Africa, Carribean and Pacific Policy Officer

UKREP - United Kingdom Permanent Representation to the European Union

Brussels, Belgium

A fixed term full time vacancy has become available as Desk Officer in the Development, Humanitarian (and Africa) Team in the UK Representation to the EU (UKRep). 

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, Corporate Services Benelux; (Brussels.Recruitement@fco.gov.uk).

Main Role

This is a challenging and varied role involving a significant degree of policy and support work. There are two main elements:

• Representing the UK at the Africa, Caribbean and Pacific Working Group and acting as contact point within UKRep on the Cotonou Agreement that frames the EU’s development relationship with Africa. Leading on the European Development Fund in UKRep. This includes networking in the EU institutions, liaison with UK government departments on policy and handling and contribution to handling advice in UKRep;
• Providing a variety of policy and admin support to the Development, Humanitarian and Africa team including organisation of high level visits and team events, and covering meetings on behalf of colleagues.

It is possible that the precise responsibilities of the role may change over time as UKREP review the allocation of resources across several busy portfolios.

Essential Skills

• The ability to manage and prioritise workload and deliver results;
• Demonstrated initiative, problem solving and judgement skills;
• Ability to manage, analyse, summarise and present complex and technical information;
• Excellent team working, communication and interpersonal/relationship management skills;
• Flexibility and ability to work under pressure and tight deadlines;
• Good oral and written communication and influencing skills;
• Knowledge of learning and development initiatives and opportunities;
• Ability to take on a wider perspective;
• Fluent written and spoken English, with an operational level of written French. The candidate must be able to operate effectively in a bilingual working group, where document and presentations can be in either French or English;
• Administrative and organisational skills with relevant experience;
• A working knowledge of Microsoft Office.

Desirable

• Academic and/or professional experience of international relations, in particular of Africa and development, and of the EU institutions is highly desirable;
• Familiarity with UK government development policies and structures is desirable.

Gross monthly salary: € 2,736.57 

Applications with a full CV in English should be sent to the Recruitment Officer, (Brussels.Recruitment@fco.gov.uk), CSB, Avenue d’Auderghem 10, 1040 Brussels by 27 August 2013.

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Belgium.

Only applicants called for interview will be contacted. 

Interviews will be held soon after the closing date with a view to the successful applicant starting work in September 2013, subject to security clearance 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 physical disability. We aim to reflect the diversity of society.