Senior Officer, Public, Political and Economic Affairs (FPDS)

4339

Senior Officer, Public, Political and Economic Affairs (FPDS)

75,973 euro gross per year, plus benefits

Indeterminate

This position is a LES (Locally Engaged Staff) full-time position, subject to the Terms and Conditions of Employment for LES in Belgium.

Officer

LE-09

Avenue des Arts 58, 1000 Brussels, Belgium

28-02-2021 at 23:59 UTC/GMT

Under the supervision of the Chief of Program of the Foreign Policy and Diplomacy Service (FPDS), the Senior Officer, Public, Political and Economic Affairs has the principal responsibility of providing an all-inclusive contribution and implementing the communication and public affairs strategy of the Embassy of Canada to Belgium and Luxembourg (the Mission). To that end, he/she elaborates and makes use of a wide range of communication products, monitors media coverage and interventions relevant to Canadian interests and recommends responses, establishes and maintains a network of contacts in relation to Mission activities and priorities, plans and implements events or the participation of Canadian officials to events, and makes recommendations aimed at progressing Canadian interests and priorities in Belgium and Luxembourg.

The incumbent is also required to write and revise reports pertaining to political, economic and strategic questions as well as events and visits. Conducting research and completing complex analyses on trends and new realities is also part of the FPDS mandate. Writing strategic plans for FPDS initiatives, taking into account budgetary and financial dimensions. Contributing to reports based on evidence to evaluate outcomes. Occasionally, the incumbent may be required to translate documents and to serve as interpreter for Canadian employees.

The position is exposed to a certain level of stress in the management of multiple priorities and deadlines, many of which are urgent, and in responding to changing and sometimes unpredictable client demands and needs.

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. 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:
– Master’s degree from a recognized university in a field related to the position, including, but not limited to: political science, economics, trade, public affairs, communications, journalism, cultural management, stage arts, OR an equivalent combination of studies, training, and/or experience pertinent to the position.

Language:
– Able to communicate effectively* in English, French and Dutch (speaking, reading and writing).

*“Communicate effectively” in French is considered to be the equivalent to C1 level per the Common European framework of reference for languages and B2 in English and Dutch.

Experience:
– Candidates must have significant work experience*:
• In the field of public affairs and communications (i.e. planning of events and interest promotion campaigns, project management in the public, private or cultural sectors, collaboration with partners, and media relations);
• In the use of virtual tools and social media for the promotion of activities, for brand recognition or for promotion of interests initiatives.

*Significant experience = at least five (5) years of relevant work experience (experience relative to the criteria can be combined to cumulate a total of five 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 the media sectors in Belgium (Flemish and francophone) and Luxembourg;
• Knowledge of political and economic dynamics in Belgium and Luxembourg;
• Knowledge of virtual promotion of interests tools, including Twitter.

Abilities/Competencies:
• Interactive communication in French, English and Dutch, at the required level;
• Ability to establish and maintain a network of contacts;
• Ability to set and attain objectives and manage numerous priorities with tight deadlines;
• Ability to analyse;
• Initiative and action orientation;
• Integrity and respect;
• Judgment;
• Effective teamwork;
• Client orientation.

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 in event management;
• Experience in the cultural sector in Belgium and/Luxembourg;
• Experience in analysis, reporting, or political and economic strategic counsel;
• Experience in producing audio-visual material (i.e. photography, video, montages);
• Experience in managing the financial aspects of programmes (i.e. budgets, expenses tracking, financial report analysis);
• Able to communicate effectively in German, at a level equivalent to B2 per the Common European framework of reference for languages.

–

• Normal work schedule : 37.5 hours/week (Monday to Friday);
• Ability to work overtime with or without short notice on occasion, including on evenings and weekends;
• Ability to participate in events and meetings outside normal working hours (i.e., evenings and weekends);
• The successful candidate will be required to travel regularly to Belgium and Luxembourg.

• 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.
• Candidates who hold visas, electronic A-cards or non-renewable documents, such as student visas, cannot apply for this job, unless they are exempted from the obligation to obtain a work permit.
• 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.
• Candidates must be admissible for travelling on an international level, even outside the European Union and for this purpose maintain a valid passport during the employment.

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=4339& 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 directly by email to [email protected] are not accepted and will not be considered.