Senior European Parliamentary Officer

UKREP - United Kingdom Permanent Representation to the European Union

Brussels, Belgium

Introduction

A full time position as a Senior European Parliamentary Officer in 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 taking the initiative to advise UKREP, Whitehall officials and UK Ministers on EP negotiating dynamics, devising strategies for meeting UK Ministers’ objectives for EU legislation. The successful applicant will also have strong influencing abilities and an understanding of how to deliver positive results with the European Parliament (EP).

Main Duties/Responsibilities

The successful applicant will represent the UK in the EP, specifically:

• To gather information and monitor political and legislative developments in the EP for a given set of policy areas;
• To report back to Whitehall on parliamentary debates, votes and other events, and on dialogue with MEPs, their assistants and EP staff, providing London with insight into developments and high quality analysis of implications for UK policy, travelling to London to do so in person as appropriate;
• To advise colleagues in Whitehall on how to maximise UK influence in the EP, and plan strategies for delivering Ministers’ objectives; including through helping deliver effective visits;
• To convincingly present UK positions orally and 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 to help others in UKREP to do so. Use those contacts to promote UK policy interests in the EP;
• To attend Parliamentary Committees, plenary sessions of Parliament in Brussels and Strasbourg, seminars and other relevant events, sometimes outside of office hours;
• To coach and support staff in UKREP and the UK in developing expertise on the EP, its personalities, procedures and politics. This includes ensuring the quality of written briefing for MEPs, advising on working with EP; and giving training on working with the EP.

Required Experience & Skills

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;
• The candidate will be assessed against the following competences:
• Leading and Communicating;
• Collaborating and Partnering;
• Delivering at Pace;
• Changing and Improving;
• Making Effective Decisions;
• Engaging internationally.

Desirable

• Good IT literacy;
• Command of other EU languages, particularly French and German;
• Good presentation skills;
• Knowledge of UK government including Whitehall Departments.

Terms and Conditions

This is a full-time fixed term contract for 5 working days (36.25 hours net) per week.

The successful candidate will be subject to a professional background check, as well as security clearance and is expected to commence employment as soon as possible.

The monthly salary for this position is € 3444.7 gross. Furthermore this post attracts an additional allowance of € 406.84 gross per month and lunch vouchers. The UK Missions in Belgium salaries are not subject to annual indexation.

Please note that Belgian nationals will be paid their salary gross and are expected to comply with their tax obligations through completion of a tax return to the Belgian authorities. Non-Belgian nationals will receive their salary net, minus the deduction of an equivalent level of Belgian tax retained at source. Further information on this will be given to candidates during the recruitment process. 

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

Applications

All applicants should have the right to live and work in Belgium. The British Embassy does not sponsor work permits. All applicants should submit their CV (in English, up to 3 pages), Covering Letter (in English, no more than 1 page of A4, Arial11) setting out their motivation for the role and how they meet the above criteria.

Applications should be sent to jobapplications.bel@fco.gov.uk and the email subject line must be formatted as follows: BEL317
We expect to hold interviews in July with a view to the successful applicant starting work as soon as possible in the autumn, subject to vetting, references and administrative processes.

The closing date for applications is 7th July 2015.

Kindly note that your application will only be considered if:

1. Your application has been sent within the time frame requested;
2. All your application documents are in English;
3. Your applications documents are in pdf format.

Please note that, because of the volume of applications we receive, we will only contact candidates selected for interview. If you do not hear from us you should assume that your application has not been successful.

Please be advised that the Embassy will not be able to meet the travel costs incurred when travelling to the interview, nor the costs connected with relocation if offered a job.

British Diplomatic Missions are equal opportunities employers, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference.