LEI Migration Desk Officer, Justice and Home Affairs Section UKREP

United Kingdom Permanent Representation to the European Union

Brussels, Belgium

A vacancy is available in the UK Permanent Representation to the European Union (UKRep), as a Migration Desk Officer in the Justice and Home Affairs Section. Applications (300KB max.), should be sent to the Recruitment Officer, Corporate Services Benelux (brussels.recruitment@fco.gov.uk).
The right applicant can expect to be providing advice directly to Ministers’ offices, the Ambassador and other senior UK officials on working with the EU institutions on a range of migration dossiers within the Justice and Home Affairs Section, including on legal migration, borders and external migration policy. The post-holder will also have responsibility for handling negotiations as well as advising and working with policy officials in London and personally representing the UK in meetings in order to achieve the UK’s objectives.

Main Role

Key responsibilities include:

• Preparing for, and attending working groups to support policy leads from London;
• In collaboration with colleagues in Whitehall and in UKRep, developing strategies and tactics to maximise UK influence in Council and with the institutions;
• Monitoring political and legislative developments in the UK and in the EU to ensure appropriate handling of UK policy with the institutions;
• Presenting UK positions orally or in writing, both formally and informally;
• Supporting the wider Migration Team in preparing for Justice and Home Affairs Councils, covering working groups and other meetings;
• Providing high quality written reports to policy leads and UKRep colleagues on legislative and non-legislative dossiers, including analysis of the discussions;
• Supporting colleagues in London with working at an EU level, including ensuring written and oral briefing is timely and high quality and that the views of the institutions and other Member States are taken into account when developing positions;
• Advising and assisting officials in Whitehall in developing policy, informing decision-making and representing the UK in Council working groups;
• Develop bilateral and multilateral relationships with other Member States and stakeholders on cooperation on migration and wider Justice and Home Affairs issues;
• Orally briefing Ministers, the Ambassador and Senior UK officials in preparation for Councils and high-level meetings.

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.

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 Home Affairs Policy and the EU legislative process;
• Good IT skills;
• Good presentation skills (including powerpoint experience).

This position will be filled as a fixed term contract.

Gross monthly salary: € 3444.87

Applications with a full CV in English and cover letter (300KB max.) 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 20 May 2012.

Interviews will be held end in late May, with a view to the successful candidate starting early to mid June, subject to security clearance and administrative processes. 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.