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:

• 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 UK priorities in areas of digital and technology;
  
• Building and maintaining a wide (quality) network of Brussels-based contacts to anticipate and plan for opportunities/risks to UK interests in digital and tech fields related to 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 the UK with project planning, task management, and connecting officials with stakeholders in Brussels;
  
• Participate in wider Mission’s initiatives as required, including engaging in a corporate role.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!

Our Ideal Candidate shows: 

• Working level (at least C1) English language proficiency both written and oral;
• At least 1 year operating in Brussels or in tech policy;
• Strong communication and analytical skills;
• A keen interest in digital and tech policy, in particular AI;
• Understanding of the EU institutions and legislative process;
• Strong teamwork skills and an intellectual curiosity.