View Vacancy – Economic Policy Officer (DEU21.083)

Due to COVID-19, you may experience some delay in the progress of this recruitment campaign. We are working hard to minimise any disruption. You may find more information in the Additional Information section below.

The British Embassy in Berlin is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. The Embassy is now looking for an Economic Policy Officer, based in Berlin.

This demanding position offers the right candidate an exciting opportunity to contribute to the Embassy’s analysis and understanding of one of the UK’s most important economic partners.

As Economic Policy Officer, the jobholder will undertake reporting and analysis on Germany’s economic policy based on understanding of the broader political context. They will be required to build and maintain a network of contacts in the German economic 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 economic 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.

Key areas of direct focus will include fiscal policy, taxation, competition policy and industrial strategy, euro-area architecture, and Germany’s economic response to Covid-19. The jobholder may also provide economic analysis where necessary on subjects including climate and foreign policy. A key function will include collaborating with colleagues across the Embassy (including the Department for International Trade) working on areas related to economic policy to help develop a comprehensive understanding of Germany’s economic policy priorities.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Identify and monitor key developments in German economic policy, especially where these potentially affect UK interests. Work with colleagues to develop a comprehensive understanding of Germany’s economic policy priorities;
• Respond to specific requests on the policy and administration of German fiscal policy (including taxation) 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 HM Treasury, the Bank of England, 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.

• Proficiency in English and German (both written and spoken, minimum of C2 level for CEFR framework*);
• University degree in relevant field (economics, political economy, finance etc.) or equivalent professional experience;
• 2+ year’s professional experience working in economics / public 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.