Wallonia-Brussels is recruiting in London!

VACANCY LONDON OFFICE

Junior Communication Officer / Culture and Education Counsellor / Administrative and Financial Assistant

Are you passionate about international relations? Are you interested in strengthening relations between Belgium and the UK? Have you always wanted to work in an international environment in central London? Are you bursting with creative ideas? Do you enjoy working in an enthusiastic and supportive team?

If you’ve answered yes to these questions, you might be the perfect fit for one of the three positions : Junior Communication Officer, Culture and Education Counsellor and Administrative and Financial Assistant at the General Representation of Wallonia-Brussels in UK.

The General Representation of Wallonia-Brussels in UK is the new diplomatic mission in London representing the Government of the Wallonia region and the Government of the Wallonia-Brussels federation under the umbrella of the Embassy of Belgium. This mission fosters cultural, educational, and economic connections between the UK and the French speaking part of Belgium. We are committed to promoting and celebrating the vibrant culture, language, and achievements of Wallonia and Brussels in the UK.

The General Representation of Wallonia-Brussels in UK acts as an international policy instrument for Wallonia and the Wallonia-Brussels Federation through a network of 15 General Representations with diplomatic status across Europe, America, Africa and Asia.

The General Representation of Wallonia-Brussels in London is currently seeking highly motivated and dynamic candidates to join our team for three exciting positions:

Position 1: Culture and Education Counsellor:

• Do you have a background in culture and education policy?
• As a Culture and Education Advisor, you contribute to the development and promotion of Wallonia-Brussels’ cultural and educational initiatives.
• Supporting the Scientific and Academic Counsellor, you promote and facilitate collaborations in Higher Education, Research and Innovation.
• In collaboration with WBI’s Culture department and its 5 sectorial agencies, you initiate and organise promotional and networking events for Belgian and British operators.
• You advice the General Representative in your sectors.
• Minimum degree: master’s degree, preferably in international relation, humanities or related fields.
• Relevant experience in the field is a plus.

Position 2: Junior Communication Officer:

• Are you passionate about communication and looking to kickstart your career in the field?
• Digital communication, Social Networks and classical media have no secret for you?
• Photo and video production holds no secrets for you?
• As a Junior Communication Officer, you assist in crafting our message and promoting our mission in the UK.
• You organise and animate the public section of the General Representation.
• You promote the activities of the General Representative and the staff.
• Required Skill Sets:
  • Minimum degree: Graduated with a minimum of a 2.1 honours bachelor's degree, preferably in communication or related academic fields
  • Minimum 1-year of experience in marketing with personal hands-on experience managing multi-element marketing campaigns. 
  • Proven self-starter and able to work independently, and as part of a close nit team.
  • Proficient in social media management and Microsoft Office. 
  • Ability to learn and comprehend new specialist industries such as life sciences. 
  • Strong planning and organisational skills.
  • Excellent presentation skills to senior external stakeholders. 
  • Strong written and reading skills (GCSE English minimum B+) 
  • A French language would be highly desirable but not mandatory.
  • Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multicultural environment. 
     

Position 3: Administrative and Financial Assistant:

• Are you organized and detail-oriented?
• The Administrative and Financial Assistant plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth operation of our office.
• Working with Wallonia-Brussels International’s finance department, you are responsible for accounting and financial management in accordance with Belgian administrative rules.
• You will assit the General Representative in his day-to-day tasks.
• Minimum degree: bachelor's degree, preferably in management and accounting or related fields.
• Proficiency in financial and administrative tasks is required.

Requirements for all positions:

• A commitment to promoting Wallonia-Brussels’ interests in the UK.
• Have a valid UK work permit.
• Excellent command of English and a professional fluency in French strongly desired.
• Strong networking abilities, and capable of quickly developing and maintaining relations with a wide network of contacts and stakeholders.
• Ability to be proactive, organised and work with deadlines, prioritise and multi-task.
• A self-starter, able to work independently and with minimum supervision while operating as part of a wider team with shared goals and wide-ranging objectives.
• Strong planning and organisational skills.
• Outstanding research, writing and communication skills.
• Proficient computer skills such as Microsoft applications.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to work in a multicultural environment.

The Wallonia-Brussels General Representation is an equal opportunity employer. We welcome candidates from diverse backgrounds to apply. Join us in strengthening the Wallonia-Brussels presence in London and contributing to our cultural, educational, and administrative initiatives. We look forward to reviewing your application! For more information about the positions and the application process, please visit our website at www.wallonia-brussels.co.uk.

What’s on offer

• A unique opportunity in a dynamic team with a focus on international relation development.
• A pleasant working environment located in the Embassy of Belgium in London (before the opening of the General Representation)
• A fixed-term contract for an initial period of 1 year.
• A competitive annual salary.
• Work week: 37.5 (full time).
• 28 days annual leave (+ Bank Holidays).
• Starting Date: 1 January 2024.

If you have inquiries, feel free to contact Ms Simona Palma, Counsellor at the General Representation [s.palma[at]awex-wallonia.com]

How to apply

If you are enthusiastic, driven, and want to be part of our team, we encourage you to apply for one of these positions. To apply, please send your resume with a cover letter outlining your qualifications and why you are interested in the specific position to Mr Motonobu Kasajima, General Representative at the General Representation of Wallonia-Brussels [m.kasajima[at]delwalbru.be] by December 15^th 2023.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for an interview.

Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.