View Vacancy - Senior European Parliament Adviser (BEL20.001)

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.
UK Mission
UKMIS (UK Mission to the European Union)

The UK Representation to the European Union (UKREP) 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 two (2) full-time Senior European Parliament Advisers.

This is a high profile role offering a unique overview of working with the UK Government, the EU institutions and other stakeholders as the UK transitions to third country status.

The successful applicants can expect to engage directly with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) to represent UK views and positions, as well as taking the initiative to advise UKREP, Whitehall officials and UK Ministers on the European Parliament (EP) negotiating dynamics and developing legislation. The jobholders will also have strong influencing abilities and an understanding of how to deliver positive results with the European Parliament.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Gather information and monitor political and legislative developments in the European Parliament for a given set of policy areas;
  • Report back to Whitehall on parliamentary debates, votes and other events, and on dialogue with MEPs, their assistants and EP staff, providing London with insight into developments and high quality analysis of implications for UK policy, travelling to London to do so in person as appropriate;
  • Advise colleagues in Whitehall on how to maximise UK influence in the European Parliament, and plan strategies for delivering Ministers’ objectives, including through helping deliver effective visits;
  • To convincingly present UK positions orally and in writing, both formally and informally to MEPs, their assistants and European Parliament staff;
  • Identify, build-up and maintain a broad and effective network of contacts in the European Parliament and to help others in UKREP to do so. Use those contacts to promote UK policy interests in the EP;
  • Attend Parliamentary Committees, plenary sessions of Parliament in Brussels and Strasbourg, seminars and other relevant events, sometimes outside of office hours;
  • Coach and support staff in UKREP and the UK in developing expertise on the European Parliament, its personalities, procedures and politics. This includes ensuring the quality of written briefing for MEPs, advising on working with EP and giving training on working with the EP.

  • Proficient level of English (written and spoken, minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework*);
  • A minimum of 1.5 years of experience in working closely with the European Parliament, or in the Council, Commission or in a Permanent Representation;
  • A strong understanding of the roles, structures and procedures of the European Parliament, preferably through direct experience of working or engaging successfully with MEPs;
  • Strong interpersonal skills, including 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, being able 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.
  • Good presentation skills;
  • Good command of other EU languages would be an asset;
  • A good IT literacy.
23 January 2020
Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Full-time, Permanent
36.25 net
Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia
Belgium
UK Permanent Representation to the European Union, Brussels
Political Office
2
EUR
5,233.63
16 March 2020

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 € 5,233.63, C4(L) level. In addition, we offer an extensive salary package, which includes a 13 month, luncheon vouchers, pension scheme, hospitalisation insurance, 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.

Visa/passport 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. Additional requirements may become necessary pending EU Exit. If requirements change additional eligibility information will be shared during the recruitment process.

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 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 a wide range of demanding, longer texts, and recognise implicit meaning; can express him/herself fluently and spontaneously without much obvious searching for expressions; can use language flexibly and effectively for social, academic and professional purposes; can produce clear, well-structured, detailed text on complex subjects, showing controlled use of organisational patterns, connectors and cohesive devices. 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 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.