SECRETARY TO THE TRADE AND ECONOMIC AFFAIRS SECTION

SECRETARY TO THE TRADE AND ECONOMIC AFFAIRS SECTION

Now Open - Vacancy for the post of Secretary to the Delegation's Trade and Economic Affairs (TEA) Section

EUROPEAN UNION DELEGATION TO THE UNITED KINGDOM OF GREAT BRITAIN AND NORTHERN IRELAND

VACANCY NOTICE

Job title: Secretary to the Trade and Economic Affairs Section

LOCAL AGENT GROUP III Ref: 512766 - TEA Section

WE ARE

The European Union (EU) is an economic and political partnership between 27 European countries. It plays an important role in international affairs through diplomacy, trade, development aid and working with global organisations. The EU is represented throughout the world in more than 140 diplomatic representations, known also as EU Delegations, which have a similar function to those of an embassy.

The EU Delegation to the United Kingdom works in close coordination with the Embassies and Consulates of the 27 EU Member States. We are a fully fledged diplomatic mission and represent the European Union in dealings with the United Kingdom government in areas that are part of the EU's remit.

The Delegation of the European Union to the United Kingdom opened its doors on 1st February 2020 following Brexit and is located in central London. It is a multi cultural environment and it currently has around 50 staff members, working across five sections: Head of Delegation Section, Political Section, Press & Information Section, two EU Policies Sections and an Administration Section. The TEA Section currently consists of 14 staff members.

WE OFFER

The post of Secretary to the Delegation's Trade and Economic Affairs (TEA) Section is a fixed term employment contract for two years, with the possibility of renewal under reserve of budgetary availabilities and operational considerations. For internal candidates holding an indefinite term contract, alternative contractual arrangements may apply in accordance with institutional policies.

This is a full time position with a working week of 37.5 hours. The salary scale for the position of Secretary is allocated to Group 3 with a starting annual gross salary of GBP 44,388.

There is a competitive benefits package including 26 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays and health insurance.

The successful candidate will report to the Head of the Trade and Economic Affairs section and work under their supervision, providing support, expertise, and assistance.

TASKS

• Provide assistance for the efficient running of the Economic & Trade Affairs Section by maintaining the diary of the Head of Section and the rest of the team, answering telephone, replying to emails, filtering calls, taking messages, and responding to general inquiries.
• Take, transcribe and prepare notes, minutes, routine correspondence and presentations as required by the Head of Section.
• Make appointments for the Section members as required, record and forward incoming correspondence, finalise and transmit outgoing correspondence, using archiving software (ARES) whenever necessary and ensure follow up and respect of deadlines.
• Co-ordinate the storage, reproduction, circulation and retrieval of documents, making sure that they are filed and secured in accordance with the regulations in force.
• Help prepare briefing files and communication material as requested.
• Manage information and procedures on missions, holidays, leave and absence records and similar personnel administration formalities.
• Assist in welcoming and informing outside visitors in accordance with security regulations.
• Provide support for the organisation, budgetary requests and reporting of meetings, including reservation of rooms, checking and sending agendas, compilation of handouts, reception and security arrangements and follow up of minutes.
• Assist with procurement and budgetary procedures as required.
• Assist in the organisation of high level visits.

SELECTION CRITERIA

• Secondary School Certificate or equivalent.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience related to the tasks detailed above.
• Excellent knowledge (C2) of English.
• Right to reside and work in the United Kingdom.
• Very good command of IT applications.
• Medical fit to perform the required duties.

ASSETS

• Professional qualification(s) in secretarial duties and/or office management.
• Knowledge of French or other EU languages.
• Work experience in international organisations and/or diplomatic missions.

SKILLS

• Personal initiative, flexibility, organisation skills and able to perform duties independently with speed and accuracy.
• Very good team player, able to adapt in a multi cultural environment.
• High degree of integrity and discretion.
• Ability to prioritise and work under pressure.
• Very good communication skills both written and verbal.
• Fast learner.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

The European Union is committed to an equal opportunities policy for all its employees and applicants for employment. As an employer, the EU is committed to promoting gender equality, preventing discrimination on any grounds and ensuring a zero tolerance approach to any form of harassment. It actively welcomes applications from all qualified candidates from diverse backgrounds. We aim at a service which is truly representative of society, where each staff member feels respected, is able to give their best and can develop their full potential.

If pre-selected, candidates with disabilities are invited to contact the Delegation in order to accommodate any special needs and provide assistance to ensure equality of opportunities with other candidates.

If a candidate with a disability is selected and recruited, the EEAS is committed to appropriate measures in order to accommodate his or her special needs to the working place or working conditions in accordance with Art 4 of the Decision ADMIN(2025)13 of the Director General for Resource Management of the European External Action Service on providing reasonable accommodation for local staff with disabilities working in Union Delegations.

DATA PROTECTION NOTICE

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