The British Embassy in Paris is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. It is also part of the UK’s France Network, including offices in Lyon, Bordeaux and Marseilles and representation to international organisations in Paris (OECD and UNESCO) and Strasbourg (CoE). The British Embassy is currently looking for an Immigration & Asylum Attaché, part of the Justice and Home Affairs Team, (which is part of the National Security and Foreign Policy Team). This is an integral role in a very busy team that covers a wide range of high-profile issues including migration and borders, at an important time for the UK-France bilateral relationship. The Justice and Home Affairs team focuses on both legal and illegal migration as well as the fluidity of people and goods at the joint UK-France border, interlinked areas often subject to sudden change and heightened media and political scrutiny.
Main purpose of job:
Report on, analyse and influence French migration, asylum and border security policy. Support delivery of UK policy and operational co-operation with France to manage migratory pressures including through building strong relationships with partners in northern France. To support the D6 and C4 officers in advancing the full range of HMG objectives on migration and border security.
What will you be expected to achieve?
The ideal candidate will be a self-starter who has an experience of French and British migration, border or security policies, is at ease engaging with senior interlocutors and thrives under pressure. You should be able to demonstrate the ability to prioritise effectively across a busy suite of issues and show an aptitude for horizon-scanning to spot links, risks and opportunities. Your access to and understanding of French thinking will be particularly crucial to London policy-making in what is often a fluid and event-driven policy and operational environment.
The ability to build a network of contacts across a wide, complex policy area and manage institutional relations will be key to progress, as will the ability to produce quick and well drafted analysis. In return, you will work in a friendly and inclusive team, responsible for delivering some of the Prime Minister’s top priorities. You will work with a wide range of friendly and interesting stakeholders on a diverse and varied portfolio. Success will have tangible, real-world impacts, and you will be given the freedom to lead work independently and develop.
Main Duties and Responsibilities:
Essential on arrival:
This is a full time, fixed term, 12-month contract, with the possibility of renewal. The position is based on a 35/H week.
All appointments are subject to professional background check satisfactory security clearance. The successful applicant will be required to provide a copy of his/her passport or national identity card for all nationalities held, an up-to-date criminal record (casier judiciaire) for recent countries of residence (which can be obtained online at https://www.cjn.justice.gouv.fr/cjn/b3/eje20), two written proofs of address (utility invoices and/or bank statements) and two references.
Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy in France are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local French employment law and FCO guidance for Local Staff. The posts we offer are not an entry point into the UK’s Diplomatic Service.
Your application will only be considered if you follow the guidance below:
The successful candidates will be subject to professional background checks and security clearance.
The start date mentioned in the advert is just an expected start date. The appointment can start earlier or later depending on several factors.
Visa/work permit requirements: Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in France 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.
Learning and Development opportunities: The France Network puts a very strong emphasis on L&D and the jobholder will be able to benefit from opportunities offered by the International Academy and civil service learning, as well as informal opportunities within the Embassy on topics.
You will be enrolled in several specific training that will include:
The successful applicant will be encouraged to be actively involved in the corporate life of the British Embassy, contributing to the wider objectives of the British Government’s through the France network and supporting the British Embassy’s positive working environment.
Working Pattern: The position is based on a 35- hour working week.
This is a full-time position. Our team works flexibly, including some time working remotely. However, in line with current policy, the job holder will be expected to be in the office at least 60% of the week – and more often when required e.g. during events.
Equal employmentWe are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability or gender identity. We particularly encourage applications from candidates with protected characteristics. The FCDO France Network want to maximise the potential of everyone who chooses to work for us, regardless of their background.
Further informationOur recruitment process is underpinned by the principle of appointment on the basis of fair and open competition and appointment on merit, as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles.
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 Diplomatic Missions 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 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.
The British Embassy Paris wants to create a diverse, inclusive and friendly environment in which people can perform at their best because they feel supported; are able to be themselves in the workplace; and have opportunities to develop and grow. We want all our colleagues, regardless of grade, background or experience, to share our strong sense of purpose and ambition to deliver the best possible outcomes.
We know that diversity of background, experience and thought will help us achieve our goals. We actively encourage applications from colleagues from Minority Ethnic and underrepresented backgrounds and from groups with protected characteristics.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
