Who are we? 

The UK Mission to the European Union (UKMis) is part of a worldwide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. UKMis aims to strengthen the relationship between the UK and EU and collaborate on key policy areas including foreign policy, economic relations and climate change. 

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.

UKMis is offering an exciting opportunity to be the Energy Attaché, which is part of the trade, sustainability and markets team (TSM) and will report to the head of energy. There are several opportunities for cross team working in TSM, for example on climate and competitiveness issues related to energy, and opportunities to work with others across UKMis, including the foreign policy, political and economic teams. The principal focus of the job will be monitoring, analysing and subsequently influencing the EU’s energy policy, working closely with colleagues in London to support a range of the UK’s interests.   

Main purpose of job:

This is a challenging, varied and fast-moving job which requires a significant degree of independent working, contact-making and flexibility. You will be expected to confidently run influential public diplomacy events, monitor policy developments and report the ongoing developments to relevant stakeholders in a timely manner. You will need to deal confidently and fluently with a broad range of contacts, including in the media, the EU institutions and UK Governments. You will occasionally support the Ambassador and Senior officials at external meetings. 

Roles and responsibilities:

• Lead on and build expertise on specific aspects of the Energy portfolio, working to the First Secretary Energy and the TSM Counsellor. Particularly on gases (hydrogen, CCUS and security of supply), nuclear (including nuclear programmes) and international energy engagement (IEA, IRENA etc.) Priorities will change over time in line with UK interests.  
• Establish strong working relationships with colleagues in UK Government Departments to build an understanding of UK priorities and objectives on energy. This includes engaging with wider UK Government overseas network in the Member States capitals to understand their energy priorities.  
• Build a strong network of contacts across the EU institutions, Member States and other Brussels-based stakeholders to monitor and track the development of EU energy policy and provide strategic and timely advice to London and UKMis seniors. This includes being able to identify risks and opportunities for the UK policy objectives and bringing in the relevant teams in London and across UKMis.  
• Work with the first secretary to lead on energy engagement with the EU institutions and businesses in Brussels including – devising stakeholder engagement plans to maximise opportunities for engagement, influence stakeholders and deliver impactful engagements. This will include working with colleagues across the Mission, including the business engagement officer, the political team etc.
• Maintain an awareness of other areas and identify opportunities for joint working and event planning, particularly with the climate team and wider TSM – contributing to the wider policy developments of the team and wider Mission.   
• Draw from various sources to provide high quality written reports, briefings and advice for Ministers and senior officials in preparation for meetings and public diplomacy – providing readouts and analysis after events/ meetings which can be shared across UKMis and UK Government.
• Arrange programmes for visiting UK ministers and officials, prepare briefing and support them during their visit.
• Contribute to UKMis’s wider objectives, including taking on a corporate role (e.g. learning and development, crisis or first aid). 

Our Ideal Candidate shows: 

• Full professional proficiency in English, written and spoken, minimum C1 for CEFR framework);
• Minimum 3 years of experience working on EU policy and a solid understanding of how the EU institutions work and the legislative processes; 
• Understanding and interest in energy sector; 
• Previous experience of organising and participating in events, panels and conferences; 
• Strong diplomatic, influencing and communication skills to achieve positive outcomes and build networks in a complex strategic environment;
• Strong and interpersonal team working skills, whilst being a self-starter who can work autonomously and with experts in London and Brussels and the ability to develop and maintain strong working relationships across a variety of internal and external partners and stakeholders;
• Experience of evidence-based prioritisation, decision making and judgment within a diverse and fast-paced work environment;
• Experience of dealing with and tailoring messaging to a wide range of senior stakeholders with the ability to grasp complex information and translate it into clear and concise language for busy readers;
• Ability to monitor and analyse external developments, recognising how these may affect existing priorities.