Political Officer based in Brussels, Belgium.

4451

Political Officer

56,344 euros gross per year, plus benefits

Fixed term

This position is a LES (Locally Engaged Staff) full-time position, subject to the Terms and Conditions of Employment for LES in Belgium. Acting / Assignment or specified term contract for 6 months, with possibility of renewal and/or indeterminate employment, according to operational needs.

Officer

LE-O1

Avenue des Arts 58, 1000 Brussels, Belgium

02-05-2021 at 23:59 UTC+1 / GMT+1

Reporting to the FPDS program manager or to another senior program officer of the Foreign Policy and Diplomacy Service (FPDS) Program, the Political Officer will provide advice, recommendations and a significant contribution to the advancement of the program’s objectives. This includes maintaining and developing networks, conducting advocacy, doing research as input for reports, drafting reports of meetings, visits, political developments, and bilateral relations, and supporting the planning and implementation of the FPDS program. Specific duties may include: 1) providing advice, recommendations and input for the development of opportunities for Canada-EU collaboration; 2) monitoring, assessing and reporting on EU developments related to both thematic and geographic priorities; 3) providing analysis and recommendations on potential events and visits aligned with objectives of the Mission of Canada to the European Union in Brussels FPDS program; 4) planning and executing advocacy events on Canadian priorities and incoming outreach visits; and performing other duties as required.

Candidates will initially be screened against the Essential Qualifications relating to education, experience and language.

Candidates must clearly demonstrate in their cover letter and CV how they meet each of these essential qualifications. It is not sufficient to simply state responsibilities or list the criteria they meet. Note that ability to communicate in writing may also be evaluated in the cover letter and CV.

Only those candidates who meet all the essential requirements and demonstrate this clearly within their application will then proceed to the next stage of the process.

Education:
• Degree from a recognized university in a relevant discipline such as Political Science, Journalism/Communications, Law, International Relations, Economics, Public Administration OR an acceptable combination* of education, training and work experience in a field relevant to the position.

*A total of three (3) years or more is considered an acceptable combination of education and relevant experience.

Language:
• Ability to communicate effectively* in both official languages of Canada: English and French.

*“Communicate effectively” is considered to be the equivalent to C1 level per the Common European framework of reference for languages in one of the two official languages of Canada, and B1 in the other one (C1 level equivalent in English, and B1 level equivalent in French OR C1 level equivalent in French, and B1 level equivalent in English).

Experience:
Applicants must have:
• Significant* recent** experience in network development and partnership building with non-governmental organizations, governmental actors, public institutions, academia, private sector entities, or multilateral institutions;
• Significant* experience performing research and analysis, and drafting reports, research papers, or briefs;
• Experience working on international relations or foreign policy issues.

*Significant means a minimum of two (2) years.
**Recent is defined over the past ten (10) years.

Rated Requirements

Applicants must also meet the rated requirements listed below related to knowledge, abilities and competencies. Methods of assessment of those requirements may include, but are not limited to written exams, interview, role-play, practical tests, presentations and / or psychometric assessments.

Knowledge:
• Knowledge of current political and institutional dynamics of the European Union;
• Knowledge of Canadian foreign policy interests and priorities;

Abilities/Competencies:
• Ability to build and maintain a network of contacts on key issues;
• Ability to work effectively in a team;
• Effective research and analytical skills;
• Effective interactive communication;
• Interpersonal skills;
• Judgment – organizing work priorities, including task and time management;
• Adaptability – working effectively in an environment when priorities and timelines may shift on short notice.

Preference may be given to candidates who meet the asset qualifications. Where applicable, candidates must clearly demonstrate how they meet the asset qualifications in their cover letter and CV.

• Experience working for a Canadian government department or mission abroad;
• Graduation with a master’s degree from a recognized post-secondary institution;
• Experience working on issues related to human rights, diversity and inclusion, gender equality and women’s empowerment, peace and security, or good governance.

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• Normal work schedule: 37.5 hours/week (Monday to Friday);
• Ability to work overtime on occasion;
• Ability to perform occasional duties outside normal working hours (i.e., evenings and weekends);
• In line with COVID-19 safety precautions, ability to work remotely.

• Candidates must reside in Belgium at the time of employment offer is issued and for the duration of the employment. They must also have a valid work authorization covering the entire employment period. If the employment is indeterminate, the work authorization should be permanent or itself lead to a permanent work authorization.
• Upon applying, candidates must provide any documentation proving their right to reside and work in Belgium.
• Before an offer of employment can be made, candidates must provide a local address as proof of residence in Belgium so that if selected, it will appear on the offer letter.
• A reliability rating (security clearance) is required to obtain this position at the Embassy of Canada in Brussels and will be subject to audits. This rating must be maintained throughout the employment – loss of the latter employment is sufficient reason to dismiss the employee.

This selection process is open to candidates who, upon applying, have the right to reside and work legally in Belgium, who meet all the essential criteria and whose application files are received no later than closing date. Please note that the Embassy of Canada does not sponsor work permits directly or indirectly. The Government of Canada applies the principles of equal opportunity under the Charter of Rights and Freedoms of Canada. See “conditions of employment” and “important notes” sections for additional details. Our organization offers an inclusive workplace where respect, teamwork, and collaboration are part of our culture. Canada’s missions abroad are committed to promoting and supporting an environment free from harassment and discrimination, as well as encouraging and supporting employees to learn and develop their skills and competencies.

• Only applications submitted in one of Canada’s official languages (English or French) are accepted.
• Please do not use a tablet or cell phone to submit your application, as mobile browsers are not supported by our on-line portal. Candidates should only apply using a laptop or desktop computer.
• Communications for this process are sent by email. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that the contact information provided is correct and updated as required.
• Candidates must include an email address that accepts messages from unknown users and regularly check their email inbox, including spam.
• Professional reference checks will be sought for candidates that reach interview stage and may form part of the selection process.
• Proof of educational qualifications will be required during the process.
• The Embassy of Canada in Brussels does not reimburse any travel costs to and from interviews/exams nor does it reimburse any relocation costs.
• Candidates requiring special assistance in order to participate in written exams and/or interviews are asked to notify their needs by email to [email protected] when applying.
• The results of this competition may also be used to establish an eligibility list of qualified candidates for similar job openings for indeterminate, determinate, emergency, full-time or part-time positions at any of Canada’s diplomatic missions in Brussels, which may arise within twelve (12) months following the completion of this competition.
• For any questions relating to this selection process, please communicate only by email at the following address: [email protected]
• Due to Covid-19, some delays may occur in the progress of this recruitment process. We are working hard to minimize any disruption.

How to apply

• Please follow the link http://wfca-tpce.com/vacancyView.php?requirementId=4451& and fill out the online form.
• Candidates are also required to upload a CV and a cover letter in English or French.
• When applying, candidates must also download any document (e.g. copy of passport, photo ID issued by state authorities or other document) proving that they have the right to reside and work legally in Belgium.
• Our application processing tool allows you to download only two documents: the cover letter and the CV. Please include a copy of citizenship AND a copy of your work permit at the bottom of the cover letter.
• Applicants who are unable to submit their application due to technical difficulties must notify [email protected] before the closing date. Failure to do so will result in their application being rejected.
• Applications which do not include all the requested documents or information will be rejected.
• Applications sent in paper format or by email are not accepted and will not be considered.