View Vacancy - Policy Officer - Foreign Policy Team (FRA20.412)

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)
Chancery

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.

The British Embassy in Paris is part of the UK’s worldwide diplomatic network, representing British political, development, economic and consular interests overseas. We are currently looking for a Policy Officer that will work within the Foreign Policy Team.

This is a fantastic and high profile job opportunity in the British Embassy’s Foreign Policy Team. You will work at the heart of the UK and France’s crucial foreign policy cooperation in an excellent team that deals with the broad scope of all international issues from Russia and China to gender equality and arms control.   Working in the Foreign Policy Team in one of the UK’s busiest bilateral Embassies, you will have outstanding exposure to the full breadth of the UK’s and France’s strategic priorities, working closely with French colleagues from the Quai d’Orsay and Elysée, as well as with London and other Embassies and Missions.

The UK has left the European Union and our bilateral cooperation on foreign, security and defence policy with France has never been more important. France is an active and activist global diplomatic player, especially under President Macron, and one of the UK’s closest international partners. Your objective is to use your understanding of France’s interests and your senior network of contacts across its system to pursue close UK-France cooperation in our joint national interest.

The Policy Officer will work within the Foreign Policy Team on flexible foreign policy priorities, for example, the current jobholder focuses on French policy on Russia, Ukraine and Former Soviet Union states, the Western Balkans and Turkey. You will be expected to understand, influence and provide strategic advice across complex policy areas, working closely with colleagues in Paris and London. You will be expected to be fluent in both English and French. You will use your broad range of contacts to produce timely, accurate reporting and respond to lobbying requests as necessary.

Situated in the heart of Paris, the British Embassy is a dynamic and fun place to work and we encourage all our staff to get involved in the wider work and community life of the Embassy and help create an even better working environment.

  • Proficient level of English and French (both written and spoken, C2 level according to the CEFR framework*).

  • Strong written and oral communication skills in English and French, with clear, concise and convincing drafting and presentation skills.

  • Experience of engaging with public sector/government stakeholders.

  • Interest in current affairs and understanding of UK and French governments.


  • Interest and experience of working on foreign affairs.


4 November 2020
Executive Officer (EO)
Full-time, Permanent
35
Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia
France
Paris
British Embassy
1
EUR
3,887
14 December 2020

This is a full-time permanent contract. Working hours are Monday to Friday from 09:30 to 18:00 (35 weekly hours - there may be an occasional requirement for out of hours working to respond to operational emergencies).

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 casier-judiciaire.justice.gouv.fr), 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 FCDO guidance for Local Staff. The posts we offer are not an entry point into the UK’s Diplomatic Service.

Visa/Passport 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. Additional requirements may become necessary after 31st December 2020.

Your application will only be considered if you follow the guidance below:

  • Your application must be sent in English only;

  • Your application must clearly indicate all nationalities you hold.


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 job.

*Please note Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment indicates Level C2 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 language skill is going to be assessed.

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.