Trade Policy and Business Support Officer

(Ref. BEL568)

UKREP - United Kingdom Permanent Representation to the European Union

Brussels, Belgium

Introduction

The UK Permanent Representation to the EU (UKREP) works within the EU and its member states to maximise British influence on issues such as trade, the single market and economic growth is now looking for a Trade Policy and Business Support Officer for the UK Representation to the EU in Brussels (UKREP).

This is an exciting and varied role involving a significant degree of autonomy; the successful candidate will be an integral member of the Trade Policy Team during the UK Presidency in 2017. The successful candidate will be expected to be flexible and adapt to help cover any potential shift in policy priorities and responsibilities within what is a busy team.

Main Duties/Responsibilities

• Working as a policy lead on a variety of geographical and horizontal trade policy dossiers and providing advice to London and UK posts overseas;
• Engaging regularly with the EU institutions, meeting with external stakeholders, liaising with UK government departments; 
• The successful candidate will spend at least one-third of their time supporting the trade team with a variety of administrative and organisational tasks as necessary (e.g. booking travel and accommodation on occasion and the arrangement of briefing packs for Ministerial Councils).

Required Experience & Skills

Essential:

• Fluent command of English (oral and written); 
• The ability to manage and prioritise workload, drive agendas forward and deliver results;
• Demonstrate initiative, problem solving and judgement skills;
• Ability to manage, analyse, summarise and present complex and technical information;
• Excellent team working and interpersonal/relationship management skills;
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, both written and oral;
• Flexibility and ability to work under pressure;
• Ability to take on a wider perspective;
• Administrative and organisational skills with relevant experience, including a working knowledge of Microsoft Office;
• Key FCO competences: Seeing the Big Picture; Making Effective Decisions; Engaging Internationally; Leading & Communicating; Delivering at Pace.

Desirable:

• Familiarity with UK government policies and structures;
• Knowledge of the EU institutions;
• Relevant academic or professional experience an advantage;
• Written and spoken French would be an asset.

Terms and Conditions

This is a full-time, 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 €2.736,57, B3 level (The British Diplomatic 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 Diplomatic Missions 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 Diplomatic Missions in Belgium 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. 

A sift of applications will take place based upon the essential and desirable skills, following which candidates will be asked to complete a time-limited written exercise in the week commencing 22 February 2016. Candidates will need access to email for the written test.

Successful candidates will be invited to interview in the week commencing 29 February 2016.

Applications should be sent to jobapplications.BEL@fco.gov.uk and the email subject line must be formatted as follows: BEL568.

The closing date for applications is 18th February 2016. 

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 British Diplomatic Missions in Belgium 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.