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 purpose of the UK Mission to the European Union (UKMis) 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. UK Mission to the European Union is now looking to recruit a Digital and Tech Attaché. 

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.

We are committed to inclusion, equity and diversity and particularly encourage women and applicants with protected characteristics to apply for this role and join our brilliant team. We place emphasis on how we lead and behave towards each other, how we make decisions and how we get the job done to deliver our cultural statement:

• We put respect and kindness first. We are inclusive, we get to know each other, and value our diversity and the contribution we each bring. We are fair, act with integrity, and tackle inequality and unacceptable behaviour. We are a Disability Confident employer. We work together to take responsibility to solve problems.
• We draw on the expertise, insight and diverse perspectives of people across the FCDO, HMG, and beyond. We use the best available data and evidence. We are open to challenge and take long-term approach. We are transparent about the rationale for decisions and smart about taking and managing risks.
• We are agile and alert to emerging opportunities. We encourage learning, innovation and use of data and digital. We are all clear on what we are expected to deliver and support each other in doing so. We look to reduce duplication and unnecessary process. We are committed to transforming both the FCDO and the way HMG delivers international policy.

Main purpose of job: 

The main purpose of this job is to promote the UK brand in Brussels in the field of digital and technology. 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, influencing 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. 

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 these rapidly evolving areas. As a third country mission we are developing new ways of delivering on our agenda, using all communication channels, with a focus on: ‘Explain’ (showcasing what the UK is doing), ‘Understand’ (monitoring what the EU is doing), and ‘Influence’ (engaging to protect the UK’s interests and exploit shared opportunities). In this role you will have a responsibility to develop and maintain relationships that will get you ongoing traction here in Brussels to be effective in your role. The aim is to be seen, to be heard, to be understood, and have a voice that is trusted and respected with stakeholders so that we can influence.

This role is a paternity leave cover for 8 months (May 2024 – January 2025) and there is no possibility for extension. 

Roles and responsibilities: 

It is a challenging but 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 which form a large part of our ongoing trade and regulatory cooperation. 

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, influence and plug into the wider ‘Brussels Bubble’, including stakeholders in the EU institutions on your policy priorities. Your responsibilities will include:

• Developing a thorough understanding of both UK and EU policy and regulatory positions with the aims of identifying and leveraging opportunities to drive the agenda and priorities of UK in areas of digital and technology, influencing specific regulatory or multilateral outcomes as necessary;
• Building and maintaining a wide (quality) network of Brussels-based contacts to anticipate and plan for risks to the UK’s regulatory autonomy and ability to protect competition and innovation, safety and security, and democratic values;
• Gathering and analysing relevant digital and technology information and intelligence, reporting regularly to Whitehall, and driving UK policy formulation in close collaboration with FCDO HQ, DSIT, DBT, Cabinet Office and No10 (the Prime Minister’s Office);
• Planning and developing communication and other campaign activity, including on social media, to leverage UK expertise and innovation and position the UK as an essential partner to businesses and a key international ally in Brussels;
• Supporting high profile events and official visits from London with project planning, task management, and connecting officials with stakeholders in Brussels.

Our ideal Candidate shows: 

• Full professional proficiency in English (written and spoken, minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework*);
• Previous work experience in digital/tech policy (consultancy, industry or public sector) or EU policy work;
• A keen interest in digital and tech policy, in particular AI regulation;
• Understanding of the EU institutions and legislative process;
• Strong teamwork skills and an intellectual curiosity;
• Strong communication and analytical skills.