View Vacancy - UKRep Second Secretary (BEL072)

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)
UKREP (UK Representation to the EU)

The UK Permanent Representation to the EU (UKRep) works within the EU and its member states to maximise British influence on issues such as trade, the single market and economic growth and is now looking for a highly motivated Second Secretary to work in the Competition and Markets team.

This is a challenging opportunity to work on high-profile issues at UKRep. You will gather information and intelligence about developing EU policy, represent the UK in Council discussions, and work with a wide range of stakeholders – such as industry, European Commission and Parliament - to shape and influence the development of EU policy and legislation, likely to include on energy issues. You will also be involved in the development of the future relationship with the EU in those policy areas on which you work.

Main responsibilities will include:

  • Representing the UK in negotiations in working groups in the Council;
  • Gathering information on policy developments in Brussels, reporting back to London, developing relationships and influencing the European Commission, Parliament and other Permanent Representations as well as other stakeholders;
  • Working with Whitehall Departments, particularly the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, to contribute to the development of UK policy;
  • Organising and briefing for senior official and Ministerial visits, including for Councils.
  • Contributing to the development of the UK’s relationship with the EU once it exits.
  • Fluency in English (both oral and written);
  • A strong understanding of the roles, structures and procedures of the EU institutions and the EU legislative process;
  • Experience of influencing policy development in an international environment;
  • Strong interpersonal skills. Proven ability to form professional relationships and build trust with a wide range of contacts including at senior and political level;
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills. The ability to present an argument clearly and persuasively, varying your communication style to suit your audience;
  • Excellent organisational skills, ability to manage conflicting priorities and deliver effectively with a ‘can do’ attitude when working under pressure;
  • Proven team player as well as ability to work autonomously on own initiative;
  • Ability to familiarise yourself with complex issues.
  • Knowledge of French language.

26 February 2017
Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Full-time, Permanent
36.25
Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia
Belgium
UK Permanent Representation to the European Union, Brussels
Political Office
EUR
4,747.11 gross
3 April 2017

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 € 4,747.11 C4 (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.

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 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.