World news story

Temporary job vacancy for an EU/Economic officer in Rome

The British Embassy in Rome is recruiting an Economic Officer working in the EU Economic team on a temporary contract ending on 31 March 2015.

From:
British Embassy Rome
Published
18 November 2013
This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government
Job opportunity

The position is graded at B3(L). The successful candidate should be able to start in early December 2013.

Overview of the position

The position offers the opportunity to work in one of the UK’s key European Embassies. Italy is one of the UK’s main economic partners in Europe and the Embassy supports this relationship by providing high quality advice on economic developments in Italy, and by contributing to the economic debate in Italy both directly and through organising meetings between influencers and policy makers. The post holder will contribute to this work, in particular by providing expert economic advice, be responsible for representing the UK’s position and delivering reporting on a range of economic issues which are fundamental for the UK’s national interest and for its role in Europe and globally. Italy’s forthcoming EU Presidency in the second half of 2014 will make the job an even more demanding, but rewarding, role with the advice that London stakeholders will be expecting.

Duties and responsibilities:

  • under the overall direction of the Head of the EU/Economic team: monitor, analyse and report on economic developments in Italy

  • respond to specific requests for relevant information from the UK and Italy

  • explain British economic policies to Italian government officials

  • contribute to enhancing the Embassy’s outreach and public diplomacy profile on these issues, particularly with think tanks, political foundations and NGOs

  • organise ministerial and senior official visits.

Key skills

The ideal candidate will have:

  • excellent communication skills, especially written English to be able to produce rapid, succinct and insightful reports and analysis of the positions of key Italian players. The most important issues will be around the growth agenda in the EU and Italy (including, but not limited to competitiveness, structural reform, taxation/spending and trade policies);

  • strong networking and relationship management skills. The successful candidate will need to develop and extend existing contacts, and maintain a wide network in Rome. He/she will need to build relationships across a range of London stakeholders: our Prime Minister’s Office; HM Treasury; Business Ministry; the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and the Bank of England. He/she will also need to work closely with colleagues in the Italy network, especially the EU and Economic Team in Rome and the Trade and Investment Team in Milan;

  • flexible approach, strong initiative and adaptability to changing UK priorities. This will require juggling short-term priorities while making progress on longer term goals;

  • experience of programme and project management and event delivery would be an asset;

  • a graduate-level qualification in economics or a related discipline would be desirable. Alternatively candidates should be able to demonstrate a detailed understanding of current economic trends and issues;

  • ability to demonstrate a track-record of successful delivery in their previous employment.

Terms and conditions:

  • the position is at grade B3(L) which is the sixth grade on a nine grade scale of grades for locally engaged staff in Italy;

  • the contract is temporary until 31 March 2015 and is linked to the return to the job of the current incumbent;

  • the monthly gross starting salary is €2,325.95 with second salary payments in December and June, giving 14 salary payments per year including €10.33 EDR is paid 13 times per year;

  • working hours are 35 per week, Monday to Friday 09:00 — 17:00 (with one hour lunch break). Some degree of flexibility is expected;

  • the job is based in Rome, with occasional travel to Milan and UK;

  • confirmation of appointment is subject to security clearance and the satisfactory completion of a three-month probation period;

  • income tax arrangements will depend on nationality, income tax (IRPEF) at rates set by the Italian government is withheld from gross salary;

  • the successful candidate will be enrolled in the Italian State Social Security scheme (INPS);

  • Terminal Gratuity Payments (TFR) are made in line with the relevant Italian legislation;

  • staff recruited locally by the British Embassy Rome are subject to terms and conditions of service according to local Italian employment law.

Applications:

  • applications must include a letter, in English and Italian, explaining the interest in the job and the qualities the candidate will bring, as well as an up-to-date CV;

  • applications should be sent by email to the following address ItalvJobAds@fco.gov.uk. Please note that it is essential to quote “B3L EU/Econ Officer” and your surname in the subject line;

  • the closing date for applications is 25 November. Applications received beyond this date will not be considered. Please note that only applicants selected for interview will be contacted;

  • interviews will be held in Rome during week commencing 2 December;

  • candidates will be asked to take a written test as part of the interview and there will be a short presentation on a topic which will be given to candidates prior to the interview.

The FCO and its Embassies overseas is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified people regardless of gender, marital status, race, disability, age or sexual orientation.

Follow @UKinitaly on twitter

Published 18 November 2013