View Vacancy - Foreign Policy and Economic Officer (BGR20.084)
The British Embassy in Sofia is part of a worldwide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas and is now looking for a Foreign Policy and Economic Officer for a maternity leave cover.
The successful candidate, as part of the Political Team at the Embassy, will play an important role in shaping the work of the Embassy in the months following the UK’s exit from the EU. The jobholder will work on economic and foreign policy issues, gathering information, networking, reporting and providing advice to senior management.
Main duties and responsibilities:
UK-EU Future relations
- Understand and report on Bulgaria’s priorities during upcoming negotiations between the UK and the EU on the future relationship, providing advice to London and senior management;
- Monitor Bulgaria’s implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement and its impact on UK Nationals resident in Bulgaria;
- Monitor and report on Bulgaria’s positions on key EU issues e.g. Future of Europe debate and budget debate;
UK-Bulgaria bilateral relationship
- Establish a network of contacts in the Bulgarian administration;
- Work with Head of Section on key foreign policy issues, gathering information, reporting on Bulgaria’s positions;
- Work with Deputy Head of Mission on Western Balkans engagement during Bulgaria/North Macedonia’s chair of the Berlin Process;
Economic situation in Bulgaria
- Monitor and report on major economic and financial developments in Bulgaria, including Bulgaria’s desire to join the Euro waiting room and the OECD;
Cross-cutting issues
- Work with other teams across the Embassy, assisting with events, campaigns and projects e.g. Queen’s Birthday Party.
- Proficient level of English and Bulgarian (written and spoken, minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework*);
- University degree;
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including being able to show confidence and deal with senior contacts and colleagues;
- Good research skills with a proven track record in producing concise written reports in English;
- Proven experience of gathering complex information and report it to different stakeholders in a clear and accessible way;
- Extremely organised with effective time management and ability to respond to changing priorities and tight deadlines;
- Experience of working with international organisations.
- Experience in working in foreign policy, economic issues, EU issues and/or related topics;
- Academic qualification in relevant field (i.e. Economics, Politics, Public Administration, International Relations, Mathematics);
- Knowledge of EU institutions and politics;
- Knowledge of other international institutions (UN, NATO) and key foreign policy issues (Iran, Libya, Western Balkans, etc.);
- Basic knowledge of budget management;
- Knowledge of economics;
- Familiarity with Microsoft Office.
This is a fixed-term full-time position (36 hours per week) subject to a probation period of six months. The contract is on fixed term basis to cover for a maternity leave.
The successful candidate will receive a monthly salary of BGN 2,463.97 gross, payable 13 times a year at a local B3 level.
The successful candidate will be subject to confirmation of a background and security clearance. Anyone with right of residence and employment in Bulgaria may apply, including all EU/EEA citizens and the family members of EU/EEA nationals exercising a treaty right in Bulgaria.
Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy are subject to terms and conditions service according to Bulgarian employment law.
Visa/Passport requirements: Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Bulgaria and be prepared to ensure that right remains throughout the scope of the contract. Additional requirements may become necessary after 31st December 2020.
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 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 position.
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 language skill is going to be assessed.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
