The British Embassy in Berlin is a large overseas mission in the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office) network. Over 100 colleagues from all walks of life work together to promote the UK and build our connections with Germany.
We are offering you the opportunity to be part of a friendly and supportive working environment with opportunities for personal growth.
Job Description
As Economic and Social Policy Officer, the jobholder will undertake reporting and analysis on Germany's economic and social policies based on understanding of the broader political context. They will be required to build and maintain a network of contacts in the German policy community, attend relevant events and provide reports and analysis to colleagues in Berlin and London. The jobholder will need to be proactive in identifying developments of interest to colleagues in London and the wider Embassy team, in addition to responding to varying requests. They will also be required to take on other tasks and roles as required within the Economic, Global and European Issues team.
This is a full-time role of 37.5 hours per week.
- Identify and monitor key developments in German economic and social policy, especially where these potentially affect UK interests. Work with colleagues to develop a comprehensive understanding of Germany's policy priorities;
- Respond to specific requests on the policy and administration of German policy to strengthen UK policy-making by providing evidence from the German experience;
- Maintain a network of contacts in ministries, parliament, think tanks, industry and academia in Berlin and across Germany. Support high level visits to Germany by UK ministers and senior officials by drawing on this network and producing economic briefings on Germany;
- Maintain relationships with stakeholders in London, in particular the Department for Work and Pensions, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, Department for Education, and the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO); and with colleagues across the wider Embassy teams;
- Contribute to achieving the wider objectives of the British Government's Germany network, including by fostering an inclusive and positive working environment;
- Any other duties that may reasonably be required in support of the wider work of the Embassy.
- Proficiency in English (both written and spoken, minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework*);
- University degree in relevant field (social science, policy, political, economics etc.)
- Minimum one year of professional experience working in policy;
- Excellent interpersonal and networking skills;
- Ability to work under pressure and juggle multiple priorities effectively;
- Strong analytical and research skills and able to tailor communication style for different audiences;
- Strong project management experience;
- Ability to work well on own initiative;
- Good IT skills, especially Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Outlook.
Nice to have:
- Proficiency in German (both written and spoken, minimum of B2 level for CEFR framework*);
- Previous experience working in a government Ministry or an Embassy in an social policy or economics related role, or similar experience in a think tank or academic environment.
- € 65,640.- rising to a maximum of approx. € 73,733.- gross per annum after a qualifying period in addition to performance related pay (salary is not negotiable).
- The successful candidate will be subject to professional background check and security clearance. The successful candidate must have pre-existing work authorisation in Germany in order to apply.
- Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local German employment law.
- Visa/work permit requirements: Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Germany 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.
- Equal employment: We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability or gender identity. We particularly encourage applications from candidates with protected characteristics.
- Working for the Civil Service: The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria. The Civil Service also offers a Redeployment Interview Scheme to civil servants who are at risk of redundancy, and who meet the minimum requirements for the advertised vacancy.
- Learning & Development: The British Embassy in Berlin has a strong ethos of Learning and Development, including our Learning and Development Week. In addition, there will be many opportunities to attend external seminars and events on relevant issues. This is in addition to the induction programme offered to all Embassy staff.
- The successful applicant will be encouraged to be actively involved in the corporate life of the Embassy, contributing to the wider objectives of the British Government's Germany network and supporting the Embassy's positive working environment.
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