Poland is an important partner for the UK. The British Embassy Warsaw works to develop relations between all parts of Poland and all parts of the UK. Our work covers the breadth of the bilateral relationship, including political, commercial, security and economic issues of interest to both the UK and Poland, which we deliver under the framework of a Country Business Plan setting out key objectives. Roles and responsibilities might evolve, in line with the Country Business Plan.

About the role

You will lead on Justice and Home Affairs issues. You will use your expert knowledge to contribute to cross-Whitehall policy-making as well as influence Polish policy development, including by engaging with Polish Government officials and representatives from law enforcement agencies and NGOs, as well as monitoring legislation affecting UK interest. In BE Warsaw, we work flexibly and with agility to support wider Embassy priorities. The job holder will be expected to work flexibly to cover other foreign policy portfolios as necessary as new priorities arise. 

Main responsibilities

The job holder will be part of the wider foreign policy team, which covers foreign and security policy as well as justice and home affairs. Poland has developed rapidly over the last 20 years, becoming an important NATO Ally, a key EU partner, and a strategic partner on Russia/Ukraine. It is also increasingly effective at tackling serious and organised crime and illegal migration. 

The job holder will lead on Justice and Home Affairs (JHA) policy and will develop a deep understanding of relevant issues. The job holder will also ensure we are meeting our key JHA objectives set out in the Embassy’s Country Business Plan. 

Migration is an FCDO priority and an increasingly significant area for UK-Poland cooperation, given recent challenges at Poland’s EU external border with Belarus and Poland’s shift from being a source to a destination country. You will look for opportunities for new areas for collaboration on regular and illegal migration, including at EU level, and lead on the newly established UK-Poland Migration Dialogue and operationalise migration elements of the soon to be signed UK-Poland Treaty on Defence and Security. 

On criminal and civil justice co-operation you will work on priority areas of co-operation to complement the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement. Your ability to understand the factors (e.g. wider Polish domestic politics) involved in Poland’s decision-making and to utilise your network to problem solve, will be crucial to progress. You will also work closely with consular colleagues, providing policy advice on complex child abduction cases.

On Serious and Organised Crime (SOC) you will provide policy support to SOC colleagues at Post (Home Office, HMRC, NCA, and CPS) by coordinating and acting as secretariat for the Joint Serious Organised Crime (JSOC) network in the embassy. You will work to ensure a coherent approach between policy and operational colleagues on law enforcement and security issues. 

Do you have the strategic instincts, political awareness, and diplomatic confidence to shape the UK’s justice, migration, and security cooperation with one of Europe’s most influential countries? As our senior lead on Justice and Home Affairs, you’ll navigate complex Polish and EU policy landscapes, drive UK‑Poland collaboration on migration and serious organised crime, and influence decision‑makers at the highest levels across government, law enforcement, and civil society.

Across all of these areas, you will be expected to:

• Build and maintain a strong network of stakeholders in Poland across key Ministries, law enforcement agencies and relevant NGOs. Utilise this network to deepen understanding of Polish priorities, influence policy positions and to problem solve, in line with HMG objectives.
• Develop an equivalent network in the UK government, ensuring you understand key drivers and interests in UK policy.
• Provide regular high quality analytical reporting (both written and oral) and policy recommendations to UK departments (particularly FCDO, Home Office and Ministry of Justice), senior Embassy staff (including the Ambassador) and Ministers as required.
• Think creatively to identify opportunities to work jointly with the Poles on shared objectives.
• Lead on related senior official and Ministerial inward and outward visits, developing programmes, accompanying visitors and providing briefing as required.
• Co-ordinate with colleagues across our network of Embassies in Central Europe on regional analysis in response to key events/developments.
• Provide flexible resource across wider teams to support EU, foreign policy and wider Embassy priorities. 
  Contribute to the corporate life of the Embassy e.g. through supporting Away Days and promoting learning and development. 

• Full professional proficiency in English and Polish (written and spoken, minimum C1 level under CEFR).
• Bachelors/Masters degree.
• Senior‑level experience and professional background in Migration, Justice and Security Policy issues, particularly in relevant institutions in Poland.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, confidence in dealing with senior contacts and colleagues.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• High proficiency in MS Office tools for policy and workflow management.