External Relations Section Policy Assistant

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 Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) team. 

This is an exciting and varied role in a fast-paced Section that works on high profile foreign policy issues (from the response to the Arab Spring to accession to the EU). The full range of issues covered are the Western Balkans, Russia, Eastern Europe & Central Asia, the Middle East & North Africa, EU enlargement, EU sanctions and the Common Security and Defence Policy. Although an important part of the role is focused on admin support, it also provides an excellent opportunity to develop an understanding of UK and EU foreign policy and to work directly on interesting policy issues. 

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.recruitement@fco.gov.uk). 

Main duties and responsibilities

• Admin Support to the CFSP Team (30%): provide proactive, effective business support to the 17 strong CFSP team, in partnership with another officer. Responsibilities will include:
  • Providing general administrative support to the team, such as: scanning, decrypting and filing documents; processing expense claims; and organising meetings;
  • Overseeing team record keeping/data storage, including making suggestions for improvement as appropriate;
  • Under supervision of section budget-holder, managing and monitoring CFSP Team budget in accordance with FCO best practice;
  • Organising inward and outward visits for senior officials;
  • Supervising and managing office supplies;
  • Collecting and distributing documents from the EU institutions as required;
  • Providing administrative support to the UK Delegation at the monthly Foreign Affairs Council attended by EU Foreign Ministers;
  • Longer-term responsibilities for improvement of the ERS administrative structures.
• Support to the CFSP Counsellor (40%): provide support to the Counsellor in his role as the Head of the CFSP Team, including by:
  • Managing the Counsellor’s diary, arranging meetings and travel;
  • Assisting the Counsellor with management of his email inbox;
  • Commissioning briefing and preparing documents ahead of meetings;
  • Providing general administrative support when required, such as booking travel.
  • Supporting the Counsellor on corporate projects.
• Policy Support (30%): provide effective support for ERS in policy delivery by supporting Desk Officers, in particular in the areas of EU enlargement, Western Balkans, Eastern Europe & Central Asia, civilian CSDP, sanctions and CFSP budgets. Responsibilities will include:
  • Working with Desk Officers on assigned policy dossiers, including promoting the UK’s agenda on the Instrument for Stability – the EU’s multi-million Euro instrument for crisis response;
  • Leading on specific policy portfolios, including the EU Institute for Security Studies;
  • Representing the UK at Council working groups, including providing desk officer cover for negotiations (namely on the Balkans, Eastern Europe, EU enlargement and civilian crisis management) , and providing timely and accurate reporting to London and posts;
  • Commissioning instructions and briefing from London for working groups, PSC, COREPER, Councils and other meetings;
  • Lobbying European institutions, other Member States and wider stakeholders to promote UK interests;
  • Representing the UK at external events and stakeholder meetings and report back to London and posts.

Qualifications 
This role is suitable for individuals with a desire to learn and develop tangible skills, who will make the most of the variety of opportunities it provides. They will probably be a graduate with a demonstrable interest in the EU or/and foreign policy. 

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

The CFSP team has a strong development focus for both UK diplomats and locally engaged officers, including, but also going beyond, formal training courses. Policy assistants are offered tailored support, and previous jobholders have secured permanent employment in the UK Civil Service. 

This position will be filled on a fixed term contract. 

Gross monthly salary: € 2286.10. The equivalent of Belgian tax will be deducted from this salary. 

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 Friday 28th June 2013. 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 2013 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.