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External Relations Section Policy Assistant, Ref. BEL310

5:19:00 PM

UKREP - United Kingdom Permanent Representation to the European Union

Brussels, Belgium

The British Diplomatic Mission in Belgium is part of a worldwide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas and is now looking for an External Relations Section Policy Assistant to the UK Representation to the EU in Brussels.
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). Although an important part of the role is focused on administrative support, it also provides an excellent opportunityto develop an understanding of UK and EU foreign policy and to work directly on interesting policy issues. This could be from a range of issues across the EU Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) and Common Security and Defence Policy (CSDP). The current jobholder focuses predominantly on supporting the UK COAFR Council working group delegate to deliver the UK’s priorities for Africa. External Relation Section (ERS) responds to dynamic foreign policy priorities so the specific policy areas covered by this role would be subject to change.

Main Duties/Responsibilities

Team Administrative Support (50%): provide support across ERS, including by:
  • Team coordination: coordinating team-wide travel and expenses; providing secretarial support at Foreign Affairs Councils, Trade and Development Councils, and occasional General Affairs Councils for visiting Ministers;
  • Office Management: managing the team’s electronic and paper filing systems, document retrieval and distribution; preparing briefing packs; answering phones; arranging set up for external meetings; ordering office supplies; maintaining an orderly office environment;
  • Resource Administration: Supporting induction of new ERS staff, and assisting with recruitment and HR processes;
  • Visits: Arranging programmes and meetings for a steady flow of official visitors;
  • Budget: Monitoring the team budgets and supporting the team with expense administration;
  • Supporting delivery of corporate projects.
Policy Support (45%): provide effective support for ERS policy delivery by supporting Desk Officers. Responsibilities will include:
  • Leading on specific policy portfolios from a range of foreign affairs issues;
  • Commissioning instructions and briefing from London for working groups, the Political and Security Committee, COREPER, Councils and other meetings;
  • Lobbying European institutions, other Member States and wider stakeholders to promote UK interests;
  • Representing the UK at Council working groups, including providing desk officer cover for negotiations, and providing timely and accurate reporting to London and posts;
  • Representing the UK at external events and stakeholder meetings and reporting back to London and posts.
Flexible Cross-ERS Support (5%): partner with two other assistants to provide cover for ad hoc business and policy needs across the breadth of ERS activities.

Required Experience & Skills

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.
Essential:
  • Fluent command of English (oral and written);
  • Good IT skills;
  • Graduate with a demonstrable interest in the EU or/and foreign policy;
  • Relevant educational and professional experience;
  • Ability to prioritise;
  • Good organizational and communication skills;
  • Key FCO competences: Engaging Internationally, Collaborating and Partnering, Making Effective Decisions, Delivering at Pace.
Desirable:
  • Previous relevant education and/or experience in UK’s foreign policy;
  • Previous experience in administrative roles;
  • Good command of French.

Terms and Conditions

This is a four year fixed term contract, for 5 working days (36.25 hours net) per week.
The successful candidates will be subject to professional background checks and security clearance.
The monthly salary for this position is € 2.286,10 gross, A2 level (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 is 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: BEL310.
The closing date for applications is 31st July 2015.
Kindly note that your application will only be considered if:
  1. Your application has been sent within the time frame requested;
  2. Your application documents are fully 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.

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