View Vacancy - Senior Trade Attaché (BEL21.106)

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)
UKMIS (UK Mission to the European Union)

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 Senior Trade Attaché. 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 jobholder will join the Trade team looking at both EU trade policy, the implementation of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation agreement and how the EU interacts in global and international fora on trade issues, including seeking out opportunities for UK/EU collaboration, and Identifying areas where we are competitors. The team engages closely with the EU Institutions, EU Member States and key Third Country Missions (US, Canada, Japan etc) to gain a full picture on developing trade policy in Brussels.

The trade team plays a crucial role in informing the development of international trade policy in Whitehall, reporting not only on EU developments but also on the political and diplomatic consequences and reactions. The team has a strong reputation for expertise in trade policy and maintains a broad set of relationships with Whitehall counterparts.

A successful candidate will be expected to establish and maintain a rich network of trade contacts within Brussels to advance UK trade interests, be that bilaterally or multilaterally. They will also engage actively and advise on issues of trade policy affecting the UK’s broader economic interests and trade with the EU. As such, the role will include supporting the delivery and implementation of the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement and the relevant governance provisions in the agreement.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Leading for UKMIS on a number of EU trade policy files. These currently include services and investment, and implementation of the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement;
  • Working closely with colleagues in Whitehall and ensuring the appropriate scrutiny and cross government oversight of all your files;
  • Building a strong network of contacts within and outside the EU institutions in order to inform and deliver UK priorities;
  • Providing timely and targeted reporting of meetings and developments in EU trade policy;
  • Managing a junior official;
  • Contributing to the wider work of the trade team and supporting the section in delivering corporate objectives.

  • Full professional proficiency in English, including excellent writing skills (written and spoken, minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework*);
  • Strong policy skills, in particular experience in or knowledge of trade policy;
  • Experience working on EU policy, and a solid understanding of how the EU works;
  • A self-starter, able to work autonomously and with experts in London and Brussels;
  • Excellent networking and organisational skills.

  • Upper intermediate user in French, including excellent writing skills (written and spoken, minimum of B2 level for CEFR framework*);
18 April 2021
Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Full-time, Permanent
36.25
Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia
Belgium
UK Mission to the European Union (UKMIS), Brussels
UK Delegation
1
EUR
5,471.76 (gross)
1 June 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.