EU and Bilateral Engagement Officer (BEL26-019287)

Scotland House Brussels is home to:

• Scottish Government EU Office - Our work in Brussels includes promoting Scotland’s expertise across a diverse range of policy areas such as research and innovation, renewables, equalities and other key topics. We also host a range of events at which we showcase Scotland’s reputation for cultural excellence and renowned food, drink and hospitality. Our location at the heart of the EU allows us to maintain a close working relationship with the EU, member states and other national and regional representations;
• Scottish Development International (SDI) - As Scotland’s trade and inward investment agency, we help businesses worldwide invest in or trade with Scotland. We do this by partnering with businesses and investors that want to set up or invest here, providing information, and helping them make the connections they need. SDI has a network of more than 30 global offices and offers local support, connections and advice.

We are now looking for an enthusiastic and capable EU and Bilateral Engagement Officer to support our relationships with the EU institutions and Belgium.

Main Purpose of the Role:

Reporting to the EU Engagement and Bilateral Relations Lead, you will support the office’s relationships and engagement with EU institutions and with Belgium at federal and regional level.

This is a varied, cross-cutting role. You will monitor political and policy developments, particularly supporting work related to sustainability and agriculture policy, produce concise reporting and briefing, support ministerial and senior official visits, and help build productive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. As your experience develops, you may take greater ownership of reporting and develop further policy specialism appropriate to the office’s priorities.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Contribute to delivery across the team, supporting the EU Engagement and Bilateral Relations Lead and policy colleagues with engagement with EU and Belgian institutions and actors;
• Support reporting on the EU and Belgian political and policy developments including relationships with the UK, particularly on sustainability and agriculture policies, providing high-quality briefing, analysis and advice for Ministers and officials;  
• Contribute to and support delivery of an ambitious programme of Ministerial and official level engagement with EU and Belgian interlocutors; 
• Support Scotland House Brussels and the Belgium desk officer in Scotland on relations with Belgium at federal and regional level, including maximising opportunities for engagement with Belgian institutional actors, supporting the delivery of the Memorandum of Understanding between Scotland and Flanders, and support our ongoing work with Wallonia; 
• Work with Scottish Enterprise/Scottish Development International (SDI) colleagues and support them in their delivery of Scotland’s trade and investment objectives towards Belgium;
• Work directly with Ministers, senior officials and a wide variety of external stakeholders, including the Scottish diaspora;
• Other policy and corporate tasks as required, including development of a policy specialism as required;
• Participate in wider Mission’s initiatives as required, including engaging in a corporate role.

• Full professional proficiency in English (written and spoken, minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework*);
• Professional experience of monitoring and analysing political or policy developments, identifying their implications, and producing concise written briefings, reporting or recommendations for senior audiences;
• Working knowledge of the EU institutional landscape and/or Belgium’s political structures and systems at federal and regional level;
• Experience of building and maintaining stakeholder relationships to deliver policy, diplomatic, public-sector or organisational objectives;
• Strong team-working skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues across different teams and areas of work;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to present complex information clearly and accurately to different audiences;
• Excellent organisational skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality work to tight deadlines;
• A strong interest and passion in European policy and in promoting Scotland’s interests and priorities.

• Knowledge of Scottish Government priorities, particularly those relating to Scotland’s international interests;
• Experience of working with a wide range of senior stakeholders in a diplomatic setting;
• French, Dutch or other language skills would be an asset;
• Experience working on sustainability and/or agriculture policy in a European and/or Belgian context.

Required behaviours  

This is a full-time, fixed-term contract of 24 months with the possibility of renewal, working 36.25 net hours per week over five working days. The role may occasionally involve travel or early-evening work, for which time off in lieu (TOIL) will be provided.

The monthly gross salary for this position is € 5,765.06, Executive Officer (EO) level. In addition, we offer an extensive salary package, which includes a 13^th month, luncheon vouchers, pension scheme, optional hospitalisation insurance (subject to monthly employee contribution), reimbursement of public transport and a lot more. We offer more days of annual leave than the Belgian requirements.

The British Diplomatic Missions in Belgium salaries are subject to indexation. Please note that Belgian nationals will be paid their salary gross and are expected to comply with their tax obligations through completion of a tax return to the Belgian authorities. Non-Belgian nationals will receive their salary net, minus the deduction of an equivalent level of Belgian tax retained at source. Further information on this will be given to candidates during the recruitment process.

The starting date will be agreed between the parties.

Staff recruited locally by the British Diplomatic Missions in Belgium are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Belgian employment law.

The successful candidates will be subject to professional background checks and security clearance.

Passport: Officers are expected to be in possession of a passport due to the possibility that they may be asked to undertake business travel.

Visa/work permit requirements: Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Belgium and be prepared to ensure that right remains throughout the scope of the contract. Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal requirements to live and work in this country.

Learning & Development: The Scottish Government offers a wide range of training opportunities for employees. Depending on your role and interests, you’ll have the flexibility to choose from a comprehensive training catalogue to support your professional development. 

Additional information  

Please note that the deadline for applications is 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”.

We advise you to allow enough time to complete and submit your full application, since only applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered.

Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen.

Please be advised that the British Diplomatic Missions in Belgium will not be able to meet the travel costs incurred when travelling to the interview, nor the costs connected with relocation if offered a position. 

*Please note for more information on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment  levels  please click on the following link CEFR. Please bear in mind in case you are invited for an interview your language skill is going to be assessed.