View Vacancy - EU Institutions Officer (BEL19.626)
The UK Permanent Representation to the European Union (UKRep) in Brussels is part of a world-wide network of 230 Diplomatic Posts, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas and is now looking for a EU Institutions Officer. UKRep is one of the UK’s busiest posts, with a team sourced from numerous UK government departments and locally engaged staff, working to engage EU partners in support of UK policy priorities.
You will lead for the political team on observing political developments in the EU institutions, as the new Commission and European Council President take office. With the First Secretary Head of Political, you will weave your insights into quality reporting – to help wider UKREP, London and the Europe network understand what is happening. You will help the team build and maintain its network of stakeholders in Brussels and across Europe.
This is a fascinating job at the heart of the UK Representation at a time when the organisation is undergoing substantial changes. The applicant will need to prove they have political acumen, outstanding written communication skills, and the ability to work collaboratively at pace. A solid understanding of the EU institutions will be essential to contribute from day one, and previous experience of EU work would be a real asset.
In more detail, main responsibilities will include:
Lead UKRep monitoring of EU institutions and their decision-making processes
- Develop specific expertise on the Commission, the Council and the European Council;
- Support monitoring and analysis on the strategic direction of the new Commission;
- Monitor developments in the EU’s strategic direction and future legislative programming.
Draft strategies, briefings and reporting at pace
- Lead and contribute to reporting on political developments – within the EU Institutions and Member States;
- Prepare senior colleagues through accurate, incisive briefing;
- Ensure our stakeholders are kept up to date through timely notes and readouts.
Engage our internal and external stakeholders
- Build and manage networks of contacts, in Brussels and across the EU;
- Support UKRep in managing its networks as the organisation transitions.
Ad hoc policy support to the Political and Engagement Counsellor and First Secretary Head of Political
- Support analysis and briefings;
- Monitor and advise on Commission multi-annual legislative programming.
- Proficiency in English (written and spoken, minimum of C2 level for CEFR framework*);
- Education to University level;
- Excellent interpersonal and network building skills;
- Experience of working on EU affairs and knowledge of the EU institutions and the EU legislative process;
- Ability to manage conflicting deadlines under pressure and demonstrate resilience;
- A self-starter able to show initiative and operate with autonomy;
- MS Office skills.
- Experience working for EU institutions or a national administration dealing directly with EU policy dossiers;
- Knowledge of other EU languages, notably French;
- University degree in EU law or EU politics;
- Understanding of UK politics.
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 € 4,058.62, B3 level. In addition, we offer an extensive salary package, which includes a 13 month, luncheon vouchers, pension scheme, hospitalisation insurance, reimbursement of public transport and a lot more. Extra-legal days of leave are also provided to staff from the start of their contract.
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.
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.
Visa/passport 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. Additional requirements may become necessary pending EU Exit. If requirements change additional eligibility information will be shared during the recruitment process.
* 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.
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.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
