Temporary A2(L), Trade Adviser, Strategic Trade Team

Temporary A2(L), Trade Adviser, Strategic Trade Team
The purpose of the British Embassy (BE) in Tokyo is to promote the British Government’s
prosperity, security and consular interests in Japan.
The jobholder will work in our busy and successful UK Trade & Investment Team, specifically
within the Strategic Trade Team, assisting British companies to find opportunities to sell into the
Japanese market.
Main Duties
The main duties of this role are to:
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Understand the Strategic Trade team objectives with specific focus on global sporting
events, including the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games 2020
Assist the Senior Trade Advisor in charge of global sporting events by conducting market
research, providing services and information for UK companies, as well as organising
events, missions and trade fairs
Build a pipeline of clients with the potential to export to Japan, through research,
networking and events
Contribute to preparing and presenting export or partnership opportunities;
Conduct market research (internet-based, telephone and in person) on the regulatory,
policy and business environment in Japan to UK clients
Devise and execute promotional events to raise awareness among UK companies of the
business opportunities in Japan
Identify and introduce ways of promoting business through Export to Japan and UKTI
online portal
Take lead on Wider Market Activities by liaising with the event manager and relevant
internal colleagues
Work throughout in close collaboration with colleagues across the Embassy
Support Senior Trade Advisor to manage Strategic Trade Team budget
The position is for 6 months to cover a maternity leave staff absence within the team though
it is possible this might be extended for another month or two.
Requirements
The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate the following key skills or experience:
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The successful candidate will require Japanese of native or JLPT level 1 (or equivalent)
with at least 3 years experience of working in a Japanese speaking environment.
English ability of IELTS band 7 or TOEIC 875 points or above or equivalent is also
required
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Strong IT skills, particularly Microsoft Office in English and Japanese
Proven success in managing budgets and monitoring expenditure
Strong organisational skills, ability to prioritise and to work with limited supervision
Good customer service focus and the ability to deliver high-quality, accurate work
Flexibility and the ability to work as part of a team
The following experience or skills are desirable, but not essential:
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Experience or knowledge of the global sports sector
Experience working in an English speaking environment more than one year
Experience in government trade promotion-type of activities
Familiarity with the UK
Specific sector experience would be helpful but is not a pre-requisite
Oral communication with British companies is expected. This may necessitate occasional calls in
the evening, which could be delivered flexibly through Skype or other mobile work or home
infrastructure.
Competences
The successful candidate(s) must also be able to demonstrate that they meet the following at
interview:
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Collaborating & Partnering: Proactively contribute to the work of the whole team. Be
open to taking on different roles. Try to see issues from others’ perspectives and check
understanding.
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Changing & Improving: Co-operate with and be open to the possibilities of change and
consider ways to implement and adapt to change in own work role. Learn new
procedures, seek to exploit new technologies and help colleagues to do the same.
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Managing a Quality Service: Communicate in a way that meets the customer’s
requirements and gives a favourable impression of your team. Actively seek
information from customers to understand their needs and expectations. Take
ownership of issues, focus on providing the right solution and keep customers up to
date with progress.
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Delivering Value for Money: Keep track of spend and make sure work is approved and
signed off as necessary. Maintain recognised financial procedures and practices.
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Seeing the big picture: Understand what is required of them in their role and how this
contributes to team and Departmental priorities. Gather information from a range of
relevant sources inside and outside your team to inform own work. Consider how their
own job links with and impacts on colleagues and others in partner organisations.
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Delivering at pace: Work in an organised manner using own knowledge and expertise
to deliver on time and to standard. Take responsibility for the quality of own work
and keep manager informed of how the work is progressing.
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 6-month contract until the end of August 2015
 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 pro rata in
June and at the end of contract. (Note: subject to tax status, this amount may be
reduced.)
 Commuting allowance of up to JPY35,000 per month (paid on an actual cost basis)
 24 days paid annual leave (pro rata)
 Health Insurance and Employee pension (kenko hoken/kosei nenkin)
 Employment Insurance (Koyou hoken)
 Excellent training and development opportunities
 Work-related travel in Japan/the region is a possibility
 Interviews are likely to be held on 23/24 February. You may be asked to take a
language test as part of the interview
 Target start date: March 2015 or as soon as possible thereafter
To Apply
Please email your updated CV together with the completed application form, which can be
downloaded from our website https://www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-
embassy-tokyo/about/recruitment, by close on 12th February to [email protected].
Please send your attachments using either of the following formats .doc, .docx, pdf.
No accommodation or relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position. The
applicant must have or be able to obtain 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.