Senior European Parliamentary Officer, Justice and Home Affairs Section

British Embassy

Brussels, Belgium

A full time, fixed term position has become available (providing cover for maternity leave) as an LEI Senior European Parliamentary Officer in the Justice and Home Affairs Section in the UK Permanent Representation to the European Union (UKRep).

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 in relation to all aspects of EU Justice and Home Affairs business. The post-holder will also have responsibility for handling negotiations on one or more EU Justice proposals, including advising and working with policy officials in London and personally representing the UK in meetings within the EU Institutions.

Applications should be sent with full CV (maximum 200kb) and covering letter, including a supporting statement setting out how the applicant meets the essential skills required for this post (300 words maximum) for the attention of the Recruitment Officer, Corporate Services Benelux (Brussels.recruitment@fco.gov.uk).

Main Role

Key responsibilities include:

• Working with desk officers to build and maintain a broad and effective network of contacts in the European Parliament (EP) and with other stakeholders and to use those contacts to promote UK Justice and Home Affairs policy interests in the EP;
• In collaboration with colleagues in Whitehall and in UKRep, developing strategies and tactics to maximise UK influence in the EP;
• Monitoring political and legislative developments in the European Parliament in relation to Justice and Home Affairs issues and working with desk officers to report and analyse their implications for the United Kingdom;
• Presenting UK positions orally or in writing, both formally and informally to MEPs, their assistants and EP staff;
• Attending various Parliamentary committees (primarily LIBE and JURI), plenary sessions of Parliament in Brussels and where relevant in Strasbourg, as well as seminars and similar events;
• Coaching and supporting staff in London in working with the EP, including ensuring written and oral briefing is timely and high quality and that the EP’s role is fully taken into account in policy development and negotiating strategy;
• Leading in UKRep on one or more Justice policy files, likely to include legislative proposals. The post-holder will advise and assist officials in Whitehall in developing policy, informing decision-making and representing the UK in Council working groups. They will represent the UK in Counsellors meetings as well as briefing and assisting the Ambassador and Ministers for COREPER and Justice and Home Affairs Councils.

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 including senior representatives.
• 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 EP plenary sessions.

Desirable Skills/Knowledge

• Command of other EU languages, particularly French;
• Knowledge of UK domestic government, including Whitehall departments and devolved administrations;
• Experience of working with EU Justice policy and the EU legislative process;
• Good IT skills;
• Good presentation skills (including power-point experience).

Gross monthly salary: € 3444.87

Applications with a full CV and supporting statement in English 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 2 May 2012.

Only applicants called for interview will be contacted. Interviews will be held in early May with a view to the successful candidate starting as soon as possible 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.