Defence Policy Adviser (BEL25.082)

Defence Policy Adviser (BEL25.082)

British Embassy

Brussels, Belgium

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 Category: Other British Government Departments (Partners across Government, including UK Visas)
Job Subcategory: MOD (Ministry of Defence)

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)

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.

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 works to strengthen the relationship between the UK and Belgium, and collaborate in key areas including security and foreign policy, economic relations and consular affairs.

The British Embassy in Brussels is now recruiting for a Defence Policy Adviser who will be part of the Defence Section and directly reporting to the Defence Attaché. The principal focus of the job will be to monitor, report on and advise on Belgian and Luxembourgish defence policy developments, capabilities and activities.

The jobholder will be capable of taking responsibility for Belgian and Luxembourgish defence and security issues, while working flexibly with colleagues in Brussels, Luxembourg and London. They will liaise autonomously with the Belgian and Luxembourgish MODs, military personnel, academics and other defence and security organisations as required. They will also maintain briefings, country factsheets and scene-setters on defence issues by monitoring developments through open-source information and by developing a defence community network. The jobholder will also need to keep up a close working relationship with colleagues in the Political and Public Diplomacy (PPD) team including the communications team, and the Department for Business & Trade (DBT) to help promote British defence industry.

The key deliverables are:

• Report on Belgian and Luxembourgish defence and security policy, including EU and NATO activity, armed forces and defence-related structures, including defence expenditure, structural changes and trends in long-term planning. Work with a range of audiences: Defence Section colleagues, Political and Military stakeholders in Belgium and Luxembourg, and the UK MOD;
• Autonomously liaise with the Belgian and Luxembourgish MODs, military personnel, academics and other defence and security organisations as required;
• Maintain briefings, country factsheets and scene-setters on defence issues by monitoring developments through open-source information and by developing a defence community network;
• Represent senior colleagues at seminars, conferences, meetings and commemorations, with the confidence to speak up when needed;
• Propose and work up agenda items for defence engagements;
• Draft senior level briefs, reports and speeches;
• Advise and assist in organising bilateral visits (both high and working level);
• Advise and assist in organising commemorative activity;
• In conjunction with DBT, advise on opportunities for UK industry within defence markets;
• Act as Line Manager of the Executive Assistant to the Defence Attaché.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

Our ideal candidate has:

• Full professional proficiency in English (written and spoken, minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework*);
• Knowledge of political structures and policies in Belgium and Luxembourg;
• Knowledge of Belgian and Luxembourgish defence policy;
• Good interpersonal and influencing skills to be able to develop and maintain a network of key contacts (both Belgium/Luxembourg and UK);
• Ability to work and deliver results under pressure;
• Ability to grasp issues quickly and communicate them effectively, including to senior interlocutors;
• Strong organisational skills;
• Good IT skills, preferably experience of Outlook, Word and PowerPoint;
• Willingness to work additional hours when required (we operate a system of ‘time off in lieu’) and to travel within the BeNeLux countries and to the UK when needed.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

Good to have:

• Full professional proficiency in French and/or Dutch (written and spoken, minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework*);
• Some experience of the defence or security policy sector;
• Some knowledge of British foreign and defence policy.

Required behaviours

Delivering at Pace, Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together.

Application deadline: 26 March 2025
Grade: Executive Officer (EO)
Type of Position: Full-time, Permanent
Working hours per week: 36 hours 15 minutes
Region: Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia
Type of Post: British Embassy
Number of vacancies: 1
Salary Currency: EUR
Salary: €5,499.34 monthly gross
Start Date: 1 June 2025

Other benefits and conditions of employment

This is a permanent full-time contract for 5 working days (36.25 hours net) per week.

The monthly gross salary for this position is €5,499.34, (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.

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.

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.

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