View Vacancy - Second Secretary, Withdrawal Agreement & Northern Ireland (BEL21.195)

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer.  We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)
Political

Due to COVID-19, you may experience some delay in the progress of this recruitment campaign. We are working hard to minimise any disruption. You may find more information in the Additional Information section below.

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.

The UK Mission to the European Union (UKMIS) in Brussels is part of a world-wide network of 230 Diplomatic Posts, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas and is now looking for a Second Secretary, Withdrawal Agreement & Northern Ireland. UKMIS represents the UK’s interests vis-à-vis the European Union, as well as engaging with the European institutions and other key stakeholders in Brussels.

The successful applicant will join the cross-cutting Withdrawal Agreement and Northern Ireland team which oversees all of the Mission’s work in relation to the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement, with a particular focus on the Ireland / Northern Ireland Protocol. This is a high profile, interesting and politically sensitive area following the UK’s exit from the EU. 

This will involve: representing the UK’s position in respect of Northern Ireland and the wider Withdrawal Agreement to EU institutions and other stakeholders, including developing the team’s outreach and public diplomacy in Brussels; leading for the team on individual files relating to the Northern Ireland Protocol; coordinating UKMIS work across the Mission on Northern Ireland and the Withdrawal Agreement; reporting to Whitehall departments on developments in Brussels and working with them on preparations for meetings of the Ireland/Northern Ireland Specialised Committee; and supporting Ministers, Ambassadors and senior officials in relevant engagements. They will also be expected to grasp technical details of complex policy in order to brief seniors and engage with external stakeholders.

Roles and Responsibilities

  • Provide strategic and timely advice to Cabinet Office and UKMis seniors on EU positions and approach to the Northern Ireland Protocol and wider Withdrawal Agreement, as well as identifying opportunities and risks for UK objectives
  • Working closely with seniors and UKMIS Comms team, build a programme of Public Diplomacy related to the work of the team, with the aim of explaining the unique circumstances of Northern Ireland to a Brussels-based audience
  • Lead on specific aspects of Northern Ireland policy working to the head of the Withdrawal Agreement / Northern Ireland team, and the Director for Northern Ireland, Agrifood and Fisheries
  • Undertake lead on UKMis input into the UK’s approach to the Other Separation Provisions Specialised Committee under the Withdrawal Agreement
  • Establish strong working relationships with colleagues in Whitehall across departments to understand UK priorities and objectives in this policy area, in particular with the Northern Ireland / Ireland Unit in the Cabinet Office
  • Support colleagues in London and UKMIS seniors on engagement with the Commission to ensure meetings run smoothly, as well as providing operational support to any Ministerial visits to Brussels
  • Build a strong network of contacts across the EU institutions (in particular the European Parliament), Member States and other Brussels-based stakeholders to gather intelligence and track the development of EU policy in order to inform and deliver UK priorities
  • Contribute to the wider policy and corporate work of the team and Mission as a whole. 

  • Full professional proficiency in English, including excellent writing skills (written and spoken, minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework*)
  • Experience working on EU policy and a solid understanding of how the EU works
  • Ability to work as part of a team, and, at the same time, be a self-starter, able to work autonomously and with experts in London and Brussels
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Strong policy skills
  • An ability to make effective decisions, often under competing pressures
  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • A keen interest in and understanding of the broader UK and EU political context

           

14 June 2021
Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Full-time, Permanent
36.25
Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia
Belgium
UK Mission to the European Union (UKMIS), Brussels
British Office
1
EUR
5,471.76
1 August 2021

This is a permanent full-time contract for 5 working days (36.25 hours net) per week. The monthly gross salary for this position is € 5,471.76  C4 level. 

 

In addition, we offer an extensive salary package, which includes a 13 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.

*Please note, Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment indicates Level C1 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 advised 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.

Information due to COVID-19:

  • You may experience some delay in the progress of this recruitment campaign and we are working hard to minimise any disruption;
  • Interviews will be done remotely if the existing situation determines this to be the right course of action;
  • Starting date may be delayed depending on circumstances at the time and it will be agreed with the selected candidate.
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.