External Relations Section Policy Assistant UKREP

United Kingdom Permanent Representation to the European Union

Brussels, Belgium

Job description

The External Relations Section (ERS) in the UK Representation to the EU (UKREP) is advertising for a Policy Assistant to provide administrative and policy support to the Section.

The ERS Section this vacancy is in deals with EU policy towards some of the highest profile and most important aspects of external relations ranging from the response to the Arab Spring to accession to the EU. The full areas covered are accession countries, the Western Balkans, Russia, Central Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and military and civilian aspects of the Common Security and Defence Policy. While incorporating administrative responsibilities, this role will provide an opportunity to develop an understanding of UK and EU foreign policy in general, as well as more in-depth exposure to particular issues, including engaging with civil society.

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, CSB (brussels.recruitment@fco.gov.uk).

Main duties and responsibilities

Administrative support (approximately 60%): providing proactive, effective administrative support to the UKREP External Relations section.

• Immediate responsibilities such as:
  • Preparation of documents for the Political and Security Committee Ambassador, Counsellor and desk officers for working groups and other meetings;
  • Providing administrative support at the Foreign Affairs/General Affairs Council.
  • Arranging travel and meetings;
  • Processing expense claims;
  • Collect and distribute daily section mail;
  • Handling IT support requests;
  • Scanning, decrypting and filing documents;
  • Supervision and management of office supplies;
• Monitor UK and EU reporting, press clippings and news reports;
• Under supervision of section budget-holder, manage and monitor ERS section budget in accordance with FCO best practice;
• Organise inward and outward visits;
• Longer-term responsibilities for improvement of the ERS administrative structure.

Policy Support (approximately 40%): providing effective support for ERS in policy delivery including through:

• Acting as the deputy ‘Nicolaidis’ to provide support to the UK Ambassador to the Political and Security Committee where EU foreign policy is negotiated and agreed;
• Representing the UK at Council working groups, including providing desk officer cover for negotiations, and providing timely and accurate reporting to London and Posts, (the current jobholder covers, in particular, the areas of non proliferation, space, European defence, the former Soviet Union and the Middle East and North Africa region);
• Commissioning instructions and briefing from London for working groups, Committee of Permanent Representatives, Councils and other meetings;
• Lobbying European institutions, other member states and wider stakeholders to promote UK interests;
• Reporting to London and posts on relevant EU developments;
• Representing the UK at external events and stakeholder meetings, including at the European Parliament and civil society.

Qualifications

Relevant educational and professional experience is highly desirable. Applicants should have an excellent command of English (written, spoken and comprehension) and strong command of French. IT skills would be an asset.

UKREP also has a full programme of development opportunities, including, but going beyond, formal training courses.

This position will be filled on a fixed term contract.
Gross monthly salary: € 2286.10

Applications with a CV and covering letter with supporting statement in English should be sent to the Recruitment Officer, CSB, Ave d’Auderghem 10, 1040 Brussels (brussels.recruitment@fco.gov.uk) by Monday 11 July 2012. Include your full name in the message title and your email and attachments must not exceed 300kB in size.

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Belgium.

Only applicants selected for interview will be contacted with the intention to interview mid July. The successful applicant will be expected to start at the end of August 2012 subject to security vetting, references and administrative processes.

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 disability. We aim to reflect the diversity of society.