View Vacancy - Climate & Energy Attaché (BEL26-003016)

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. The FCDO operates an agile workforce and to facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, as we may reasonably require.
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)
Political

Who are we? 

The UK Mission to the European Union (UKMIS) is part of a worldwide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. UKMis aims to strengthen the relationship between the UK and EU and collaborate on key policy areas including foreign policy, economic relations and climate change.

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. 

Climate and energy are core priorities for both the UK Government and the EU. In a challenging political and economic context, close UK-EU cooperation is essential to advancing climate ambition, energy security and the transition to net zero. UKMis is therefore offering an exciting opportunity to join the Trade, Sustainability and Markets team as Climate & Energy Attaché (Second Secretary), working at the heart of UK-EU engagement in Brussels.

Main purpose of job:

The role focuses on strengthening the EU-UK partnership on climate and energy policy by monitoring and analysing EU approaches and policies, assessing risks and opportunities for the UK, and working closely with colleagues in London and across UKMis to support UK interests and develop EU-UK partnerships. Drawing on strong technical expertise and engagement with stakeholders in Brussels, the postholder will provide timely, high‑quality advice to UKMis and UK Government teams on EU climate and energy policy developments and their implications for the UK. The postholder will also support the UK on formal negotiations with the European Commission on climate‑related issues, including carbon pricing and carbon markets.

This is a fast‑moving, outward‑facing role requiring sound judgement, autonomy and flexibility. You will support UK engagement with the EU on climate and energy issues, including carbon markets, contribute to shaping engagement strategies, and strengthen UK-EU policy collaboration. The role involves confident engagement with EU institutions, UK Government and external stakeholders, as well as supporting senior officials and Ministers through briefings, meetings and visits.

Given the cross‑cutting nature of the portfolio, the postholder will work closely with teams across UKMis and with policy leads in UK Government departments in London. There is scope for the role to evolve in line with UKMis priorities and the postholder’s skills and experience, as well as targeted opportunities for travel where this supports core objectives.

Why you should apply?

This role offers a unique opportunity to work on some of the most technically complex and politically important climate and energy issues in Brussels, at the heart of the UK-EU relationship.

You will:

  • Maintain a comprehensive understanding of EU climate, energy, clean technology and carbon market policy, and assess its implications for the UK;
  • Provide strategic, well‑judged advice and high‑quality briefings to UKMis and UK Government colleagues, including senior officials and Ministers;
  • Build and manage effective relationships across UK Government, EU institutions, Member States and Brussels‑based stakeholders to advance UK interests and support delivery;
  • Lead UKMis engagement on:
    • EU clean technology and renewable energy policy, including areas such as carbon capture, wind, solar, offshore hybrids. You will also address broader enablers of renewables (such as grid connection and storage, and links to industrial policy). Shape EU engagement with the UK’s Global Clean Power Alliance and ensure synergies with EU's Global Energy Transition Forum and electrification initiatives;
    • Climate change issues under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, including carbon markets and the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS), supporting London‑based leads on linking UK and EU ETSs and assessing impacts on industrial energy prices. You will work closely with the Head of Climate and Environment on wider EU climate legislation and its links to international processes;
  • Support ministerial, senior official and expert visits, including briefing, stakeholder engagement and logistical coordination;
  • Work collaboratively across UKMis policy, business engagement, communications and political teams, contributing to a supportive and high‑performing team culture;
  • Contribute to wider UKMis priorities, access learning and development opportunities, and make a broader corporate contribution to the Mission.

If you are comfortable working with complexity, enjoy building relationships, and want to contribute to one of the UK’s most important international policy relationships, we would welcome your application.

Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity!

Our Ideal Candidate shows: 

    • Full professional proficiency in English, written and spoken (minimum C2 for CEFR framework*);
    • Substantial experience (minimum of 5 years) working on EU policy, with a strong understanding of how EU institutions operate and how EU legislative processes function in practice;
    • Strong technical understanding and experience of climate and energy policy, including related areas such as carbon markets and clean technology;
    • Knowledge of the broader UK and EU policy and political context;
    • Ability to build, maintain and effectively use networks across EU institutions, Member States and other stakeholders to advance objectives, develop partnerships and deliver positive outcomes;
    • Experience of dealing with and tailoring messaging to a wide range of senior stakeholders with the ability to grasp complex information and translate this into clear and concise language for busy readers;
    • Previous experience of organising and participating in events, panels and conferences;
    • Strong and interpersonal team working skills, whilst being a self-starter who can work autonomously maintain strong working relationships with internal and external experts in London and Brussels;
    • Experience of evidence-based prioritisation, decision making and judgment within a diverse and fast-paced work environment;
    • Ability to monitor and analyse external developments, recognising how these may affect existing priorities.

    Nice to have: 

    • Proficiency in French or another European language would be an advantage.
    Communicating and Influencing, Making Effective Decisions, Seeing the Big Picture, Working Together
    14 April 2026
    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
    €7,330.94
    monthly
    1 June 2026

    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 €7,330.94, HEO level. In addition, we offer an extensive salary package, which includes a 13th 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.

    The starting date will be agreed between the parties.

    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.

    Working patterns: This post is a full-time position UKMis but promotes flexible working opportunities. Most staff can work from home one day per week, subject to agreement with the line manager. UKMis operates usual office working hours though some occasional working outside these hours may be necessary to attend events or to support colleagues visiting from the UK. Any time worked outside normal hours can be compensated with a flexitime system, subject to agreement and within legal limits.

    Learning & Development: The UKMis Learning & Development (L&D) Committee coordinates an extensive L&D programme for all staff. Its members maintain a regular drumbeat of knowledge-building activity through an annual core curriculum, and lead on organising optional in-house French and Dutch classes. UKMis has a strong L&D culture and is committed to creating opportunities to stretch or develop particular skills for individuals, including language learning, attending conferences for professional development, and training for upskilling. Our internal L&D Committee and team leaders have an annual budget to which all colleagues can bid for funding to support their L&D activity.

    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 UKMis 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 for more information on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment  levels  please click on the following link CEFR.

    Please bear in mind in case you are invited for an interview your language skill is 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.