View Vacancy – Foreign Policy Officer (POL24.354)

Poland is an important European and NATO ally for the UK.  The job holder will lead on understanding the Polish foreign policy system, especially the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, using their knowledge to identify and strengthen areas of co-operation between Poland and the UK, and improving the Embassy and London’s understanding of key issues. They will play a key role in the Foreign and Security Policy Team, working on a range of foreign policy issues, including but not limited to, the EU, Western Balkans and Indo-Pacific. The Foreign Policy Officer will report directly to the Head of Team and support the wider team including the senior leadership team of the Embassy, establishing a regular drum beat of reporting for both British Embassy Warsaw and London colleagues to increase awareness and influence policy and decision making in the UK.  

Main purpose of job

The job holder will work within a busy team on a wide range of foreign policy issues. As part of this, you will be expected to: 

• Develop and maintain a deep understanding of the underlying Polish political dynamics and key players and institutions;
• Proactively follow thematic areas of foreign policy, sharing analysis with a local and London audience to improve knowledge and build capacity within the team;
• Conduct ad-hoc research on topical issues, providing translation and quick, high-quality reporting;
• Attend meetings/seminars/conferences on behalf of BE Warsaw, writing up outcomes and sharing analysis;
• Develop and maintain a strong network of key Polish and UK contacts to help deliver UK foreign policy objectives;
• Assist with organising visits of UK Government Ministers, Government Officials and others, including developing detailed programmes, making logistical arrangements and leading on protocol arrangements;
• Project Management; provide support to colleagues in bidding for, administering and organising and delivering projects;
• Lead on specific projects such as bilateral Joint Diplomatic training programmes;
• Provide cover and support for colleagues as necessary;

The range of issues covered by the team is broad and priorities can change rapidly in response to events and current HM Government objectives. This can often mean responding rapidly to emerging policy developments or re-focusing energies (which requires an ability to adjust quickly to new priorities).  This role offers an exciting opportunity for the right candidate to work in international policy during an important period for European security.

All staff are also expected to contribute to wider Embassy corporate objectives, helping to reinforce the Embassy’s reputation as a high performing, friendly mission that actively promotes UK values.

The British Embassy in Warsaw is one of nine posts in the Central European Network (CEN).  The CEN provides shared resources, expertise, collaboration across posts and support from peers.  Virtual teams work on regional priorities, sharing analysis, ideas and campaigns.  Colleagues across the Embassy, in all teams, are encouraged to connect with their counterparts in other CEN posts and there will be opportunities to make a personal contribution to the CEN, whether on expertise, policy or the corporate agenda.

• Excellent level of written and spoken English and Polish (both oral and written, minimum C1 level);
• Min. 2-year experience preferably in a governmental/foreign policy environment, or in a relevant policy-based, administration, research, event management role;
• Interest in politics and foreign affairs, including on UK, Poland, EU and other international issues;
• Research skills; including proven ability to assess, analyse and report on thematic issues
• Proven organisational and administrative skills (including working to budget);
• Strong interpersonal and communications skills; confidence in dealing with senior contacts and colleagues, with a strong customer focus;
• Proven ability to work independently and as part of a team with a proactive approach;
• Proven ability to deliver results in a challenging, dynamic and fast paced work environment;
• Proven ability to be flexible and adept at multi-tasking, perform in other duties as and when required;
• Strong IT Skills (esp. Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint);
• Event management.