View Vacancy - EU Policy Officer (BEL21.234)

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 Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has a worldwide network of embassies and consulates, employing over 14,000 people in nearly 270 diplomatic offices. We work with international organisations to promote UK interests and global security, including the EU, NATO, the United Nations, the UN Security Council and the Commonwealth. 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. Currently, we’re looking for an EU Policy Officer to join our team for 12 months for the Welsh Government in Wales House Brussels.

Although the UK has now left the EU, the Welsh Government remains committed to a strong presence in Brussels through its Office there. The post-holder will be part of the Office’s EU policy team, representing Wales’ interests in our interactions with EU institutions and European stakeholders and supporting delivery of the WG International Strategy.  Taking account of the new EU-UK Trade & Co-operation Agreement (TCA), the Office will also evolve its current role in monitoring EU developments, and seek to influence them. The Office will undertake a more significant public-facing role in the development of policy focussed events to raise the profile of Wales in Brussels with key partners.

The post-holder will work as part of a small team in the Welsh Government’s office in Brussels.  They will spend a certain amount of time out of the office at, for example: meetings organised by EU regional networks, think tanks, NGOs or business organisations; public meetings of the European Institutions and at meetings with other stakeholders. 

About Welsh Government Brussels Office :

The Brussels Office is responsible for leading and coordinating the interests of Welsh Government to Member States of the European Union, international networks and the European Institutions. It plays the lead role in Welsh Government’s work in Brussels related to the TCA, co-ordinates Wales’ partnerships and networks with other nations and regions, and supports trade and investment. It assists in providing support to Welsh Ministers and senior officials travelling to Brussels to participate in events and other programmes of engagement. It monitors European policy developments and actively engages with representatives from the EU institutions, UK counterparts and stakeholders in priority policy areas.

The Office undertakes a number of events to promote Wales’ interests and reputation. These focus on sharing Welsh expertise, good practice and innovation, on learning from partners to improve policy-making and governance in Wales, and on showcasing and sharing our excellent Welsh culture, food and drink with friends and partners.

The Welsh Government Brussels Office sits within Wales House Brussels, which also includes a team representing Welsh Higher Education, and an office for the Welsh Parliament / Senedd Cymru.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Effectively present and proactively promote Welsh best practice, priorities and policy developments to a Brussels audience and where appropriate further afield;
• Promote the Welsh Government’s interests through developing and maintaining relationships with external stakeholders including: the EU institutions, the UK Mission to the EU, the offices of the other Devolved Administrations, relevant networks and organisations;
• Analyse the implications of EU related proposals/initiatives for Wales and contribute to the development of Welsh Government policy accordingly in a range of areas including Covid recovery, social inclusion, health, education, skills, culture, sport, digital, and minority languages;
• Support the wider policy team and Head of Office in covering developments related to the TCA, and act as lead for the Office on covering the process and ongoing evolution of this;
• Lead and support arrangements for visits by Ministers and officials, including briefing and accompanying visitors as required;
• Input to development and delivery of a Policy Events Programme;
• Develop the office’s social media presence to communicate office activity, and contribute as required to management and corporate activities in the Brussels office;
• Where required, deputise and provide support in policy areas led by the Head of Economic Development (Research, Innovation, Cohesion, Trade, Competitiveness, Industry, Transport);
• With the new EU-UK relationship and governance of the TCA at a very early stage, and the implications of Covid-19, the tasks outlined above are likely to evolve; this is an indicative list.The jobholder is expected to be flexible, undertaking other appropriate tasks as necessary; and to work with others on the above.

• University Degree (or equivalent professional experience);
• Fluency level of English language both oral and written (written and spoken, minimum of C2 level for CEFR framework*)
• A keen interest in EU / European policy and an understanding of the EU institutions and processes; demonstrated in an international working environment;
• A good knowledge of Welsh affairs and interest in promoting Wales’ reputation internationally;
• Experience of using social media for communications in a professional context
• Strong interpersonal and team working skills;
• Relevant academic / work / voluntary experience;
• Proven research, writing and strong IT skills, including use of Microsoft Office and virtual meeting platforms.