View Vacancy - Policy & Communications Intern (BEL23.019)

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.
Other British Government Departments (Partners across Government, including UK Visas)
The Scottish Government

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 British Diplomatic Missions in Brussels are part of a world-wide network of 230 Diplomatic Posts, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas, and are now recruiting for a Policy & Communications Intern, for the Scottish Government EU Office in Scotland House Brussels.  

The Scottish Government EU Office is offering an exciting opportunity to undertake a 12 month Policy & Communications Internship with the chance to gain professional experience in Brussels develop your skills and experience across a range of areas.  The role will focus on: supporting the work of the Sustainability Team, working to promote the Scottish Government’s Net Zero policy ambitions across environment, climate, energy and agriculture, and our commitment to align with the EU; supporting our communications work to maximise the impact of the work across the office through a wide range of platforms; and, a set of general duties to support the operation of the office, shared with two other Scotland House Brussels interns and covering things like the delivery of our cultural diplomacy events and support for Ministerial visits.

 

About Scotland House 

Scotland House Brussels is located at the heart of the Brussels EU district. We have promoted Scottish interests and engaged with EU institutions, member states and other European organisations for over 20 years to ensure Scotland’s voice is heard.  

Scotland House Brussels is home to: 

Scottish Government EU Office – our work in Brussels includes promoting Scotland’s expertise across a diverse range of policy areas such as research and innovation, renewables, equalities and other key topics. We also host a range of events at which we showcase Scotland’s reputation for cultural excellence and renowned food, drink and hospitality. Our location at the heart of the EU allows us to maintain a close working relationship with the EU, member states and other national and regional representations

Scotland Europa - Scotland Europa membership brings together a wide range of Scottish organisations, including public authorities, universities and research institutes, local government, trade unions and voluntary organisations. This diverse partnership gives us a variety of perspectives on Scottish interests in Europe and an influential voice in European affairs. Scotland Europa also part of Scottish Enterprise – Scotland’s main economic, enterprise, innovation and investment agency.

Roles and responsibilities:

  • Support the work of the Sustainability policy team across environment, climate, agriculture and energy files:

o   Monitor and gain insight into EU policy developments using both open source material and contacts with key stakeholders;

o   Update SG policy colleagues and Ministers in Scotland;

o   Promote Scotland’s achievements and seek to foster opportunities for collaboration to tackle shared challenges;

o   Deliver policy-themed events in support of all of the things above.

  • Work with the Events Team to organise key cultural diplomacy events, including ordering catering and other supplies, drafting, issuing and monitoring invitations;

  • Provide administrative and logistics support in arranging visits and events, for instance booking travel and accommodation;

  • Support the management of websites and social media accounts, as well the delivery of the office’s external communications plan;

  • Share reception duties with two colleagues, collectively acting as the first points of contact for all visitors to Scotland House.

 

The internship contract starting date can be discussed between the parties. Please note that despite the start date indicated below, the internship may start later due to the security clearance process. We recommend to delay any decisions regarding accommodation until said clearance comes through.

The intern posts will involve contact with the EU institutions and the UK Mission to the EU (UKMis), the representations of other EU Member States and regions as well as key European networks Scotland House partners are engaged in.

In addition to these core responsibilities, a certain degree of flexibility is inherent in the role depending on changing policy priorities, as well as the personal skills and interests of the successful candidates.  You will periodically be expected to work outside of core office hours.

Further information about Scotland House Brussels can be found at:

www.gov.scot/policies/europe/

@ScotGovEurope 


  • Fluency at C1 level in English according to CEFR framework*, or equivalent;
  • Relevant academic / work / voluntary experience in one or more of the following: European / sustainability policy; communications; and event management;

  • Excellent organisational skills and attention to detail;

  • Strong communication and interpersonal team working skills, and the ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships across a variety of internal and external partners and stakeholders;

  • Ability to prioritise workload effectively and deliver to tight deadlines;

  • Good knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint;

  • Interest in and passion for European policy and promoting Scotland.

  • Fluency at French, Dutch or other language skills would be an asset;

  • Strong understanding of EU institution processes and a good knowledge of Scottish affairs

  • Experience of using social media in a professional or voluntary work environment.

Delivering at Pace, Communicating and Influencing, Working Together, Developing Self and Others
3 February 2023
Internship
Intern
36.25
Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia
Belgium
Brussels
UK Delegation
1
EUR
20 March 2023

This is a full-time professional immersion traineeship with the duration of up to 12 months, 36.25 hours net for 5 working days a week. Standard hours are 09:30 – 17:15. You will periodically be expected to work outside of core office hours.

The professional immersion indemnity for this position is €1.300. Additional benefits including allowances for public transport and daily subsistence costs of €7 per work day are also provided.

Interns will have access to 1 day of paid annual leave and 1 day of unpaid leave per month of traineeship.

As the nature of the events related work will occasionally entail working in the evening, TOIL (time off in lieu) is given.

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.

Professional Immersion Traineeship Requirements:

  • Be a minimum of 18 years old;

  • Proof of valid medical coverage for the period of the internship (European Health Insurance Card);

  • 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.

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 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 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.

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.