Commercial Officer UKREP

United Kingdom Permanent Representation to the European Union

Brussels, Belgium

Summary

The UK Trade and Investment Section in UKREP, Brussels has a vacancy for a full time Commercial Officer in the UKREP EU Aid Projects Team. This is a high profile, varied role reporting directly to the Head of the Section.

The successful candidate will provide advice, guidance and support to the Head of Section on EU-funded projects opportunities (notably EDF and DCI Latin America). Applications should be sent with full C.V. and covering letter (300 KB max.) to the attention of the Recruitment Officer, CSB (brussels.recruitment@fco.gov.uk).

UKTI/ UREP EU Aid Projects Team

Main Role

The position involves dealing with UK companies wishing to bid for EU projects through the DEVCO financial Instruments (notably ACP countries and Latin America).

Key responsibilities include:

• Build knowledge and develop/maintain contacts within your area of responsibility by way of attending EC Committee meetings, develop contacts in the Permanent Missions of recipient countries, EC Delegations and line ministries;
• Doing on-line research, company visits, organising and attending seminars, presentations and workshops;
• Delivering and developing chargeable services in line with the new UKTI strategy;
• Advise companies on the business opportunities arising from the DEVCO programmes and structural funds, on procedures, project management, implementation and on dispute settlement;
• Network with contacts in the UK, including key stakeholders such as British Expertise, UKTI Senior Management, other Liaison Officers worldwide dealing with projects financed by international organisations, with other Permanent Representations and the UK regions;
• Responding to customer enquiries through services we offer to companies on an account management basis;
• Maintain EC dialogue over procurement rules and procedures.

Essential Skills/Requirements

• Experience and track record of dealing with business at a senior level in an international context notably those working in developing countries (Asia, Africa, Latin America and Accession States);
• Experience and track record of dealing with senior level government administration in developing countries;
• Knowledge and hands on experience of EU aid project and the EU tendering and evaluation processes;
• Well developed interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with senior level EU officials, CEO and Director level contacts;
• Excellent IT skills including knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint as well as communication skills (oral and written) in English; track record of public speaking engagements is desirable;
• Willingness to travel internationally;
• Strong interest in world affairs and politics is a must.

Desirable Skills/Knowledge

• Project management experience in international development;
• Work experience in a developing country;
• Prior knowledge of UK government policy on international business activities;
• Command of other EU languages particularly French.

This position will be filled on a fixed term contract.

Application and further information

Gross monthly salary: €2736.57.

Applications with a full CV and supporting statement in English (300KB max.) should be sent to the Recruitment Officer, (brussels.recruitment@fco.gov.uk) CSB British Embassy, Avenue d’Auderghem 10, 1040 Brussels by 6 May 2012.

Interviews will be held on 14 and 15 May 2012 with the successful candidate starting as soon as possible. Only those selected for interview will be contacted.

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.