- FCDO - Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
- Brussels, Belgium (Remote)
- Full-time
Energy Attaché (BEL25.211)
- FCDO - Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Brussels, Belgium
Full-time
Published:
- FCDO - Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
Brussels, Belgium
Full-time
Published:
The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow. The FCDO operates an agile workforce and to facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, as we may reasonably require.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
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.
YOUR ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
QUALIFICATION, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Essential
Desirable
CONDITIONS:
WHAT WE OFFER:
This is a full-time fixed-term contract with possibility of becoming permanent, of for 5 working days (36.25 hours net) per week.
The monthly gross salary for this position is €7,091.46, HEO level. In addition, we offer an extensive salary package, which includes a 13th 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.
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.
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.
Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal requirements to live and work in this country.
Working patterns: This post is a full-time position UKMis but promotes flexible working opportunities. Most staff can work from home one day per week, subject to agreement with the line manager. UKMis operates usual office working hours though some occasional working outside these hours may be necessary to attend events or to support colleagues visiting from the UK. Any time worked outside normal hours can be compensated with a Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) system.
The UKMis Learning & Development (L&D) Committee coordinates an extensive L&D programme for all staff. Its members maintain a regular drumbeat of knowledge-building activity through an annual core curriculum, and lead on organising optional in-house French and Dutch classes. Our current UKMis L&D priorities are: Impactful Diplomacy and Professional Skills and Building our Expertise on the EU and UK-EU relations.
UKMis has a strong L&D culture and is committed to creating opportunities to stretch or develop particular skills for individuals, including language learning, attending conferences for professional development, and training for upskilling. Our internal L&D Committee and team leaders have an annual budget to which all colleagues can bid for funding to support their L&D activity.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.
- Job Category: Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles);
- JobSubcategory: Political, Policy.
JOB DESCRIPTION:
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.
YOUR 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).
QUALIFICATION, SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE:
Essential
- 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.
Desirable
- Strong policy skills, in particular energy policy;
- Knowledge of/ a keen interest in understanding of the broader UK and EU political context.
CONDITIONS:
- Required behaviours: Communicating and Influencing, Making Effective Decisions, Seeing the Big Picture, Working Together;
- Application deadline: 13 July 2025;
- Grade: Higher Executive Officer (HEO);
- Type of Position: Full-time, Fixed Term;
- Working hours per week: 36.25;
- Duration of Post: 12 months;
- Region: Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia;
- Location (City): UK Mission to the European Union (UKMIS), Brussels;
- Type of Post: UK Delegation;
- Number of vacancies: 1;
- Salary Currency: EUR;
- Salary: €7,091.46;
- Type of Salary: Monthly;
- Start Date: 1 September 2025.
WHAT WE OFFER:
This is a full-time fixed-term contract with possibility of becoming permanent, of for 5 working days (36.25 hours net) per week.
The monthly gross salary for this position is €7,091.46, HEO level. In addition, we offer an extensive salary package, which includes a 13th 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.
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.
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.
Working patterns: This post is a full-time position UKMis but promotes flexible working opportunities. Most staff can work from home one day per week, subject to agreement with the line manager. UKMis operates usual office working hours though some occasional working outside these hours may be necessary to attend events or to support colleagues visiting from the UK. Any time worked outside normal hours can be compensated with a Time Off In Lieu (TOIL) system.
The UKMis Learning & Development (L&D) Committee coordinates an extensive L&D programme for all staff. Its members maintain a regular drumbeat of knowledge-building activity through an annual core curriculum, and lead on organising optional in-house French and Dutch classes. Our current UKMis L&D priorities are: Impactful Diplomacy and Professional Skills and Building our Expertise on the EU and UK-EU relations.
UKMis has a strong L&D culture and is committed to creating opportunities to stretch or develop particular skills for individuals, including language learning, attending conferences for professional development, and training for upskilling. Our internal L&D Committee and team leaders have an annual budget to which all colleagues can bid for funding to support their L&D activity.
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 Embassy 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.
Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.
Share
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Telegram
Tumblr
WhatsApp
Mail