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: Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)
Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)
Who are we?
The British Embassy in Brussels is part of a worldwide network, representing British political, security, economic and consular interests overseas. We are looking for a Communications and Political Officer to join our Political and Public Diplomacy Team. The successful candidate will provide sound media and political analysis and advice to the Embassy and help manage our UKinBelgium social media channels.
The Political and Public Diplomacy Team sits at the heart of the British Embassy’s work in Belgium. It provides political reporting, analysis, advice and external communications in support of a broad range of UK interests in Belgium, including economic, security, climate change and foreign policy priorities.
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 the Role
This is one of two Communications and Political Officer positions in the Embassy. The role is line managed by the Head of Strategic Communications and supports the Head of Politics with political networking, reporting and analysis. The balance between political and communications work will adapt according to Embassy priorities.
This is a challenging, varied and fast-moving role that requires a significant degree of independent working, effective prioritisation and flexibility. You will help manage the UKinBelgium social media accounts, monitor Belgian media and report on ongoing political developments.
You will engage confidently and professionally with a broad range of contacts, including representatives of the media and the Belgian and UK Governments. You will also support the Ambassador and other colleagues at external meetings.
If you understand Belgium’s political and media landscape and enjoy turning insight into clear, impactful communications, this role offers the opportunity to put those skills into practice at the heart of the British Embassy.
Roles and Responsibilities
Political analysis, reporting and networking
- Build and maintain a strong network of political, media and other relevant contacts;
- Contribute to the Embassy’s analysis and reporting on Belgian political developments, key decision-makers and influential groups;
- Proactively identify and engage relevant stakeholders, including political parties, ministerial cabinets, study centres, youth movements, academia, commentators and media contacts, with particular attention to Dutch-speaking Belgium;
- Produce regular meeting readouts, research and reports that support the Embassy’s understanding of the Belgian political landscape and delivery of priority objectives.
Belgian media monitoring and analysis
- Monitor and analyse French and Dutch-language Belgian media;
- Produce concise and timely media summaries aligned with Embassy priorities;
- Identify relevant trends, risks and opportunities for senior Embassy colleagues and UK headquarters.
Digital communications and content delivery
- Communicate the work and priorities of the Embassy and UK Government through the Embassy’s social media channels and GOV.UK pages on a shift basis;
- Contribute to communications planning, campaign development and proactive content opportunities;
- Ensure communications are accurate, timely, accessible and tailored to the right audiences.
Campaigns, public diplomacy and stakeholder engagement
- Develop effective communications activity in partnership with policy leads and external stakeholders;
- Identify campaign opportunities and ensure communications outputs support Embassy priorities and objectives;
- Help organise media and communications activity around public diplomacy events and high-level visits to promote UK interests in Belgium.
Media engagement and visit support
- Liaise confidently with journalists, media organisations and other internal and external contacts;
- Build and maintain relevant journalist networks;
- Support media engagement opportunities, briefings and visits in priority policy areas.
Team working and administration
- Work closely with the Head of Strategic Communications, Head of Politics and the wider team to help the Embassy and UK headquarters engage with and understand Belgium;
- Understand colleagues’ objectives, communicate effectively and work flexibly across team priorities;
- Oversee the public enquiries mailbox;
- Support relevant administrative work, including database management;
- Participate in wider Mission initiatives as required, including taking on a corporate role.
Essential qualifications, skills and experience
- English (written and spoken) at minimum C2 level according to the CEFR framework*;
- Either French or Dutch (written and spoken) at minimum C2 level, with the other national language at minimum C1 level according to the CEFR framework*;
- A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, such as Communications, Journalism, Politics or International Relations, or equivalent relevant professional experience;
- Relevant professional experience working across both political and communications portfolios in the Belgian context, with strong knowledge of the local political and media landscape (including federal and regional competences);
- Experience of drafting and reporting, with strong research and analytical skills;
- Experience of organising media engagement around key moments and events;
- Experience of creating content for organisational social media channels, including Instagram, LinkedIn and Facebook, and using performance insights to evaluate content effectiveness;
- Experience of building and maintaining effective stakeholder relationships, including managing challenging or sensitive interactions;
- Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver at pace;
- Strong team-working skills, with the ability to work effectively and flexibly within both a small and wider team.
Desirable qualifications, skills and experience
- Experience of media monitoring and analysis tools;
- Experience of working in a diplomatic mission, government or media organisation.
Required behaviours
Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Seeing the Big Picture, Working Together.
Application deadline: 20 October 2026
Grade: Executive Officer (EO)
Type of Position: Full-time, Fixed term, with possibility of renewal
Working hours per week: 36.25
Region: Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia
Type of Post: British Embassy
Salary Currency: EUR
Salary: 5,765.06
Type of Salary: monthly
Start Date: 5 January 2027
Application instructions
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