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.
Who are we?
The British Embassy in Berlin is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. The Embassy is now looking for a Financial Policy Officer, based in Berlin.
We aim to be a diverse and inclusive employer, welcoming to people of all backgrounds. The senior leadership is committed to ensuring that we are a supportive and fair place to work. The Germany Network values are kindness, inclusivity, honesty, professionalism and responsibility. These values guide how we work on a daily basis, and all staff must adhere to them.
Main purpose of job:
The Embassy is responsible for managing the UK’s relationship with Germany. It remains one of the UK’s most important strategic relationships internationally in terms of trade, foreign policy, science and innovation and much more. The Germany network includes c.250 staff across three locations (Berlin, Dusseldorf and Munich), representing a number of different Whitehall departments.
As a Network we put our values – kindness, inclusivity, honesty, professionalism and responsibility – at the heart of all we do. We are inclusive and value diversity and the contributions of all staff. We welcome applications from everyone irrespective of gender and ethnic group but, as women and members of ethnic minority groups are currently underrepresented at this level at post, we would particularly encourage applications from members of these groups.
This demanding position offers the right candidate the opportunity to join the Embassy at an exciting time for the UK/Germany relationship following the signing of the Kensington Treaty, which is intensifying our collaboration across economic issues. This role is central to our Embassy’s key objective of delivering economic growth for the UK through our bilateral relationship. The jobholder will have a particular focus on identifying and delivering growth opportunities linked to investment in the UK by German financial institutions.
As Financial Policy Officer, the jobholder will contribute to the Embassy’s analysis and understanding of one of the UK’s most important economic partners. They will undertake reporting and analysis on Germany’s financial sector based on an understanding of the broader political context. They will be required to build and maintain a network of contacts within the German financial sector, attend relevant events and provide reports and analysis to colleagues in Berlin and London. The jobholder will need to be proactive in identifying relevant developments of interest to colleagues in London and the wider Embassy team, in addition to responding to varying requests. They will be responsible for the implementation of initiatives in their area of work, particularly ones relating to the UK-Germany Bilateral Kensington Treaty. They will also design new initiatives to advance our UK interests in Germany. They will also be required to take on other tasks and roles as required.
Key areas of direct focus will include financial markets and regulation, public investment, Fintech, sustainable finance, digital finance, illicit finance. The jobholder may also provide analysis where necessary on subjects connected to financial services. Responsibilities will include collaborating with colleagues across the Embassy (including the Department for Business and Trade to support in delivering commercial objectives in the financial sector) working on areas related to economic policy to help develop a comprehensive understanding of Germany’s financial policy priorities at a domestic, European and global level.
The jobholder will be required to travel across Germany and, on occasion, internationally (including to the UK).
Roles and responsibilities:
- Monitor key developments in German financial policy, especially where these potentially affect UK interests. Work with colleagues to develop a comprehensive understanding of Germany’s financial policy priorities;
- Provide secretariat function for the Germany Network Growth Board, which oversees delivery of the Growth Mission in the Germany Network;
- Pursue opportunities with German financial sector firms looking to invest in the UK, working in close collaboration with UK partners including the Office for Investment and representative organisations of the UK financial sector.
- Respond to specific requests on developments in the German financial services sector to strengthen UK policy-making by providing evidence from the German experience;
- Maintain a network of contacts in ministries, parliament, think tanks, industry and academia in Berlin and across Germany. Support high level visits to Germany by UK ministers and senior officials by drawing on this network and producing economic briefings on Germany;
- Maintain relationships with stakeholders in London, in particular HM Treasury, the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and industry groups in the UK and Germany, the financial regulators; and with colleagues across the wider Embassy teams;
- Contribute to achieving the wider objectives of the British Government’s Germany network, including by fostering an inclusive and positive working environment.
Our Ideal Candidate shows:
- Proficiency in English and German (both written and spoken, at C2 level for CEFR framework*);
- University degree in relevant field (economics, political economy, finance etc)
- 2+ years professional experience working in financial sector, economics or public policy;
- Excellent interpersonal and networking skills;
- Ability to work under pressure and juggle multiple priorities effectively;
- Strong analytical and research skills and able to tailor communication style for different audiences;
- Ability to work well on own initiative;
- Good IT skills, especially Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Outlook.
Nice to have:
- Strong project management experience;
- Previous experience in an international environment.
For further details on this vacancy and information on how to apply, please follow the link.