Atomic Questions and Energy Attaché UKREP

United Kingdom Permanent Representation to the European Union

Brussels, Belgium

STAFF VANCANCY

A full time position as an Atomic Questions and Energy Attaché in the Competitiveness and Markets section of the United Kingdom Representation to the European Union (UKREP) has become available. This is an exciting role offering a unique opportunity to represent the UK Government in negotiations with other Member States in the Council and with the European Parliament and other stakeholders on a high profile area of policy. The successful applicant will be the UK’s representative on the Atomic Questions Working Group, and support the First Secretary Energy in the Energy Working Group. The successful applicant will have strong negotiating and influencing skills, have the ability to build trust with policy leads in Whitehall departments, and be able to deliver positive results in EU Council negotiations. The successful candidate will be able to develop strong working relationships with the Commission, MEPs and other Stakeholders.

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). Existing members of the locally engaged staff should inform their Head of Section if they respond to this notice.

Role

The main role will be to represent the UK in the Council of Ministers Atomic Questions and Energy working groups. Specifically:

• To represent the UK as lead negotiator on the Atomic Questions Group;
• To work closely with policy leads in London Departments to prepare the UK’s approach to the forthcoming review of the Nuclear Safety Directive.

The role will also entail assisting the First Secretary Energy in the Energy Working Group, including leading on a number of energy dossiers, as well as developing the UK’s approach to energy aspects of external relations.

The role may entail leading on other related dossiers in the competitiveness and markets section as required in the light of evolving workloads.

The post is situated in UKREP’s Competitiveness and Markets section. The focus of the section’s work is transport, telecoms, energy, research and internal market issues including the low carbon economy.

Skills required

Essential

• Strong interpersonal skills. Proven ability to form professional relationships and build trust with a wide range of contacts including at senior and political level;
• Excellent oral and written communication skills. The ability to present an argument clearly and persuasively, varying your communication style to suit your audience;
• Excellent organisational skills, ability to manage conflicting priorities and deliver effectively with a ‘can do’ attitude when working under pressure;
• Proven team player as well as ability to work autonomously on own initiative;
• Ability to understand and communicate complex issues both orally and in writing;
• Fluent written and spoken English.

Desirable

• Understanding of EU law and processes;
• Good IT literacy;
• Command of other EU languages, particularly French and German;
• Understanding of Energy and Nuclear policy;
• Good presentation skills;
• Knowledge of UK government including Whitehall Departments.

This position will be filled on a fixed term contract.

Gross monthly salary: €3444.87

Applications with a full CV and supporting statement in English should be sent to the Recruitment Officer, CSB, Avenue d’Auderghem 10 1040 Brussels (brussels.recruitment@fco.gov.uk) by 08 July 2012. Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Belgium.

Interviews will be held in mid July.

Only applicants called 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 disability. We aim to reflect the diversity of society.