External Relations Section Policy Assistant

UKREP - United Kingdom Permanent Representation to the European Union

Brussels, Belgium

Job description

The External Relations Section (ERS) in the UK Representation to the EU (UKREP) is advertising for a Policy Assistant to provide administrative and policy support to the Section. 

The ERS Section deals with EU policy towards some of the highest profile and most important aspects of external relations ranging (from the Ukraine crisis to the Middle East Peace Process). The full areas covered are accession countries, the Western Balkans, Russia, Central Asia, the Middle East, North Africa and military and civilian aspects of the Common Security and Defence Policy. While an important part of the role is focused on admin support, it also provides an excellent opportunity to develop an understanding of UK and EU foreign policy and to work directly on interesting policy issues. You will work closely with senior management and the Ambassador. 

Applications should be sent with full C.V. and covering letter including a supporting statement setting out how applicants meet the essential skills required for this post (300 words max), to the attention of the Recruitment Officer, CSB (brussels.recruitment@fco.gov.uk).

Main duties and responsibilities

i. Administrative support (approximately 50%): providing proactive, effective administrative support to the UKREP External Relations section. Responsibilities include:

• Preparation of documents for the Political and Security Committee (PSC) Ambassador, Counsellor and desk officers for working groups and other meetings;
• Providing administrative support at the Foreign Affairs/General Affairs Council;
• Arranging travel and meetings;
• Collect and distribute daily section mail;
• Handling IT support requests;
• Scanning, decrypting and filing documents;
• Supervision and management of office supplies;
• Monitor UK and EU reporting, press clippings and news reports;
• Under supervision of section budget-holder, manage and monitor ERS section budget in accordance with FCO best practice;
• Organise inward and outward visits;
• Longer-term responsibilities for improvement of the ERS administrative structure.

ii. Policy Support (approximately 50%): providing effective support for ERS in policy delivery including through:

• Acting as the deputy UK Nicolaidis to provide support to the UK Ambassador to the Political and Security Committee where EU foreign policy is negotiated and agreed;
• Representing the UK at Council working groups, including providing desk officer cover for negotiations, and providing timely and accurate reporting to London and Posts, (the current jobholder covers, in particular, the areas of non-proliferation and disarmament, space security, the EU Satellite Centre, military CSDP Operations, European defence and the Middle East and North Africa region);
• Commissioning instructions and briefing from London for the PSC and working groups;
• Lobbying European institutions, other Member States and wider stakeholders to promote UK interests;
• Reporting to London and posts on relevant EU developments;
• Representing the UK at external events and stakeholder meetings, including at the European Parliament and civil society.

Competencies Required

• Delivering at Pace;
• Making Effective Decisions;
• Leading and Communicating;
• Managing a Quality Service.

The CFSP team has a strong development focus for both UK diplomats and locally engaged officers, including, but also going beyond, formal training courses. With UKREP's full programme of development opportunities, policy assistants are offered tailored support, and previous jobholders have secured permanent employment in the UK Civil Service.

Qualifications

Relevant educational and professional experience is highly desirable. Applicants should have an excellent command of English (written, spoken and comprehension) and strong command of French. IT skills are also essential. 

This position will be filled on a fixed term contract. 

Gross monthly salary: € 2286.10. The equivalent of Belgian tax will be deducted from this salary. 

Applications with a CV and covering letter with supporting statement in English should be sent to the Recruitment Officer, CSB, Ave d'Auderghem 10, 1040 Brussels (brussels.recruitment@fco.gov.uk) by Monday 21 July. Include your full name in the message title and your email and attachments must not exceed 300kB in size. 

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in Belgium. 

Only applicants selected for interview will be contacted with the intention to interview early August. The successful applicant will be expected to start as soon as possible subject to security vetting, references and administrative processes. 

The British Missions in Brussels are an equal opportunities employer. Applications are welcome from all suitably qualified applicants regardless of age, race, religion, gender, sexual orientation or disability. We aim to reflect the diversity of society.