A full time position as an Senior European Parliamentary Officer in the European Parliament section of the United Kingdom Representation to the European Union (UKREP) has become available. This is a high profile, exciting role offering a unique overview of the workings of the UK’s Permanent Representation. The right applicant can expect to be providing advice directly to Ministers’ offices, the Ambassador and other senior UK officials on working with the European Parliament.

Applications should be sent with full C.V. and covering letter including a supporting statement setting out how applicants meet the essential skills required for this post (300 words max.), to the attention of the Recruitment Officer, JMO (brussels.recruitment@fco.gov.uk).

Senior European Parliamentary Officer

Main Role

Key responsibilities include:

• To monitor political and legislative developments in the European Parliament, taking responsibility, within the team, for a given set of policy areas.
• To report back effectively to UKRep and Whitehall colleagues on such developments, providing high quality analysis of implications for the UK.
• To work with colleagues, in UKRep and in Whitehall, to develop strategies to maximise UK Government’s influence in the European Parliament.
• To maintain a broad network of contacts in the European Parliament, assisting the Head of Section in managing the Representation's relationship with MEPs & EP officials. To use those contacts to promote UK policy interests in the European Parliament.
• To be a repository of expertise on the European Parliament, its personalities, procedures & politics, and to provide advice to colleagues in Brussels & in London.

Essential Skills/Requirements

• Strong oral and written communication skills. The ability to present an argument clearly and persuasively, varying your communication style to suit your audience.
• Strong interpersonal skills. Ability to form professional relationships with a wide range of contacts.
• Proven team player.
• Ability to work autonomously and under pressure.
• Ability to familiarise yourself quickly with often complex issues.
• Fluent written and spoken English.
• Experience of the EU Institutions and strong understanding of the role and functioning of the European Parliament.
• Preparedness to work in Strasbourg for each monthly EP plenary.

Desirable Skills/Knowledge

• Command of other EU languages, particularly French.
• Knowledge of UK domestic government, including Whitehall departments and devolved administrations.
• Good IT skills.
• Good presentation skills (including powerpoint experience).
• Understanding of EU budget/financial services issues.

Gross monthly salary: € 3311.10

Applications with a full CV and supporting statement in English should be sent to Recruitment Officer (brussels.recruitment@fco.gov.uk), JMO, Avenue d’Auderghem 10, 1040 Brussels by 11:00 a.m. Tuesday 12 April 2011. Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Belgium.

Only applicants called for interview will be contacted. Interviews will be held in mid April with a view to the successful candidate starting asap thereafter.

The British Missions in Brussels are an equal opportunities employer. Applications are welcome from all suitably qualified applicants regardless of age, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or physical disability. We aim to reflect the diversity of society.