Who are we?
The UK Mission to the European Union (UKMis) is part of a worldwide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. UKMis aims to strengthen the relationship between the UK and EU and collaborate on key policy areas including foreign policy, economic relations and climate change.
Our daily work relies on the input of dedicated individuals who engage on many different topics and activities. We seek to employ a diverse range of candidates who bring their own talents and perspectives to the role. We have a strong corporate agenda that ensures we create a positive and inclusive working environment where everyone is valued for their contribution.
UKMis is offering an exciting opportunity to be the Energy Attaché, which is part of the trade, sustainability and markets team (TSM) and will report to the head of energy. There are several opportunities for cross team working in TSM, for example on climate and competitiveness issues related to energy, and opportunities to work with others across UKMis, including the foreign policy, political and economic teams. The principal focus of the job will be monitoring, analysing and subsequently influencing the EU’s energy policy, working closely with colleagues in London to support a range of the UK’s interests.
Main purpose of job:
This is a challenging, varied and fast-moving job which requires a significant degree of independent working, contact-making and flexibility. You will be expected to confidently run influential public diplomacy events, monitor policy developments and report the ongoing developments to relevant stakeholders in a timely manner. You will need to deal confidently and fluently with a broad range of contacts, including in the media, the EU institutions and UK Governments. You will occasionally support the Ambassador and Senior officials at external meetings.
Roles and responsibilities:
Our Ideal Candidate shows:
Nice to have:
This is a full-time fixed-term contract with possibility of becoming permanent, of for 5 working days (36.25 hours net) per week.
The monthly gross salary for this position is €7,091.46, HEO level. In addition, we offer an extensive salary package, which includes a 13th month, luncheon vouchers, pension scheme, optional hospitalisation insurance (subject to monthly employee contribution), reimbursement of public transport and a lot more. We offer more days of annual leave than the Belgian requirements.
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.
The successful candidates will be subject to professional background checks and security clearance.
Passport: officers are expected to be in possession of a passport due to the possibility that they may be asked to undertake business travel.
Visa/work permit requirements: Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Belgium 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.
Working patterns: This post is a full-time position UKMis but promotes flexible working opportunities. Most staff can work from home one day per week, subject to agreement with the line manager. UKMis operates usual office working hours though some occasional working outside these hours may be necessary to attend events or to support colleagues visiting from the UK. Any time worked outside normal hours can be compensated with a Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) system.
The UKMis Learning & Development (L&D) Committee coordinates an extensive L&D programme for all staff. Its members maintain a regular drumbeat of knowledge-building activity through an annual core curriculum, and lead on organising optional in-house French and Dutch classes. Our current UKMis L&D priorities are: Impactful Diplomacy and Professional Skills and Building our Expertise on the EU and UK-EU relations.
UKMis has a strong L&D culture and is committed to creating opportunities to stretch or develop particular skills for individuals, including language learning, attending conferences for professional development, and training for upskilling. Our internal L&D Committee and team leaders have an annual budget to which all colleagues can bid for funding to support their L&D activity.
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 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 position.
*Please note for more information on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment levels please click on the following link CEFR.
Please bear in mind in case you are invited for an interview your language skill is going to be assessed.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
