lived or professional experience in Global South / LDC contexts

  • Existing relationships with UN missions in New York that you can activate from day one

  • Multilingual (Spanish, French, or Arabic a plus) and think tanks

  • Experience working in small, fast-paced organizations where you've worn multiple hats

  • Track record of bold thinking—proposing unconventional approaches, asking difficult questions, or pushing for more ambitious outcomes in diplomatic contexts

  • Exceptional ability to see work through to the end, strong attention to detail, and exceptional standards for high quality work products

To Apply

Please send your resume and a cover letter to ps@projectstarling.org  with subject line: Policy Advisor Application, [Your name] that tells us:

(1) What's one bold idea you have or that you’ve seen and think is worthwhile for reforming the multilateral system and why? Please keep this to 200 words; you do not need to describe this idea in detail, and

(2) Describe a time you’ve helped build a professional relationship or coalition that turned into tangible policy impact.

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until we find the right person – the sooner we receive it, the better. 

Benefits include medical, dental, vision, retirement options, and generous leaving, including 20 days paid time off annually plus holidays.

The Starling Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to a policy of equal treatment and opportunity in every aspect of its recruitment and hiring process.