View Vacancy - Economic Policy Officer (DEU23.147)

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Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)
Political

The British Embassy in Berlin is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. The Embassy is now looking for an Economic Policy Officer, based in Berlin.

Why should you apply?

This demanding position offers the right candidate an exciting opportunity to contribute to the Embassy’s analysis and understanding of one of the UK’s most important economic partners. The Embassy has wide-ranging economic interests in Germany, and seeks to promote closer ties between the UK and Germany including through policy exchanges and partnering on projects of shared interest. We offer an interesting and challenging work environment, delivering on the UK’s most high-profile international objectives.

As Economic Policy Officer, the jobholder will undertake reporting and analysis on Germany’s economic policy based on understanding of the broader political context. They will be required to build and maintain a network of contacts in the German economic policy community, attend relevant events and provide reports and analysis to colleagues in Berlin and London. The jobholder will need to be proactive in identifying economic developments of interest to colleagues in London and the wider Embassy team, in addition to responding to varying requests. They will also be required to take on other tasks and roles as required.

Key areas of direct focus will include macroeconomics, fiscal policy, taxation, competition policy and industrial strategy, euro-area architecture. The jobholder may also provide economic analysis where necessary on subjects including climate and foreign policy. A key function will include collaborating with colleagues across the Embassy (including the Department for Business and Trade) working on areas related to economic policy to help develop a comprehensive understanding of Germany’s economic policy priorities. The jobholder will have the opportunity to undertake occasional travel in Germany and to the UK.

This is a fixed-term 2 year contract with the possibility of a permanent contract subject to performance and funding. 

Roles and responsibilities:

  • Identify and monitor key developments in German economic policy, especially where these potentially affect UK interests. Work with colleagues to develop a comprehensive understanding of Germany’s economic policy priorities;
  • Respond to specific requests on the policy and administration of German fiscal policy (including taxation) to strengthen UK policy-making by providing evidence from the German experience;
  • Maintain a network of contacts in ministries, parliament, think tanks, industry and academia in Berlin and across Germany. Support high level visits to Germany by UK ministers and senior officials by drawing on this network and producing economic briefings on Germany;
  • Maintain relationships with stakeholders in London, in particular HM Treasury, the Bank of England, and the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO); and with colleagues across the wider Embassy teams;
  • Contribute to achieving the wider objectives of the British Government's Germany network, including by fostering an inclusive and positive working environment. 

Our ideal candidate shows:

  • Proficiency in English and German (both written and spoken, minimum of C2 level for CEFR framework*);
  • University degree in relevant field (economics, political economy, finance, but not exclusively) and/or equivalent professional experience;
  • 2+ year’s professional experience working in economics / public policy;
  • Excellent interpersonal and networking skills;
  • Ability to work under pressure and juggle multiple priorities effectively;
  • Strong analytical and research skills and able to tailor communication style for different audiences;
  • Strong project management experience;
  • Ability to work well on own initiative;
  • Good IT skills, especially Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Outlook.

It will be a plus:

  • Previous experience working in a government Ministry or an Embassy in an economics related role, or similar experience in a think tank or academic environment.
Seeing the Big Picture, Making Effective Decisions, Delivering at Pace, Communicating and Influencing
18 April 2023
Executive Officer (EO)
Full-time, Fixed term, with possibility of renewal
37.5
Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia
Germany
Berlin
British Embassy
1
EUR
€61,080 gross per annum rising to approx. €68,611 gross per annum after a qualifying period in addition to performance related pay. (Salary is not negotiable)
1 June 2023
31 May 2025

This is a fixed-term 2 year contract with the possibility of a permanent contract subject to performance and funding. 

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

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

The British Embassy in Berlin has a strong ethos of Learning and Development, including our Learning and Development Week. In addition, there will be many opportunities to attend external seminars and events on relevant issues. This is in addition to the induction programme offered to all Embassy staff.

The successful applicant will be encouraged to be actively involved in the corporate life of the Embassy, contributing to the wider objectives of the British Government’s Germany network and supporting the Embassy’s positive working environment.

Visa/work permit requirements: Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Germany and be prepared to ensure that right remains throughout the scope of the contract.

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal requirements to live and work in this country.

Please note that the deadline for applications is 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”. We advise you to allow enough time to complete and submit your full application, since only applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered.

Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen.

Please be advised that the British Government Germany Network 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.

* Please note Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment indicates Level C2 as Mastery or proficiency Level which comprehends that a person can understand with ease virtually everything heard or read; can summarize information from different spoken and written sources, reconstructing arguments and accounts in a coherent presentation; can express themselves spontaneously, very fluently and precisely, differentiating finer shades of meaning even in the most complex situations. For more information please click on the following link CEFR. Please bear in mind in case you are invited for an interview your languages skills are going to be assessed. 

Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.

This opportunity is closed to applications.