Political & Communications Officer

(Ref. BEL623)

British Bilateral Embassy

Brussels, Belgium

The British Bilateral Embassy in Belgium is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas and is now looking for a Political and Communications Officer to be based in Brussels.

The Embassy is the key point of contact for all Belgo-British bilateral relations. This is a wide-ranging and challenging job, which would offer the successful candidate the opportunity to develop a broad range of contacts in the Belgian and UK Governments, as well as in media, business, and academic circles. Given the broad remit of the role, the position would allow for a large degree of initiative and creativity. It would suit a confident self-starter looking for experiences in an internationally British environment where changing priorities help ensure variety of work. The Embassy is committed to the personal development of staff. Previous employees working on political and public diplomacy issues have gone on to work for a range of institutions including the European Institutions, UK Civil Service Fast Stream and the Belgian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Also, the FCO supports flexible working for all its employees.

The successful candidate will play an integral role in the Political and Public Diplomacy Section (PPD), monitoring and reporting on Belgian media and political developments and will also deliver the Embassy’s digital communications work, and assist with the Embassy’s wider public diplomacy events.

Main Duties/Responsibilities

• Monitor the French and Dutch language Belgian media (early start required) and contribute to the Embassy’s broader reporting on Belgian political developments, key decision-makers and groups;
• Manage the content of the Embassy’s website. Timely communication on the work of the Embassy and the UK Government via social media such as Facebook and Twitter. Actively and innovatively engaging with online communities as the digital voice of the UK in Belgium;
• Assist in the organisation of public diplomacy events and high level visits to promote UK interests in Belgium, e.g. the Centenary Commemorations of the First World War;
• Talent-spotting and building relationships with those who are the rising stars in Belgian politics;
• Liaise regularly with the media;
• Act as the primary contact for public enquiries (telephone and email); other administrative work such as database management;
• Administer publications’ invoices budget of €1500/annum.

Required Experience & Skills

Essential:

• Fluent level of English (written and spoken);
• Fluent level of French and Dutch (written and spoken);
• Previous social media experience;
• Good drafting skills;
• Experience of communicating through a range of social media platforms, such as Twitter;
• Ability to work effectively and flexibly in a small team;
• Willingness to work additional hours as necessary (time off in lieu is given);
• Excellent interpersonal skills;
• Excellent organisational and prioritisation skills;
• Confident and ability to take the initiative and be creative;
• Key FCO competences: Seeing the Big Picture; Leading and Communicating; Collaborating and Partnering; Managing a Quality Service; Delivering at Pace.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of the Belgian political system;
• Understanding of the UK political system;
• Previous press office experience.

Terms and Conditions

This is a full-time, four years fixed term contract, for 5 working days (36.25 hours net) per week. Working hours start at 08:00 (required for daily media summaries).

The monthly salary for this position is € 2.736,57, B3(L) 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.

The successful candidates will be subject to professional background checks and security clearance.
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.

Applications should be sent to jobapplications.BEL@fco.gov.uk and the email subject line must be formatted as follows: BEL623.

The closing date for applications is the 20^th March 2016.

Interviews are expected to take place on the 30^th March. Candidates will need to undertake written tests as part of the selection process. 

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.