A2(L) Deputy Economic Policy Officer The purpose of the British Embassy in Tokyo is to promote the British Government’s prosperity, security and consular interests in Japan. The British Embassy Tokyo is seeking to recruit a Deputy Economic Policy Officer to work in our busy and dynamic Economic & Trade Policy team. The team provides strategic and economic advice to the UK government on developments and positions adopted by Japan. The team works daily with a wide range of stakeholders from UK and Japanese government departments and other organisations. It also aids in promoting close bilateral commercial relationships between the two countries. Main Duties  Conduct research and report on critical aspects of socio-economic issues and agricultural policy which are of interest to the UK, notably: labour market reform, demographics, gender, welfare reform, animal health regulations, UK food and drinks exports and resumption of beef exports in particular. Develop reports/reference information on policy-related issues and key socioeconomic indicators and trends, working closely with other embassy colleagues (notably UK Trade and Investment - UKTI).  Develop and maintain relationships with Japanese and UK government departments and other stakeholders, to assist lobbying, information gathering and requests for bilateral cooperation.  Help plan and design programmes for ministers and senior government officials with the Embassy Visits Officer. Provide support to intergovernmental processes. Provide Japanese language and administrative support for the Economic & Trade Policy Team. Requirements The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate the following key skills or experience:      Fluent written and spoken English (IELTS band 8.5 or TOEIC 850 points or above or equivalent) Fluent written and spoken Japanese (JLPT level 1 or equivalent) Experience working in an English speaking environment Proven experience of using MS Office applications, including spreadsheets and charts An active interest in government policy issues, ideally in the economic/social policy sphere The following experience or skills are desirable, but not essential:  Experience working in a Japanese speaking environment  A working understanding of macroeconomics and/ or trade policy  Project management experience  A relevant degree  Experience in research and analysis The successful candidate will be prepared to use their initiative and take personal responsibility for their work, be flexible and creative when adapting to various roles as circumstances change. They must be a team player, engaging in all aspects of the team’s work, building links with other teams and contributing to the wider embassy’s working environment. Motivation and commitment to learn new areas will be crucial. They should also be confident in building relationships with key contacts in the Japanese and UK governments. The candidate will be expected to meet the following competences, which will be tested at interview:  Collaborating & Partnering: Working collaboratively, sharing information and building supportive, responsive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders. Seeking help when needed in order to complete own work effectively. Be open to taking on different roles;  Delivering at Pace: Focusing on delivering timely performance and taking responsibility and accountability for quality outcomes. Working to agreed goals and activities in a responsive and constructive way;  Making Effective Decisions: Using sound judgement, evidence and knowledge to provide accurate, expert and professional advice. Undertaking appropriate analysis to support decisions or recommendations. Thinking through the implications of decisions before confirming how to approach a problem/issue and speaking up to clarify decisions and query these constructively;  Leading and Communicating: Communicating with clarity, conviction and enthusiasm- both orally and in writing; being credible in dealing directly and independently with contacts. Putting forward your own views in a clear and constructive manner, choosing an appropriate communication method. Acting in a fair and respectful way in dealing with others;  Seeing the bigger picture: Gathering information from a range of relevant sources. Understanding how their role contributes to wider priorities and how it impacts on colleagues and others in partner organisations.  Engaging Internationally: Taking ownership of issues for which responsible for and having a working knowledge of country context and local sensitivities. Listening to other views and expressing your own clearly and constructively. Our Values As part of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), the Embassy aims for excellence by:    Taking responsibility Encouraging innovation Working together Our values support a vibrant culture where all staff takes on stretching responsibilities, where ideas thrive and the status quo can be fearlessly challenged. We work together effectively with all our partners to make a greater difference for the UK Benefit package includes:            The job is being offered on a 1-year contract, subject to annual review Working hours: Monday to Friday, generally 0900-1730 with flexible working opportunities and occasional out of hours working required. Salary of JPY 323,000 per month, with 1 month bonus equivalents payable in June and December. (Note: subject to tax status, this amount may be reduced.) Commuting allowance of up to JPY 35,000 per month (paid on an actual cost basis) 24 days paid annual leave (pro rata) Health and Employment Insurance (kenko hoken/koyou hoken) Employee pension (kosei nenkin) Excellent training and development opportunities Work-related travel in the region/ the UK is a possibility. Interviews are expected to be held in mid-January. You may be asked to take a language test as part of the interview Start date: Late January or February 2015 To Apply Please email your updated CV together with the completed application form, which can be downloaded from our website http://www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-embassytokyo/about/recruitment, by 5 January 2015 to [email protected]. Please clearly mark the position title and your name in the subject title of your email. Please send your attachments using the following formats only .doc, .docx, pdf. No accommodation or relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position. The applicant must have work authorisation for Japan however if a foreign national, the British Embassy/Consulate General will support a visa application if required. Please note that incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The British Embassy/Consulate General is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference. Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy/Consulate General in Tokyo are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law.