The Tariffs, Imports, Professions and Strategy team leads on several high-profile policy areas, including determining the tariffs the UK should apply to non-preferential trade, establishing the UK as a fully independent member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), and wider goods trade policies including tariff suspensions, import controls and export restrictions. The team is therefore vital in supporting the UK’s independent trade policy, and the UK’s international reputation and position in institutions on the world stage.
This is a stretching role working on high-profile and technical trade policy issues. Individuals will need to work collaboratively across Government and DBT; effectively building networks and relations alongside policy and trade expertise on tariffs.
The exact portfolio of the role will be determined with Government priorities in mind, but could include:
* Applied Most Favoured Nation (MFN) tariff policy –Shaping and protecting the UK’s tariff policy which is an integral part of the UK economic growth.
* Tariff Suspensions – Helping UK and Crown Dependency (Guernsey, the Isle of Man and Jersey) businesses remain competitive in the global marketplace, including by running an annual application window inviting stakeholders to apply to temporarily suspend import duties on certain goods, normally those used in domestic production.
* WTO – Helping to establish the UK as a fully independent member of the WTO and developing approaches to help deliver the UK’s agenda in the WTO, including aspects of plurilateral tariff policy such as trade in environmental goods. Leading on engagement at the WTO to pursue and resolve trade barriers impacting UK businesses.
* Additional duties – Contributing to sanctions policy to assess and shape tariff-based measures to ensure the UK’s security interests are upheld.
This role requires a team player who can effectively support the delivery of a programme of work with multiple work strands, continually building capability and understanding of tariff policy.
The responsibilities of the role may include:
* Engaging internationally and with domestic stakeholders to gather evidence and delivering DBT positions and policy with confidence.
* Working collaboratively across Government and building networks to understand and craft well-evidenced policy positions to support wider HMG priorities.
* Drafting submissions and advice for senior officials and Ministers.