Executive Assistant to Welsh Government Representative on Europe (BEL21.465)

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) has a worldwide network of embassies and consulates, employing over 14,000 people in nearly 270 diplomatic offices. We work with international organisations to promote UK interests and global security, including the EU, NATO, the United Nations, the UN Security Council and the Commonwealth. 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. Currently, we’re looking for anExecutive Assistantto join our team for 24 months for the Welsh Government in Wales House Brussels.

The main purpose of this job is to support the incoming Welsh Government Representative on Europe through logistical support and co-ordination of information.

The Welsh Government remains committed to retaining its Brussels Office to have a strong and effective presence there. To strengthen its European engagement the Welsh Government will shortly appoint a Representative on Europe. The post-holder will be a new member of the Welsh Government’s Brussels Office team to act as support the Representative logistically and to ensure that the Representative remains in touch with all relevant information.

About Welsh Government Brussels Office :

The Brussels Office is responsible for leading and coordinating the interests of Welsh Government to Member States of the European Union, international networks and the European Institutions. It co-ordinates Welsh Government’s work in Brussels on the UK’s future relationship with the EU, Wales’ partnerships and networks with other nations and regions, and supports trade and investment. It assists in providing support to Welsh Ministers and senior officials travelling to Brussels to participate in events and other programmes of engagement. It monitors European policy developments and actively engages with representatives from the EU institutions, UK counterparts and stakeholders in priority policy areas.

The Office aims a number of events to promote Wales’ interests and reputation, subject to the Covid situation. These would focus on sharing Welsh expertise, good practice and innovation, on learning from partners to improve policy-making and governance in Wales, and on showcasing and sharing our excellent Welsh culture, food and drink with friends and partners.

The role of the Office will evolve in response to the UK’s new relationship with the EU, in order to support Welsh Government interests.

The Welsh Government Brussels Office sits within Wales House Brussels that also includes a team representing Welsh Higher Education, and an office for the Welsh Parliament / Senedd Cymru.

The Role:

To continue to be well-connected in Europe at a political and senior official level and to maximise Wales’ interests across a broad range of areas, the Welsh Government has just advertised for the new role of a Representative on Europe. The Representative will work from Wales, but is expected to spend a significant amount of time in Brussels. The Representative will work around 2 days per week, though the precise working pattern, and how much time is spent in Brussels, will be determined once they are in post.

In any case, the successful candidate for this Executive Assistant role, will be based full-time in Brussels.

We are advertising for a new full-time post in the Welsh Government Brussels Office, principally to support the Representative, and also to assist the existing team on various business.

• Managing the Representative’s inbox, especially in periods of their absence, and ensuring appropriate information flows with her or him;
• Working with the Welsh Government Brussels Office team to ensure the Representative has the most up-to-date awareness of Welsh Government and EU policy issues;
• Facilitating effective contact between Representative and Ministers and officials;
• Facilitating effective contact between the Representative and external stakeholders;
• Supporting Welsh Government Brussels Office on reporting a range of EU policy issues and activities;
• Arranging meetings and travel for the Representative;
• Preparation of, and support for, any events hosted by the Representative in Wales House, Brussels.

• Fluency level of English language both oral and written (written and spoken, minimum of C2 level for CEFR framework*);
• Knowledge of working in a multi-disciplinary team in an international environment, or equivalent;
• Previous experience in similar roles;
• Demonstrable ability in supporting a senior colleague with logistical arrangements and meetings;
• Strong interpersonal and team working skills;
• Proven research, writing and strong IT skills, including use of Microsoft Office and virtual meeting platforms.

• French or other EU languages;
• Knowledge of EU process;
• University Degree (or equivalent professional experience).

This is a 24 months, full-time contract for 5 working days (36.25 hours net) per week. The monthly gross salary for this position is € 4,328.16, B3 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.

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 will not be able to meet the travel costs incurred when travelling to the interview, nor the costs connected with relocation if offered a job.

• 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.