Senior Projects Advisor

UKREP - United Kingdom Permanent Representation to the European Union

Brussels, Belgium

The UK Permanent Representation to the EU in Brussels has a vacancy for a full time Senior Projects Advisor in the EU Aid Projects Team. This is a high profile, varied role reporting directly to the Head of the Section.

The successful candidate will provide advice, guidance and support to companies on project opportunities (notably EDF, DCI Thematic and DCI Latin America). Applications should be sent with full C.V. and covering letter (300 KB max.) to the attention of the Recruitment Officer, CSB (brussels.recruitment@fco.gov.uk).

UKREP EU Aid Projects Team (UKTI)

Main Role

The position involves supporting UK companies, NGOs and (semi) governmental institutions bidding for EU projects through DG DEVCO’s financial Instruments (notably ACP countries and Latin America).

Key responsibilities include:

• Delivering services to UK companies in line with the UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) targets and strategy;
• Responding to customer enquiries through services we offer to companies on an account management basis;
• Advise UK project operators on funding/business opportunities arising from DG DEVCO’s programmes. Further support UK companies on EC procedures, project management, and on procurement/contract troubleshooting;
• Build knowledge and develop/maintain contacts within your area of responsibility by way of attending EC Committee meetings, develop contacts in the Permanent Missions of recipient countries, other Member States, EU Delegations and line ministries;
• Maintain dialogue on EU Aid procurement rules and procedures with EC and other Member States;
• Doing research on current and future EU programmes, presenting information to clients at seminars and workshops.

Essential Requirements and Competences:

• Delivering a quality service - knowledge and practical experience of EU aid projects, EU aid programming and tendering, evaluation processes and project implementation methodologies;
• Achieving commercial outcomes and experience of working in a commercial private sector environment;
• Making effective decisions – demonstrating experience and track record of working with business and government administration at a senior level in an international context, notably in developing countries (Asia, Africa, Latin America and Accession States);
• Collaborating and Partnering - Well developed interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with senior level EU officials, CEO and Director level contacts;
• Excellent IT skills including knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and Powerpoint as well as communication skills (oral and written) in English.

Desirable Skills/Knowledge:

• Knowledge of the Practical Guide to Contract Procedures for EU External Actions (PRAG);
• Project management experience in international development (notably using PCM approach, logframes);
• Work experience in a developing country;
• Practical experience in/knowledge of other EU funding programmes;
• Command of other EU languages particularly French.

This position will be filled on a fixed term contract.

Gross monthly salary: €2736.57

Applications with a full CV and supporting statement in English (300KB max.) should be sent to the Recruitment Officer, (brussels.recruitment@fco.gov.uk) CSB British Embassy, Avenue d’Auderghem 10, 1040 Brussels by 15 Sept 2014. Interviews will be held on 30 Sept and 01 October 2014 with the successful candidate starting as soon as possible. Only those selected for interview will be contacted.

“The British Embassy is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference.”

“Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy in Belgium are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Belgian employment law.”