The British Embassy in Brussels, part of the FCDO (Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office), is hiring a Communications and Political Officer (reference BEL26-018893) for its Political and Public Diplomacy Team in Brussels, Belgium. The full-time, fixed-term role pays €5,765.06 per month gross at Executive Officer (EO) level, with an initial two-year contract and an indicative start on 5 January 2027. At Youth Works Hub, we went through the full vacancy: applications close on 20 October 2026 at 23:55.
Who Is Hiring: The British Embassy in Brussels
The British Embassy in Brussels is part of a worldwide network representing British political, security, economic and consular interests overseas. The successful candidate will join the Political and Public Diplomacy Team, which sits at the heart of the Embassy's work in Belgium. The team 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.
The Embassy says its daily work relies on dedicated individuals who engage on many different topics and activities. It seeks to employ a diverse range of candidates who bring their own talents and perspectives, and it has a strong corporate agenda to create a positive and inclusive working environment where everyone is valued for their contribution.
Position at a Glance
🆔 Reference: BEL26-018893
🗂️ Job category: Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)
🏢 Type of post: British Embassy
📍 Location: Brussels, Belgium
🌐 Region: Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia
🎖️ Grade: Executive Officer (EO)
📄 Type of position: full-time, fixed term, with possibility of renewal
⏱️ Working hours: 36.25 per week
👤 Number of vacancies: 1
💶 Salary: €5,765.06 per month (EUR, monthly)
🚀 Start date: 5 January 2027
What Is the Main Purpose of the Role?
The British Embassy is looking for a Communications and Political Officer who will provide sound media and political analysis and advice to the Embassy and help manage the UKinBelgium social media channels.
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.
A Fast-Moving Role at the Heart of the Embassy
The Embassy describes this as a challenging, varied and fast-moving role that requires a significant degree of independent working, effective prioritisation and flexibility. Day to day, 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, the role offers the opportunity to put those skills into practice.
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.
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Which Languages Do You Need?
Language skills are central to this vacancy. All levels refer to the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages):
🇬🇧 English (written and spoken) at minimum C2 level.
🇫🇷 Either French or Dutch (written and spoken) at minimum C2 level.
🇳🇱 The other national language at minimum C1 level.
If you are invited for an interview, your language skills will be assessed. A reference link to the CEFR level descriptions is included in the Links section below.
Education and Professional Experience
🎓 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).
Essential Skills and Experience
✍️ 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
🖥️ Experience of media monitoring and analysis tools.
🏛️ Experience of working in a diplomatic mission, government or media organisation.
Required Behaviours
The vacancy lists four behaviours that candidates are expected to demonstrate:
🗣️ Communicating and Influencing
🏃 Delivering at Pace
🔭 Seeing the Big Picture
🤲 Working Together
Contract Type and Duration
This is a full-time, fixed-term contract for an initial period of two years, with the possibility of renewal. The position is based on five working days and 36.25 net hours per week.
Salary and Benefits Package
The monthly gross salary is €5,765.06 at Executive Officer (EO) level. On top of the salary, the Embassy offers an extensive package that includes:
🎁 A 13th month
🍽️ Luncheon vouchers
🏦 Pension scheme
🏥 Optional hospitalisation insurance (subject to a monthly employee contribution)
🚆 Reimbursement of public transport
🌴 More days of annual leave than the Belgian requirements
The vacancy adds that the package includes "a lot more" beyond these items.
How Is the Salary Taxed?
The tax treatment depends on nationality. Belgian nationals are paid their salary gross and are expected to comply with their tax obligations by completing a tax return to the Belgian authorities. Non-Belgian nationals receive their salary net, minus the deduction of an equivalent level of Belgian tax retained at source. Further information on this is given to candidates during the recruitment process.
Working Pattern and Media Monitoring Rota
The role follows a Monday-to-Friday working pattern, based on 36.25 net hours per week. The successful candidate will participate in an agreed rota, which may include early starts from 08:00 to support Belgian media monitoring. Occasional flexibility may be required to support events or visits, with any changes to the normal working pattern agreed in advance with the line manager.
When Does the Job Start?
The advertised starting date is 5 January 2027, but it is indicative only. The final start date will be agreed between the successful candidate and the British Embassy.
Who Can Apply: Right to Live and Work in Belgium
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. It is the candidate's own responsibility to meet the legal requirements to live and work in the country.
Officers are also expected to hold a passport, as they may be asked to undertake business travel.
Employment Terms, Background Checks and Security Clearance
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 candidate will be subject to professional background checks and security clearance.
Interview Travel and Relocation Costs
The British Embassy will not be able to meet the travel costs incurred when travelling to the interview, nor the costs connected with relocation if a position is offered.
Diversity and Flexible Working
The British Government describes itself as an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. It values difference, promotes equality and challenges discrimination, and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds. It does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or any other category protected by law.
The FCDO promotes family-friendly flexible working opportunities where operational and security needs allow. It also operates an agile workforce, so you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, as reasonably required.
Application Deadline Rules to Know
⌛ The deadline for applications is 23:55 on 20 October 2026.
🕰️ The deadline is based on the time zone of the country where the vacancy has arisen, in this case Belgium.
📤 Only applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered, so allow enough time to complete and submit your full application.
Browse more roles in our jobs listings on Youth Works Hub.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the salary for the Communications and Political Officer role?
The monthly gross salary is €5,765.06 at Executive Officer (EO) level. The package also includes a 13th month, luncheon vouchers, a pension scheme, optional hospitalisation insurance, public transport reimbursement and more annual leave than the Belgian requirements.
Which languages are required?
You need English at minimum C2 level, plus either French or Dutch at minimum C2 level and the other national language at minimum C1 level, all according to the CEFR. Your language skills will be assessed if you are invited for an interview.
Can I apply if I do not have the right to work in Belgium?
No. Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Belgium and keep that right throughout the contract. Meeting these legal requirements is the candidate's own responsibility.
How long is the contract?
It is a full-time, fixed-term contract for an initial period of two years, with the possibility of renewal. The role is based on five working days and 36.25 net hours per week.
Who will I report to?
The role is line managed by the Head of Strategic Communications and supports the Head of Politics with political networking, reporting and analysis. It is one of two Communications and Political Officer positions in the Embassy.
Will I have to work early hours?
The role follows a Monday-to-Friday pattern, but you will join an agreed rota that may include early starts from 08:00 to support Belgian media monitoring. Occasional flexibility may also be needed for events or visits, agreed in advance with the line manager.
Is the salary paid gross or net?
Belgian nationals are paid gross and handle their own tax return with the Belgian authorities. Non-Belgian nationals are paid net, minus an equivalent level of Belgian tax retained at source.
Does the Embassy cover interview travel or relocation?
No. The British Embassy will not cover travel costs for attending the interview, nor relocation costs if a position is offered.
Do I need a degree?
A Bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as Communications, Journalism, Politics or International Relations is listed, but equivalent relevant professional experience is also accepted.
Deadline
⏳ 20 October 2026
Links
🔗 Apply online: https://fco.tal.net/vx/appcentre-ext/brand-2/spa-1/candidate/so/pm/4/pl/1/opp/27600-Communications-and-Political-Officer-BEL26-018893/en-GB
📚 CEFR common reference levels (global scale): https://www.coe.int/en/web/common-european-framework-reference-languages/table-1-cefr-3.3-common-reference-levels-global-scale
