Who are we?
The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) pursues British national interests and projects the UK as a force for good in the world. The UK Mission to the European Union (UKMIS) is part of a worldwide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas, and it's now recruiting a Digital and Tech Attaché. The UKMIS purpose in particular is to promote the UK and its values with European partners, institutions and other stakeholders in Brussels and across the EU. We also aim to develop a new, positive relationship for the UK with the EU covering trade, technology, climate change, health, economic growth, foreign policy, security and defence.
The main purpose of this job is to build the relationship between the UK and EU institutions across all digital and technology fields. There are a large number of digital and technology policies being developed both in the UK and in the EU (and globally), especially in emerging technologies like AI, and the job holder will be instrumental in finding ways of cooperation, engaging on specific regulatory or multilateral outcomes as necessary, developing a mutual understanding through a wide network of Brussels-based stakeholders, and intelligence gathering, analysing and reporting to Whitehall on local developments.
Main purpose of job:
It is an exciting time to join UKMis in a rapidly changing environment. The wider team focuses on the economic relationship with the EU, which remains the UK’s largest trading partner, especially in key sectors such as digital and technology.
The successful job holder will work closely with departments in the UK such as our FCDO HQ in London, DSIT (Department for Science, Innovation and Technology) ), DBT (Department for Business and Trade), Innovate UK and other departments with an interest in the dynamic arena of international digital and tech collaboration.
As a third country mission we are developing new ways of delivering on our agenda, using all communication channels, with a focus on: ‘Explain’ (conveying UK digital and tech priorities and approaches), ‘Understand’ (monitoring evolving EU activity) and ‘engage’ (articulate the UK position, and drive enhanced cooperation on shared priorities). In this role you will have a responsibility for developing and maintaining relationships here in Brussels to be effective in your role. The aim is to be seen, heard, and understood - having a voice that is trusted and respected with stakeholders.
You’ll be working in a small sub-team within the wider Economic Affairs team reporting to the Head of Section, focussed on digital, data and tech policies. While we work as a team, you will have a lot of autonomy to pursue the best way to engage the wider ‘Brussels Bubble’, including stakeholders in EU institutions on your policy priorities.
Roles and responsibilities:
Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
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Nice to have:
This is a temporary, part-time contract for 5 working days (32.28 hours net) per week. The monthly gross salary for this position is €6382.31, HEO level.
This position will be filled on a "replacement contract" to cover a Paternity Leave (April 2026 – January 2027). It is anticipated that the staff member will return in January 2027. This is only a guide and any possible earlier return or extension to this date would be discussed with the successful candidate.
In addition, we offer an extensive salary package, which includes 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: Our core office hours (when most staff are expected to be working) are between 10am and 4pm. You will normally start between 8am and 10am and finish between 4pm and 6.30pm, but have the flexibility to choose your start and finish time and break(s) depending on business needs. You may occasionally need to attend events outside these hours.
As the current occupier works 90% of standard contracting hours, due to Belgian labour laws this role must be advertised for 90% hours as well. In reality this will look like a morning/afternoon off per week.
Learning & Development: You will have access to an extensive range of L&D offered globally by the FCDO, as well as more bespoke L&D opportunities provided through the mission, including around developing diplomatic engagement skills, understanding the EU institutions and to support career development. All staff are also expected to complete a small number of short mandatory courses on joining the mission.
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 Embassy 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.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
