Justice and Funding Desk Officer

UKREP - United Kingdom Permanent Representation to the European Union

Brussels, Belgium

A vacancy is coming up in August for a full time fixed-term position in the UK Permanent Representation to the European Union (UKRep), as Justice and Funding 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 have responsibility for a number of Justice portfolios within UKRep, including EU legislative negotiations, covering both criminal and civil justice. They will also have overall responsibility for advancing UK interests in securing access to EU funding on Justice and Home Affairs, working closely with other members of the UKRep team. The Justice element of the post will be determined in light of ongoing business needs and the applicant’s skills and expertise, but will include instruments on minimum standards in criminal law and criminal procedural rights, which areas have recently covered subjects such as the right of access to a lawyer, insider dealing and market manipulation and confiscation of criminal assets. The successful applicant will have responsibility for representing the UK in the EU on these matters, providing advice directly to Ministers’ offices, the Ambassador and other senior UK officials, and advising and working with policy officials in London.

Main Role

Key responsibilities include

• Developing bilateral and multilateral relationships with other Member States and stakeholders on cooperation on EU funding and Justice matters;
• Advising Whitehall on how to get the best out of the Justice and Home Affairs funds;
• Supervising other members of the team in influencing the programming of EU Justice and Home Affairs funding, promoting opportunities for the UK to secure such funds, and supporting the UK representatives in comitology processes;
• Preparing for, and attending working groups to support policy leads from London on a number of Justice portfolios covering both criminal and civil justice;
• 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;
• Working with other members of the 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 in 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;
• 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 supervise the work of more junior staff;
• Ability to familiarise yourself quickly with often complex issues;
• Fluent written and spoken English;
• Numerical reasoning skills;
• Experience of the EU Institutions;
• Knowledge of the UK Justice system.

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 Justice policy, EU funding mechanisms 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 Wednesday 10 July 2013. 

Interviews will be held in mid-July, with a view to the successful candidate starting early September, 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.