View Vacancy - Consular Policy Officer Vienna (AUT21.046)

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Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Consular Roles)
Consular

Note: 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 Vienna is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas and is now looking for a Consular Policy Officer to join its team on a part-time fixed-term contract initially until 31 September 2021.

As a Consular Policy Officer in the Europe network, you will be a key member of a cross-Embassy team working to support the smooth implementation of the citizens’ rights articles in the Withdrawal Agreement between the UK and the EU. As part of the team, you will

  • Engage with local Austrian authorities to track and understand the implementation of the UK-EU Citizens’ Rights agreements
  • Help ensure that timely and accurate information is available for UK nationals, including website content, working closely with communication teams
  • Support pro-active outreach to UK nationals
  • Maintain and develop collaborative relationships with key UK Government Department representatives and local authorities in Austria to ensure that all relevant policy areas of concern to UK nationals are covered
  • Respond to queries received by the British Embassy Vienna, particularly through social media channels, from British nationals, directing them through the right internal mechansims. If queries are escalated, support the consular team to resolve them
  • Support BE Vienna and the Regional Consular EU Policy Advisor on other tasks in Austria and across the region (Germany and Switzerland) as required

Main tasks and responsibilities

  • Follow and understand host-country and regional implementation of the citizens’ rights agreement as part of the UK leaving the EU, including the Austrian legislation implementing this agreement, as well as other issues relevant to UK nationals resident in or visiting Austria. Working with the Regional Consular EU Policy Advisor, use this understanding to produce internal analysis and policy advice to Embassy and UK based teams.  
  • Support the UK Ambassador to Austria and other senior Embassy staff establish and maintain an effective network with the Austrian authorities. Develop your own network of contacts with local authorities and, where necessary, at regional and central government level, in order to generate understanding, insights and awareness.
  • Use your knowledge and understanding of Austrian implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement to support UK nationals regarding their rights after the UK’s exit from the EU, including through ensuring local information is available online and providing policy support to communications and engagement campaigns.
  • In collaboration with the Regional Consular EU Policy Advisor and London colleagues, support the development and delivery of citizens’ rights messages for Austria, through policy advice and expert input into the development of messaging and delivery of Embassy outreach work.
  • Work and co-ordinate closely with other Embassy teams, supporting wider Embassy and British Government objectives as required
  • Support the Regional Consular EU Policy Advisor and Consular Regional Operations Managers (CROM) with other consular work across the region as required
  • Develop close collaborative relationships with other Government Department representatives
  • Covid-permitting, you will need to travel regularly to deliver in this role





  • Proficient English and German (both written and spoken, minimum C1 Level for CEFR framework*)
  • Excellent communication and presentation skills: written and oral, including use of digital media
  • Excellent organisational and information management skills
  • Aptitude to analyse and process complex information quickly
  • Ability to work independently
  • Ability to work as part of a diverse team, and build relationships with external stakeholders
  • Ability to work on multiple tasks under pressure and meet deadlines
  • Ability to travel within the region as required

  • Knowledge of Austrian governmental structures and decision-making (local, regional and central level)
  • Knowledge of Austrian residence law
  • Previous experience of British and Austrian public sector policy development
  • Experience and understanding of EU law
  • Knowledge of British consular strategy outcomes and strategy

1 March 2021
Executive Officer (EO)
Part-Time, Fixed term, with possibility of renewal
21
Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia
Austria
Vienna
British Embassy
1
EUR
2368
1 April 2021
30 September 2021

This is a local staff position in the British Embassy Vienna; it is not a diplomatic designated position. The position is subject to the terms and conditions of British Embassy employees.

This is a part-time (21 hours per week) fixed-term contract until 30 September 2021 with possibility of contract extension. Working hours are flexible and staff are entitled to time-off-in-lieu for extra hours worked. The annual leave entitlement is 25 days per year pro rata and the Embassy also enjoys 14 Austrian / UK public holidays per year and we are committed to ensuring a work / life balance.

The successful candidate will be subject to confirmation of a background check and security clearance. It is the applicant’s responsibility to ensure they are legally able to work in Austria. The Embassy is not able to assist with any visa or sponsorship arrangements.

The monthly salary will be € 2368 gross, payable 14 times a year. Please note that UK nationals will receive their salary net, minus the deduction of an equivalent level of Austrian (UK) tax retained at source. Further information on this will be given to candidates during the recruitment process. All other nationals will receive paid their salary minus social insurance deductions and are expected to comply with Austrian tax obligations through completion of a tax return to the Austrian authorities.

Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy are subject to terms and conditions service according to Austrian employment law.

Visa / Passport requirements: Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Austria 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 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 position.

*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 languages skills are going to be assessed.

Additional 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.