Political Officer (Partnerships), Political Section

United Kingdom Joint Delegation to NATO

Brussels, Belgium

SUMMARY

A full time position as a Political Officer in the Political Section of the UK Joint Delegation to NATO in Brussels has become available.

Any members of the three Missions, including spouses and partners, who wish to be considered for this post, should apply in writing to the Recruitment Officer, Corporate Services Benelux (CSB) (brussels.recruitment@fco.gov.uk).

The post-holder will be expected to be flexible as to duties within the Delegation.

Initial duties will be to deliver the UK Government’s policy objectives in relation to NATO’s relationships with partner countries. NATO has a network of more than 50 partners worldwide with which the Alliance consults, cooperates and conducts operations. NATO’s International Staff manage this network, with guidance from the nations. You will be responsible for providing that guidance on behalf of the United Kingdom.

This is an exciting and challenging opportunity to play a central role shaping UK Government Policy on political-military engagement worldwide, and negotiating NATO policy. You will work in the Political Section managing a high profile portfolio including: partnership policy development; cooperation with the partner countries in the Middle East and North Africa; NATO’s Global Partners; and a cover role on enlargement and energy & climate security.

MAIN ROLE

• You will lead on cooperation with Mediterranean Dialogue (MD), Istanbul Cooperation Initiative (ICI) & NATO’s Global Partner countries, as well as other countries in the Middle East and North Africa;
• You will lead on the development of overarching NATO partnership policy. You will provide support on enlargement, energy and climate security;
• You will be expected to establish and maintain contact with stakeholders in NATO, national delegations and in UK Government departments, particularly the Foreign and Commonwealth Office and Ministry of Defence;
• You will represent the UK in NATO’s Political and Partnerships Committee and other relevant committees, and negotiate with Allies and Partners to achieve the UK Government’s policy objectives;
• You will report committee meetings, sessions of the North Atlantic Council, and other meetings and events of importance to the UK Government;
• You will develop and shape policy on lead areas in conjunction with UK Government Departments and the UK’s network of embassies. You will provide advice to the UK Permanent Representative and Military Representative, British Embassies in partner countries and UK Government stakeholders on policy lead areas.

SKILLS REQUIRED

Essential

• Experience of policy development, preferably in international relations;
• Experience of working with a wide network of contacts demonstrating lobbying and influencing skills;
• Strong interpersonal and customer focus skills;
• Ability to grasp complex issues quickly and communicate them simply and effectively;
• Good drafting skills;
• Ability to work in a team;
• Good organisational skills;
• Adaptability under pressure;
• Fluent written and spoken English;
• IT skills, in particular ability to type in Word (preferably experience of Microsoft Office);
• You will occasionally be required to work extended hours during peak periods, including in the run-up to Ministerial meetings and Summits, and to travel internationally for short periods.

Desirable

• Knowledge of NATO and UK Government institutions and procedures;
• Knowledge of the Middle East and North Africa;
• Understanding of written and spoken French.

You will work in the UK Delegation to NATO, on the NATO campus in Evere: a truly international setting, with 28 Allies, many partner nations, and the International and International Military Staffs. On site are staff restaurants, a staff centre, and excellent sports facilities.

This position will be subject to satisfactory completion of UK security checks, and will be filled on a fixed term contract.

APPLICATION AND FURTHER INFORMATION

Gross Monthly LEII Salary: € 2736.57.

Applications with a full CV in English (300KB max.) and cover letter outlining how you meet the essential skills should be sent to the Recruitment Officer (brussels.recruitment@fco.gov.uk), Corporate Services Benelux (CSB), Avenue d’Auderghem 10, 1040 Brussels by 06 May 2012.

We expect to hold interviews in the week commencing 28 May 2012 with a view to the successful applicant starting work as soon as possible, subject to security clearance and administrative processes. Only applicants called for interview will be contacted. Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Belgium.

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.