Climate and Global Issues Policy Officer

Who are we?

The British Embassy in Berlin is part of a worldwide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. The Embassy is now looking for a Climate and Global Issues Policy Officer based in Berlin.

We aim to be a diverse and inclusive employer, welcoming 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

This role offers an opportunity to contribute directly to some of the most important global challenges facing the UK and Germany. You will support the British Embassy’s work on climate and wider global economic issues, helping deliver the UK Government’s Plan for Change and the Clean Energy Mission, including progress towards Clean Power 2030 and the transition to Net Zero by 2050.

Partnership with Germany, cemented through last year’s Kensington Treaty, sits at the heart of this work. You will help deepen this partnership by advancing joint climate action, including by working to embed climate action at the core of foreign policy. You will help to strengthen shared economic security and support opportunities that raise living standards and enhance national and international prosperity.

A key part of the role is coordinating cooperation between the UK and German governments and taking forward bilateral projects linked to the Treaty and to wider international priorities. You will monitor developments in Germany, represent UK policy in Berlin, and build a broad network across politics, business, academia and civil society. Working closely with colleagues in London, the Embassy, and the Department for Business and Trade, you will help ensure UK messages are aligned, evidence‑based and influential.

The role is varied, fast‑paced and outward‑facing. You will be supported to work flexibly, develop expertise, and play a meaningful role in shaping the UK–Germany relationship on climate, economic and global issues, all within an inclusive Embassy culture where diverse perspectives are valued. You will also be required to be agile and take on other tasks and roles as required, responding to the changing demands and pressures.

Roles and responsibilities

You will support the Germany Network on growth, energy and climate by engaging the German Government on:

• Climate diplomacy and international leadership – deliver the UK–Germany climate diplomacy dialogue, run joint initiatives and third country engagement ahead of UN climate summits, and promote cooperation on climate security and coordinated global action.
• Global issues coordination – improve coordination on shared economic concerns, deliver Kensington Treaty projects, and contribute to rapid, well joined up responses to potential crises.
• UK–EU climate cooperation – engage Germany on EU policy (e.g., emissions trading, the carbon border adjustment mechanism, future targets) and run policy exchanges that inform UK positions.
• Clean growth and investment – support priority economic objectives and targeted campaigns, including work on agricultural and SPS (sanitary and phytosanitary) policy.

To deliver these goals, you will:

• Support Whitehall colleagues by advising on German priorities and perspectives, including concise briefing for ministers and senior officials.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with German stakeholders (ministries, parliament, think tanks, business and civil society) to promote UK climate priorities and aligned messaging.
• Track and explain key German policy debates and trends; share timely, clear reporting with colleagues in Berlin and London.
• Monitor Germany’s work with regional partners and its influence in the EU and wider Europe on relevant issues.
• Plan and deliver ministerial and official visits (agendas, logistics, and coordination with communications colleagues).
• Design and run Embassy events that support policy aims and stakeholder engagement.
• Work with trade and investment colleagues and other teams to support the Network’s wider objectives.
• Contribute to corporate Embassy activity, including crisis work, and help foster an inclusive, respectful team culture.
• Stay flexible and adapt as team and Embassy priorities evolve.

Any other duties that may reasonably be required in support of the wider work of the Embassy, including crisis work.

Our Ideal Candidate shows

• Bachelor’s Degree in a relevant field, for instance, Public Policy, Public Administration, International Relations, Climate and Environment Science, etc.
• A minimum of 3+ years of professional experience working on climate, economic and/or energy policy or international relations.
• Proficiency in English and German (both written and spoken, at C1 level for CEFR framework*).
• Strong IT skills, especially standard MS Office applications (Word, Excel and Outlook) and an openness to using AI (Copilot).
• The ability to work independently but also with colleagues and contacts in the immediate and wider teams as appropriate.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Good understanding of German politics and policy relating to the role.
• Fundamental understanding of UK politics and policy relating to the role.

Nice to have

• Experience working in climate policy.
• Experience working for a government organisations (this includes diplomatic missions or UK/EU governments and/or with German federal government, international organizations or agencies).
• Experience organising events and senior visits.
• Strong understanding of energy policy, international trade, the economics of renewables or a field of study related to the role.
• Knowledge of the European Union and its institutions, and/or of the Bundestag or German Federal Government ministries (in particular, those relevant to this role).
• Experience of managing diverse and senior level relationships.
• Master’s Degree in a relevant field.

This is a part‑time (85% of full time), fixed‑term 2 year contract with the possibility of a permanent contract subject to performance and funding. Salary € 58,272 – rising to a maximum of approx. € 65,457 – gross per annum after a qualifying period in addition to performance related pay (salary is not negotiable). Candidate must have pre‑existing work authorisation in Germany in order to apply.

Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local German employment law.

Visa/work permit requirements

Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Germany 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.

Equal employment

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability or gender identity. We particularly encourage applications from candidates with protected characteristics. The Germany Network wants to maximise the potential of everyone who chooses to work for us, regardless of their background.

Learning & Development

The British Embassy has a strong ethos of Learning and Development, including our Learning and Development Week. In addition, there will be many opportunities to attend external seminars and events on relevant issues. This is in addition to the induction programme offered to all Embassy staff.

The Embassy offers learning and development opportunities throughout the year and invites you to join committee led forums where you may have an interest and can help shape the organisations objectives.

The successful applicant will be encouraged to be actively involved in the corporate life of the Embassy, contributing to the wider objectives of the British Government’s Germany network and supporting the Embassy’s positive working environment.