View Vacancy – Business Policy Officer (POL21.304)

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 Strategy setting out key objectives. Roles and responsibilities might evolve, in line with the Country Strategy.

The British Embassy Warsaw is committed to being an inclusive employer. We actively champion diversity and UK values, internally and externally. We value team working, flexibility, responsibility and creativity, as well as everyone’s contribution to making the Embassy a great place to work, where our people get good training and fulfil their potential.  We have a strong Learning and Development culture, organise regular in-house training opportunities, and encourage staff to take on opportunities for development.

The British Embassy in Poland is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas and is now looking to recruit a Business Policy Officer.

You will need to be flexible, as the role and responsibilities will evolve, in line with the Country Strategy.

This job combines policy expertise and outreach to business, creating opportunities for co-operation between the UK and Poland, and influencing to deliver positive results for the UK. It is primarily about engagement with Polish government, business, and stakeholders, and providing advice for the UK government, in key sectors such as the digital economy, business services and agriculture. A flexible and enthusiastic approach is essential, along with a good understanding of EU policy, business and economic issues.

Main Duties and Responsibilities:

• Analysis, reporting and advice to senior Embassy colleagues and UK government on the Polish business environment, including tech and digital, business services and agriculture;
• Promoting links between UK and Poland on tech and the digital economy, encouraging new partnerships in tech, and influencing government and stakeholders to support regulations and standards that promote digital trade;
• Engage with government, business and stakeholders (including organising policy seminars/webinars) to develop relations under the new trading framework, especially in the business services, agri-food and transport industries, including tackling trade barriers in these sectors between UK and Poland;
• Engage with business, including through public diplomacy and events, to encourage them to make net zero commitments on climate change;
• Lead on organising an annual business forum with the Polish government;
• Pro-actively build a network of contacts in the Polish government, in business and in civil society, and also with officials and stakeholders in the UK, with a view to promoting UK thinking to Polish interlocutors;
• Work flexibly with other embassy teams, including in support of commercial aims (export and investment) with Department for International Trade (DIT), and also with counterparts in British Embassies in Central Europe and beyond;
• If the Covid-19 situation allows, there may be future opportunities to travel in Warsaw and occasionally regionally or to the UK for official meetings; or occasional evening work;
• Provide cover and support for other colleagues as necessary.

• Full professional proficiency in English and Polish, including excellent writing skills (written and spoken, minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework*);
• Master’s degree, or equivalent;
• Good understanding of economic and business issues, EU economic policy and how the EU works;
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills; confidence in dealing with senior contacts and colleagues, and in handling customers;
• Ability to work at pace, independently and as part of a team, and to use initiative;
• Good IT skills (especially Word, Teams, Excel and PowerPoint).