Who are we? 

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.

The British Embassy in Brussels is part of a world-wide network of nearly 270 Diplomatic Posts, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. We are now looking for a Policy Attaché.

This varied and exciting position will play a key role in the political team at the British Embassy Brussels. You will engage and report on priority areas of interest to the UK such as economic and social issues, and aspects of Justice and Home Affairs including rights of UK citizens under the UK-EU Withdrawal Agreement, mobility and visas.  You will work flexibly in the political team to respond to the latest developments and events, and will lead engagement on bilateral health and education cooperation, as priorities dictate.

Main purpose of job:

This role provides the opportunity to work on a range of portfolios across an important bilateral relationship. For the first 6 months you will lead on Justice and Home Affairs to cover a maternity leave gap; together with the Justice and Home Affairs Support Officer you will monitor and analyse developments in Belgian policy on areas such as asylum, migration, border security and criminal justice.  

Your long-term focus will then be supporting the Economics and Prosperity lead, helping to understand Belgium’s economic situation. You will monitor media reports and engage public and private sector contact to inform analysis of the way in which economics affects political decision making. You will also provide report and engage as required on aspects of Belgian social affairs (for example, gender, inclusion) and develop aspects of bilateral cooperation in areas such as health and education, as priorities dictate.

Citizens rights is an important part of this role. You will build your knowledge of the Belgian rules and regulations which govern the rights of British citizens who live in Belgium, ensuring that our public guidance is up-to-date and accurate.  

Across your priorities you will need to build networks, balance priorities and understand the political context for your work, all focused on the end result of producing high quality written work in English which helps policy makers to understand the Belgian system, and identify risks and opportunities.  

You will make a tangible impact on strengthening cooperation between the UK and Belgium, including through organising visits, and your work will inform policy making in London. You will be able to drive some areas of work whilst keeping a watching brief on others.  The focus of your efforts between different aspects of your brief will vary according to priorities at that time, to be agreed with your manager.

You will demonstrate professional working behaviours and be a role model for other staff, making a positive contribution to the embassy as a whole. You will be comfortable in representing the mission in external meetings, including with government officials at the appropriate level.

You will be working in a friendly and supportive team, alongside colleagues with a wide range of experiences. So whilst you will be given plenty of freedom to succeed, you will be working in nurturing environment with plenty of guidance and support.

Roles and responsibilities: 

• Build a network of contacts in government agencies, businesses, key institutions and other diplomatic missions in Brussels.  Represent the the embassy at meetings and events;
• Monitor, analyse and report Justice and Home Affairs policy developments in Belgium, responding to commissions and proactively identifying areas of interest (first six months only);
• Monitor the economic situation in Belgium, providing reporting to areas of interest in London and within the Embassy (including to support the Country-Based Staff Association in pay award negotiations);
• Build expertise on the subject of citizens rights under the UK-EU withdrawal agreement, leading the embassy’s engagement with London and the Belgian authorities on the rights of British citizens living in Belgium;
• Develop a good working knowledge of UK visas, and liaise with colleagues in UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) to handle high profile cases;
• Draw together various sources of information to produce high quality written reports for London;
• Support the Economics and Prosperity lead and other colleagues in the embassy (taking the record of meetings, conducting research, giving advice on Belgian personalities and institutions, drafting briefing);
• Maintain an awareness of other areas, such as health, education and gender/ inclusion, so that you can work flexibly to these as priorities require;
• Arrange programmes for visiting UK ministers and officials, prepare briefing and support them during their visit;
• Contribute to wider embassy objectives, including taking on a corporate role (eg learning and development, crisis or first aid).

Our Ideal Candidate shows: 

• Full professional proficiency in English (written and spoken, minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework*);
• Minimum of 2 years of working experience in either economic sector, international organisations/NGOs or Justice & Home Affairs;
• Previous experience of writing reports;
• A strong team player with good people skills; strong ability to network and interact;
• Ability to prioritise, effectively manage and execute multiple and competing tasks within the agreed deadlines;
• Ability to monitor and analyse external developments;
• Full proficiency in MS Office applications.