This is an exciting time to join the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and contribute to the Government's mission to kickstart economic growth. We support businesses to invest, grow and export, creating jobs and opportunities across the United Kingdom.
The International Strategy and Trade Relations (ISTR) directorate is a centre of country, regional and trade policy expertise in DBT. Our mission is to work across the whole department to improve the market access enjoyed by UK businesses, champion open and fair global trading, grow exports, boost investment and advance the UK’s wider trade policy objectives. We do this through our bilateral relationships with partner countries and extensive network of concluded Free Trade Agreements, as well as engagement in multilateral fora.
This vacancy is a key role within DBT, leading the UK's trade policy relationship with Japan - a strategically important market. We are looking for a talented individual who can drive forward our work with Japan and align activity with strategic objectives.
DBT Japan Strategy: play a leadership role for the department in developing and articulating the objectives across the range of departmental interests, ensuring alignment with Government priorities, and designing clear strategies to achieve them. Responding to geopolitical and economic shifts, as well as prioritisation considerations. Lead on the implementation and management of the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), including planning and delivery of committees, and improving utilisation. Manage a significant programme of activities and events, requiring excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
Trade Policy Development and Delivery: develop an in-depth understanding of the trade policy issues for the market and advance bespoke trade policy for use in committees, Ministerial dialogues, and for multilateral engagement - translating vision into reality. Provide updates on trade policy in the region, including advice on what this means for the UK's future trading relationship with Japan. Advise and update Ministers on policy objectives, and work closely with senior officials to drive and monitor delivery.
Market Access Barriers and Market Shaping: delivery of strategies to identify and address market access barriers, including by developing expertise on the issues, working with analysts to prioritise and quantify barriers. Investigate opportunities to shape regulatory reform in Japan in key and emerging sectors, in support of UK businesses.
External and Whitehall Engagement: cultivate a strong network of relevant contacts in London embassies, the Government of Japan, and amongst relevant UK business and trade associations. Build close relationships with the overseas network, ministerial offices and with colleagues working in other departments to ensure the UK approach is aligned with wider Government objectives, as well as to harness skills and expertise from across Whitehall.
Leadership and Line Management: play an important leadership role across the Indo-Pacific team, including through active corporate contributions to support the teams growth and betterment. The role will include direct line management responsibilities, and the opportunity to task manage across the wider team. Demonstrate resilience and flexibility, revising remits and objectives when necessary, and being comfortable with uncertainty.
Occasional international travel is likely and some early starts are a necessity given the time difference with Japan. If based in another DBT location, travel to London will occasionally be required for meetings.
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