Migration and Asylum Attaché (UK Mission to the EU)

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: Political

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)

Do you thrive in fast‑moving policy environments, enjoy building partnerships, and want to contribute to shaping the UK’s engagement with the EU on high‑profile migration issues? Would you consider a role where your analytical, diplomatic, and communication skills help influence developments on migration and asylum?

We are now recruiting for a Migration and Asylum Attaché at the UK Mission to the European Union (UKMis Brussels).

Who are we?

The UK Mission to the European Union (UKMis Brussels) represents the UK’s strategic, political, and economic interests within the EU’s institutions. It brings together experts from across over twenty UK Government departments, working at the heart of EU‑UK cooperation on key policy issues.

Within UKMis, the Migration Team leads the UK’s engagement with the EU and EU Member States on priority areas such as illegal migration, asylum, borders, and visas.

As a Migration and Asylum Attaché, you will join a high‑performing, collaborative, and supportive team, working closely with colleagues in London, across Whitehall, and with international partners.

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 role plays a critical part in supporting the UK’s strategic migration objectives. As a Migration and Asylum Attaché you will track and analyse EU‑level policy developments, provide high‑quality briefing and advice, and build strong networks across EU institutions, Member States, and UK departments. The role is fast‑paced, high‑profile, and offers significant exposure to senior UK Government officials.

What You’ll Do:

• Monitor and analyse EU migration and asylum policy, providing timely insights, reporting, and recommendations;
• Produce high‑quality written briefing and advice for senior stakeholders in Brussels and London;
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal colleagues, EU institutions, Member State representatives, and other key partners;
• Lead on migration and asylum objectives, spotting opportunities for cooperation and influencing;
• Support and coordinate Ministerial and senior official visits, including briefing materials and strategic advice;
• Lead on public diplomacy initiatives and projects relevant to migration and asylum;
• Respond flexibly to day‑to‑day developments and shifting priorities in this high‑profile policy space;
• Participate in wider Mission’s initiatives as required, including engaging in a corporate role.

What You’ll Love About This Role:

• Work at the heart of EU–UK cooperation on one of the most politically important and fast‑moving policy areas;
• Gain exposure to senior UK Government officials, both in Brussels and London;
• Join a supportive, collaborative team in a vibrant, international environment;
• Excellent opportunities for professional development and skills growth, including policy, diplomacy, communication, and EU engagement;
• Role variety - no two days are the same, and your work will directly inform UK priorities at EU level.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

Our Ideal Candidate shows:

• Full professional proficiency in English (written and spoken, minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework*);
• Strong professional experience working on policy issues, ideally on UK and/or EU policies;
• Previous experience and ability of drafting and reporting;
• A self-starter, demonstrating a flexible, pro-active attitude;
• A strong team player with good people skills; strong ability to network and interact;
• Ability to prioritise, effectively manage and execute multiple and competing tasks within the agreed deadlines;
• Strong written and oral communication;
• Full proficiency in MS Office applications.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

Nice to have:

• Experience of working on EU migration and asylum policy;
• Previous experience of working with UK Government departments;
• Experience of working with think tanks and/or non-government organisations;
• Full professional proficiency in French (written and spoken, minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework*).

Required behaviours

Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Seeing the Big Picture, Working Together.

Application deadline: 1 February 2026
Grade: Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Type of Position: Part-Time, Temporary
Working hours per week: 29
Region: Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia
Type of Post: British Embassy
Number of vacancies: 1
Salary Currency: EUR
Salary: 5673.17€
Type of Salary: monthly
Start Date: 6 April 2026

Other benefits and conditions of employment

This is a part time temporary contract for 5 working days (29 hours net) per week. This position will be filled on a replacement contract to cover a Maternity Leave. It is anticipated that the staff member will return in March 2027. This is only a guide and any possible earlier return or extension to this date would be discussed with the successful candidate.

The monthly gross salary for this position is €5673.17, HEO level. 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.

Please note that Belgian nationals will be paid their salary gross and are expected to comply with their tax obligations through completion of a tax return to the Belgian authorities. Non-Belgian nationals will receive their salary net, minus the deduction of an equivalent level of Belgian tax retained at source. Further information on this will be given to candidates during the recruitment process.

The starting date will be agreed between the parties.

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.

Passport: officers are expected to be in possession of a passport due to the possibility that they may be asked to undertake business travel.

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.

Application instructions

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