View Vacancy - Political and Communications Officer (BEL18.450)

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Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)
Communications, Press and Media, Political

The British Bilateral Embassy in Belgium is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas and is now looking for a full time Political and Communications Officer.

We are looking for a professional and motivated individual to join our busy Political, Economic and Public Diplomacy Team.

This is a challenging, varied and fast-moving job which requires a significant degree of independent working, contact-making and flexibility. As a key member of the Embassy team working on bilateral issues and the UK’s exit from the EU, the job-holder will need to deal confidently and fluently with a broad range of contacts: in the media, Belgian and UK Governments, as well as business / academic circles. Key tasks will include monitoring and reporting on Belgian media and political developments, delivering the Embassy’s digital communications work and assisting with the Embassy’s wider public diplomacy events.

The job-holder will be expected to accompany the Ambassador to meetings with media, Belgian senior officials and Ministers.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Monitor the French and Dutch language Belgian media (early starts (e.g. 0800) are required on a shift basis) and contribute to the Embassy’s broader reporting on Belgian political developments, key decision-makers and groups;

  • Communicate the Embassy and the UK Government’s work and priorities on the Embassy’s Facebook and Twitter accounts and gov.uk website, engaging actively and innovatively with online communities as the UK in Belgium’s digital voice;

  • Assist in the organisation of public diplomacy events and high level visits to promote UK interests in Belgium including liaising with internal and external contacts such as the media;

  • Spot talent and build relationships with those who are the rising stars in Belgian politics;

  • Oversee the public enquiries system and other administrative work such as database management;

  • Administer publications´budget of aproximately 1475€.

  • Level of degree in Political; communications or related studies;
  • Fluent level of English (written and spoken);

  • Fluency in French or Dutch with proficiency in the other;

  • Knowledge of the Belgian political system;

  • Previous social media experience;

  • Good drafting skills;

  • Ability to work effectively and flexibly in a small team;

  • Willingness to work additional hours as necessary (time off in lieu is given);

  • Excellent organisational, interpersonal and prioritisation skills;

  • Confident and ability to take the initiative and be creative.


            


  • Understanding of the UK political system;
  • Previous press office and/or political international experience.
22 August 2018
Executive Officer (EO)
Permanent
36.25
Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia
Belgium
Brussels
British Embassy
1
3,865.40
15 October 2018

This is a permanent full time contract for 5 working days (36.25 hours net) per week. Although the appointment is for an indefinite period of time, it is expected that the overall period of service will most probably not exceed two years. This point will be addressed during the recruitment process.

The monthly salary for this position is 3,865.40, B3 (L) level (The British Diplomatic Missions in Belgium salaries are not subject to annual indexation).

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.

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.

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 Diplomatic Missions 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.

The expected day for the interviews will be on the 10th September, for those who will be selected to attend.

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.