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 UK Mission to the European Union (UKMis) aims to ensure the UK’s interests are promoted and explained to EU member states and the EU institutions, as well as monitoring and reporting on key developments in the EU. UKMis Brussels is one of the UK’s busiest diplomatic posts, with a varied team working on a wide range of issues across UK government business.

UKMis Brussels is part of a world-wide network of 230 Diplomatic Posts, representing British political, economic and consular interests. We are now looking for a dedicated Deputy Spokesperson, Prosperity & Sustainability to assist in the delivery of ours communications and policy work.

As Deputy Spokesperson (Prosperity & Sustainability), you will be part of a dynamic, high-profile and fast-paced team, providing strategic direction across the spectrum of our communication work at the UK Mission to the EU. This is a high-profile role that will put the jobholder at the heart of shaping our future relationship with the EU.

You will be the lead press officer for specific policy issues in the UK Mission, with a particular focus on the following (although portfolios will change depending on priorities):

– Climate & Energy;

– Biodiversity;

– Agriculture & Fisheries;

– Economic & Financial issues;

– Trade.

Several of these are areas where there are high levels of media interest and political attention. This will require attention to detail and good political judgement. You will also support policy teams to take a campaigning approach, particularly on issues linked to climate, sustainability and biodiversity

You will work with teams across the mission to ensure they are using the full range of public diplomacy and communications tools  to advance their policy objectives. You will also advise visiting Ministers on the communications aspects of their visits, working closely with their press teams and advisors.

You will have a close relationship with the press corps in Brussels, one of the largest in the world, including top British, European and International journalists. You will also have strong links into London departments, including No.10, Cabinet Office, FCDO, DEFRA, BEIS and HMT and to comms professionals across the FCDO Europe Network.

The role may change as priorities evolve, so applicants should be prepared to be flexible.

The team has a strong culture of learning and development and you will be encouraged and supported to stretch yourself and take up a wide range of development opportunities, as well as to support the development of junior staff.

We welcome applications from all parts of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, sexual orientation or background. We are committed to diversity and inclusion in all that we do, and we are a Disability Confident employer

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

The job-holder will be expected to further UKMis’ business goals through a wide range of communications activities, including:

– Dealing with press enquiries, and proactively shaping media engagement on key policy areas;

– Developing social media plans and content, in partnership with the digital comms officer;

– Delivering comms aspects of high level visits and events;

– Supporting policy teams to use full range of communications and influencing tools in support of policy goals;

– Media monitoring and reporting to a senior Whitehall audience;

– Line management of digital comms officer.

All staff at UKMis are expected to make a strong corporate contribution, for instance by getting involved in cross-Mission activity as a member of one of our active staff committees (e.g. L&D, wellbeing, diversity & inclusion, women’s network, greening committee etc).

• Full professional proficiency in English, including excellent writing skills (written and spoken, minimum of C2 level for CEFR framework*);
• At least 3 years of experience of working with the media, including on complex policy issues;
• Social media skills (including creating content for twitter, Instagram and other social media platforms);
• Knowledge of the EU policy making process in Brussels;
• Flexible approach and team player;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Good IT skills: Microsoft Office suite (Word, Excel, MS Teams, PowerPoint etc.) .