View Vacancy – Consular Policy Officer (POL21.299)

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 the job 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 full-time Consular Policy Officer.

Main purpose of job:

As a Consular Policy Officer, you will be a key member of a cross-Embassy team and will work on the implementation of the Citizens’ Rights provisions of the Withdrawal Agreement between the UK and the European Union. As part of the team, you will engage with local authorities to monitor and understand policies in relation to the implementation of the Citizens’ Rights chapter of the Withdrawal Agreement. You will also help ensure that UK nationals in the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia have timely and accurate information regarding their rights and services available to them when living or travelling in the EU. You will focus on preventing consular cases of mis-application, by proactively identifying policy gaps, clarifying policies and communicating information, so that UK nationals in the region of responsibility can make informed decisions and help themselves. This includes pro-active engagement with the host country authorities, local communities and key stakeholders,  content development for online and offline use and other (digital) outreach activities. This is an exciting opportunity for someone with an interest in UK and EU politics, citizens’ rights or more broadly civil liberties and human rights. You will also gain unique work experience in a diplomatic mission, while working on a dynamic policy area.

You will be based at the British Embassy in Warsaw, but you will be part of an EU-wide network working on Citizens’ Rights and broader prevention policies, led by a UK-based team. Your role will directly cover UK Citizens’ Rights in Poland, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Slovakia, but you will be expected to work closely with the Regional Consular Policy Adviser and provide regional support and resilience should the need arise.  You will be remotely managed, reporting to, and supported by the Regional Consular Policy Adviser based in Berlin. You will work closely with the political, consular and comms teams at posts across the region and you will be expected to develop collaborative relationships with key UK government department representatives to ensure that all relevant policy areas of concern to UK nationals are covered. You will need to be able to work as part of a diverse team, both at post and remotely but you will also need to work well autonomously. A flexible working pattern can be available for the right candidate.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Follow and understand host-country and regional implementation of the citizens’ rights agreement between the UK and the EU, including Polish legislation implementing this agreement, as well as other issues relevant to UK nationals resident in or visiting the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland or Slovakia. Working with the Regional Consular Policy Adviser, use this understanding to produce internal analysis and policy advice to the British Embassy and UK-based teams;
• Support the work of the British Ambassador and other senior staff members in relation to Citizens’ Rights. Establish and maintain an effective network of contacts with the Polish authorities, in order to generate understanding, insights and awareness;
• Use your knowledge and understanding of Withdrawal Agreement implementation to support UK nationals regarding their rights now that the UK has left the EU, by ensuring timely and accurate information is available and by providing policy support to communications and engagement campaigns;
• In collaboration with the Regional Consular Policy Adviser and London colleagues, support the development and delivery of citizens’ rights messages for the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia, through policy advice and expert input into the development of messaging and delivery of the Embassy’s outreach work;
• Work and co-ordinate closely with other Embassy teams, supporting wider British Government objectives as required;
• Support the Regional Consular Policy Adviser and Consular Regional Operations Manager (CROM) achieve consular prevention objectives across the region as required;
• Develop close collaborative relationships with other Government Department representatives;
• Covid-permitting, you will need to travel regularly to deliver in this role.

• Fluent English and Polish (both written and spoken, minimum B2 Level for CEFR framework*);
• Knowledge of local governmental structures and decision-making (local and central level) and previous experience or awareness of British and/or local country public sector policy development;
• Excellent communications, organisational and time management skills;
• Aptitude to analyse and process complex information quickly;
• Ability to work independently, as well as part of a diverse team, and build relationships with external stakeholders;
• Ability to travel as required (Covid-permitting).