Paralegal, UK Mission to the European Union job in Brussels, Belgium

Position description

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow. The FCDO operates an agile workforce and to facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, as we may reasonably require.

Job Category: UK Mission
Job Subcategory: UKMIS (UK Mission to the European Union)

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)

Who are we?

The UK Mission to the European Union is part of a worldwide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas, and we are now looking for a Paralegal.

Our daily work relies on the input of dedicated individuals who engage on many different topics and activities. We seek to employ a diverse range of candidates who bring their own talents and perspectives to the role. We have a strong corporate agenda that ensures we create a positive and inclusive working environment where everyone is valued for their contribution.

Main purpose of job:

The jobholder will be responsible for supporting the UKMis legal team in its work, by being an expert on the EU's institutional processes and managing correspondence with the institutions, general administrative/business support for the section and undertaking legal research, as well as tracking development in certain areas of EU law.

They will manage the exchange of legal correspondence with the EU in the context of the new UK-EU relationship under the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), be responsible for the exchange of notes verbales, and responsible for maintaining an important database of that correspondence.

This role will include some drafting of notes verbales. The role also requires providing full admin support to the Section, supporting the Section’s external engagement strategy and leading the Section’s knowledge management practice and process.

Roles and responsibilities:

Responsibility for managing EU-UK treaty processes (35%) – including coordinating access to information request and enforcement order (directing and tracking requests, provision of procedural advice within UKMis and to Whitehall departments) and coordinating, drafting and maintaining records of note verbales (such as those relating to change of UK co-chairs on TCA specialised committees). The successful candidate will also oversee any legal correspondence in relation to potential or actual disputes between the UK and EU, under the EU-UK Treaties;
Legal research and support and responsibility for advising on institutional processes (35%) – responsibilities include understanding the rules of procedure of the different institutions (in particular CJEU), independent legal research tasks, monitoring and circulating CJEU case law to appropriate desk officers, track development in certain fields of EU law and update desk officers accordingly;
Business support to Legal Section (20%) – responsibilities include team diary and budget management, team networking events, supporting external engagement strategy (including digital engagement), booking video and teleconferences and distributing documents to London contacts;
Knowledge management (10%) – responsibilities include management and organisation of the internal legal knowledge base for the Section and engagement in knowledge management improvements and changes in UKMis, including developing new KM notes on procedural and other matters as time allows;
The job holder is also expected to participate in wider Mission’s initiatives as required, including engaging in a corporate role

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

Our Ideal Candidate shows:

Proficiency in English, written and spoken at a minimum C1 level according to CEFR*;
A minimum of 3 years of experience in a legal role or a role related to EU institutions in Brussels;
Completed university education in legal-related fields, EU law, public policy or related;
A working understanding of the EU institutional framework;
Some knowledge of the UK-EU legal relationship;
Excellent organisational, IT and administrative skills, including ability to organise events and filing systems;
Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to summarise complex information clearly and concisely;
A proactive, self starting approach, with the ability to work independently while contributing effectively to team objectives;
Good stakeholder management skills.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

Nice to have:

Experience dealing with issues related to CJEU procedures;
Experience undertaking legal or technical policy research;
Experience of working on matters relating to the UK-EU relationship;
Knowledge of French is strongly desirable; other major European languages are considered an asset;
Experience coordinating logistics for events.

Required behaviours

Changing and Improving, Delivering at Pace, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together

Application deadline: 15 June 2026
Grade: Executive Officer (EO)
Type of Position: Full-time, Permanent
Working hours per week: 36.25
Region: Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia
Type of Post: UK Delegation
Number of vacancies: 1
Salary Currency: EUR
Salary: 5,685.06 gross
Type of Salary: monthly
Start Date: 1 September 2026

Other benefits and conditions of employment

This is a permanent full-time contract for 5 working days (36.25 hours net) per week with the possibility, dependent on mutual agreement, to be a part-time contract (29 hours net).

The monthly gross salary for this position (at 36.25 hours net per week) is € 5,685.06, EO level. In case the successful candidate is on a part-time contract, salary will be prorated for 29 hours net per week. In addition, we offer an extensive salary package, which includes a 13^th month, luncheon vouchers, pension scheme, optional hospitalisation insurance (subject to monthly employee contribution), reimbursement of public transport and a lot more. We offer more days of annual leave than the Belgian requirements.

Visa/work permit requirements: Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Belgium and be prepared to ensure that right remains throughout the scope of the contract. Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal requirements to live and work in this country.

Learning & Development: The UKMis Learning & Development (L&D) Committee coordinates an extensive L&D programme for all staff. Its members maintain a regular drumbeat of knowledge-building activity through an annual core curriculum, and lead on organising optional in-house French and Dutch classes. UKMis has a strong L&D culture and is committed to creating opportunities to stretch or develop particular skills for individuals, including language learning, attending conferences for professional development, and training for upskilling. Our internal L&D Committee and team leaders have an annual budget to which all colleagues can bid for funding to support their L&D activity.

Staff recruited locally by the British Diplomatic Missions in Belgium are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Belgian employment law.

The successful candidates will be subject to professional background checks and security clearance.

Additional information

Please note that the deadline for applications is 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”.

We advise you to allow enough time to complete and submit your full application, since only applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered.

Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen.

Please be advised that the UKMIS will not be able to meet the travel costs incurred when travelling to the interview, nor the costs connected with relocation if offered a position.

Application instructions

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