Senior European Parliamentary Liaison Officer UKREP

United Kingdom Permanent Representation to the European Union

Brussels, Belgium

Staff Vacancy

A full time position as a Senior European Parliamentary Liaison Officer in the European Parliament section of the United Kingdom Representation to the European Union (UKREP) has become available. This is a high profile, exciting role offering a unique overview of working with the UK Government, the EU institutions and other stakeholders. The successful applicant can expect to engage directly with MEPs to represent UK views and positions, as well as advising UKREP, Whitehall officials and UK Ministers on EP negotiating dynamics. The successful applicant will also have strong influencing abilities and an understanding of how to deliver positive results with the EP. 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 UKREP Recruitment Officer, (brussels.recruitment@fco.gov.uk). Existing members of the locally engaged staff should inform their Head of Section if they respond to this notice.

Main Role

To represent the UK in the EP on trade, external affairs (including foreign affairs and development) and fisheries issues. Specifically:

• To gather information and monitor political and legislative developments in the EP for a given set of policy areas relating to trade, external affairs and fisheries issues;
• To report back to Whitehall on parliamentary debates, votes and other events, and on dialogue with MEPs, their assistants and EP staff, providing high quality analysis of implications for the UK (including longer term);
• To convincingly present UK positions orally or in writing, both formally and informally to MEPs, their assistants and EP staff;
• To identify, build up and maintain a broad and effective network of contacts in the EP and with other stakeholders and to use those contacts to promote UK policy interests in the EP;
• To develop strategies in collaboration with colleagues in Whitehall to maximise UK influence in the EP and tactics for doing so for lobbying both on individual dossiers and on horizontal dossiers;
• To attend various Parliamentary Committees (primarily INTA, AFET, PECH, and DEVE), plenary sessions of Parliament in Brussels and Strasbourg, seminars and other relevant events;
• To coach and support UKREP staff in developing expertise on the EP, its personalities, procedures and politics with colleagues in UKREP and London; This includes making written briefing for MEPs fit for purpose, advising on working with EP; and giving training on working with the EP.

Skills required

Essential

• A strong understanding of the roles, structures and procedures of the EP, preferably through direct experience of working or engaging successfully with MEPs;
• 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 familiarise yourself with complex issues;
• Fluent written and spoken English.

Desirable

• Good IT literacy;
• Command of other EU languages, particularly French and German;
• 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 CV and a one-page covering letter with supporting statement in English should be sent to the Recruitment Officer, CSB, Ave d’Auderghem 10, 1040 Brussels (A full time position as a Senior European Parliamentary Liaison Officer in the European Parliament section of the United Kingdom Representation to the European Union (UKREP) has become available. This is a high profile, exciting role offering a unique overview of working with the UK Government, the EU institutions and other stakeholders. The successful applicant can expect to engage directly with MEPs to represent UK views and positions, as well as advising UKREP, Whitehall officials and UK Ministers on EP negotiating dynamics. The successful applicant will also have strong influencing abilities and an understanding of how to deliver positive results with the EP. 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 UKREP Recruitment Officer, (brussels.recruitment@fco.gov.uk). Existing members of the locally engaged staff should inform their Head of Section if they respond to this notice. 

Senior European Parliamentary Officer) by Friday 09 November 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 interviewing mid-November with a view to the successful candidate starting asap 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.