The British Embassy in The Hague is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas and is seeking to recruit a full-time Policy Officer (Climate Change & Energy). We are looking for an enthusiastic customer oriented self-starter, with excellent organisational, analytical, and communication skills.

Why should you apply?

We are offering you the opportunity to be part of a friendly and supportive working environment. This is an exciting role, and you will have a chance to work closely on the existing challenges and objectives of the climate crisis.

The British Embassy in The Hague believes in a culture of continuous learning and development and offers various learning and development opportunities. You will also have access to the FCDO’s wider programme of learning and development. We also support Flexible working.

This is a fixed-term position with the possibility of contract extension depending on performance and available funding.

As a Policy Officer (Climate Change & Energy), the jobholder will promote UK climate change policy priorities in the Netherlands in line with Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office objectives. Focussing on climate change and related policy issues, the role will involve developing a network of contacts, facilitating outreach and helping UK officials build relationships with Dutch government counterparts and wider stakeholders at NGOs, academia and in the private sector. The jobholder will be required to brief senior colleagues, provide policy analysis, draft written reports, and be able to communicate the UK’s policies on sustainability ambition to external contacts effectively. Working on projects, as part of a team the jobholder will organise meetings and deliver events. Regular reporting of climate policy developments and related issues to London-based stakeholders will be required. The successful candidate will join the Embassy’s Policy Team, working closely with the Ambassador, the Deputy Head of Mission, and Policy Team colleagues.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Identify, and report on areas of interest to the UK government in relation to Climate Change and energy security;
• Respond to enquiries from UK government departments;
• Build and maintain a wide network of external contacts in the Netherlands;
• Provide policy and project support to policy team including managing the Climate Diplomacy Fund;
• Represent the Embassy in meetings with the Dutch government and other external stakeholders;
• Identify and deliver projects relating to HMG’s priorities, in particular on climate ambition and energy security;
• Organise visits and events. Brief and accompany visitors during their stay in the Netherlands as required;
• Contribute to the wider work and activity of the Policy Team;
• Provide cover for colleagues during periods of absence.

The above breakdown of responsibilities is subject to changes in priorities, and may evolve over time and in response to changing circumstances. The role exists as part of a team and all staff are expected to be flexible in supporting colleagues, particularly at busy times.

Our ideal candidate shows:

• Proficiency in English (both written and spoken, minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework);
• BA degree or equivalent working experience;
• Understanding and knowledge of climate change policy, in particular the EU debate;
• Strong networking and influencing skills;
• Experience of project work and delivering events;
• Ability to think strategically and creatively;
• Ability to grasp complex issues quickly and communicate these simply and effectively;
• Good IT skills, including experience of Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint;
• Excellent Communication skills.

• Experience of working in a policy environment, ideally in a relevant policy area;
• Proficiency in Dutch (both written and spoken, minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework).

The successful candidate will initially be offered a time of employment contract at grade level. The base salary for this position is €3, 855.50 gross per month, based on a working week of 36 hours. In addition, an 8% holiday bonus and a monthly working from home allowance are payable. Actual commuter travel expenses up to a limit or a monthly set travel allowance for commuter costs are payable depending on the role and how often office work is needed. The Embassy currently applies a performance based bonus pay model for local staff.

Applicants must be legally entitled to work in The Netherlands.

The successful candidate will undergo a professional background check; Any job offer is also provisional to a successful security clearance check.

The Embassy encourages a culture of continuous learning. All employees have access to the Civil Service Learning platform which gives access to training to improve job specific skills. Employees are entitled to a minimum number of annual training days.

The British Embassy promotes and demonstrates the key values of Professionalism, Respect and Honesty.

The job description is subject to changes and may evolve over time and in response to changing circumstances. The role exists as part of a team and all staff are expected to be flexible in supporting colleagues, particularly at busy times.

The British Embassy promotes and demonstrates the key values of Professionalism, Respect and Honesty.

“Under the terms of the UK/NL Double Taxation Convention (Article 18 1(b)(ii), UK nationals who move to The Netherlands to take up their new role at the Embassy/Consulate and UKB spouse who start working at the Embassy with no previous record of working in the Netherlands since the arrival of the UKB partner they accompany, will be placed on a tax abated salary if deemed to be eligible for Dutch income tax exemption on their salary. Qualifying staff will have no Dutch income tax levied on their salary and will therefore be paid an abated salary reduced by the applicable tax they would have had to pay if that local liability had existed. A tax abated salary ensures a fair and comparable take home pay. Staff on tax abated salaries cannot claim tax benefits in The Netherlands but they are fully and comprehensively covered for social security and deemed to be resident local staff for all intents and purposes.”

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 British Diplomatic Missions will not be able to meet the travel costs incurred when travelling to the interview, nor the costs connected with relocation if offered a job.

• Please note for more information on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment levels please click on the following link CEFR. Please bear in mind in case you are invited for an interview your language skill is going to be assessed.