Main purpose of job:
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) embraces and values diversity in all forms. We welcome and pride ourselves on the positive impact diversity has on the work we do, and we promote equality of opportunity throughout the organisation. DBT China would value applications from people from the widest possible diversity of background, culture, experience and gender.
This is an exciting time to join the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) as Senior Trade and Investment Officer Department for Business and Trade (Education and Skills) for DBT China and Hong Kong. Our aim is to promote UK trade and investment across the world which is vital for the prosperity of the UK. DBT brings together policy, promotion and financial expertise to break down barriers to trade and investment in markets across the world to help businesses succeed. This is a great opportunity to be part of an international team that contributes to the success of the UK’s trade goals.
DBT operates in 108 countries. Establishing new relationships around the globe, DBT promotes UK trade to ensure the UK takes advantage of the huge opportunities open to us, securing and improving economic well-being, stability, and helping to create tens of thousands of jobs. DBT has one of the largest representations of the 18 government departments working in China, which are coordinated and led by His Majesty’s Ambassador who is responsible for the UK’s relationship with China.
His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) is responsible for Trade and Investment work in China, one of nine global regions. With c.180 staff across six posts – Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing and Wuhan – DBT, as part of the UK government network in China offers a fast-paced place to work at the heart of UK-China Government relations.
Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve:
1. Market Access work (30%)
- To support the Market Access lead of Education and Skills team on coordination and implementation of major Market Access projects of Education and Skills. This includes liaising with Trade Policy Unit (TPU) on the progression of all the projects, manage logistics like making procurement order, project implementation, budget control, liaising with implementers, etc.
2. Trade and Investment in Education (30%) and Skills (30%)
- To lead and support sector marketing activities in education and skills (e.g. supplier mapping and delegation recruiting, speaker coordination, programme design, etc.) in the region where the job holder will be based in
- To lead on market analysis and data work to help sector leads to make better informed business plans and better prepare client briefings, e.g. datahub recording, pipeline analysis, new supplier identification, market report analysis, etc. in education and skills.
- To engage business partners to do business development work and build/maintain relationships. For education, the strong focus includes All Round Education, Education Technology, Higher Education, and English Language Training, and for Skills the prioritised sectors including healthcare, advanced manufacturing, digital technology, financial services and agriculture.
- To lead on following up business leads and new clients referred by Enhanced International Support Service – International Markets Team where needed.
- To centrally coordinate the cooperation with Marcomms team for media coverage on both UK and China facing activities.
- To coordinate the Senior Leadership Team, high-level visits that fall into the region where the job holder is based.
4. Corporate Contribution (10%)
- Provide support where necessary in delivery of the wider objectives of the Corporate Operations and DBT China team, including on cross-cutting issues.
- Promote and contribute to the China Country Business Plan and network values, actively and constructively participating in Post activities.
- Excellent/highly proficient in English and Mandarin
- Broad understanding of education and skills industry.
- Excellent communication and relationship building skills.
- An adaptable self-starter with enthusiasm and energy able to work alone as well as in a team.
- Well-organised, multitasking, motivated and diligent.
- Good IT skills, including Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook and database management.
- Track records and network for developing and landing business success in education and skills industry.
- Strong market research and data analysing skills.
- Experience of working with Chinese government, government agencies, companies, industry associations in education and skills industry.
Benefits:
We offer a competitive package which includes –
- A gross salary of CNY 19,955 for Chinese Nationals and an abated salary of CNY 23,633 for British Nationals and spouses/partners of diplomats who are ‘W’ (diplomatic) visa holders and meet passport criteria;
- Commercial insurance package including accidental, life, medical and business travel insurance
- 22 days annual leave entitlement in pro-rata which increases by 0.5 per full calendar year worked up to maximum of 25 days. We offer different types of compulsory leave in accordance to Chinese law, e.g. Maternity Leave, Paternity Leave, Marriage Leave, Parental leave, etc.
- In addition to the above compulsory leave, we also offer other types of leaves with pay e.g. Study Leave, Volunteering Leave to support staff who undertakes volunteering activities, Special Paid Leave to deal with emergencies involving a close family member, and more.
- Employee Assistance Programme which is a confidential service providing help, support and information to staff to resolve and manage situations causing concern whether at work or personal nature is available to staff 24/7;
- There is also plenty of opportunity to develop on and off the job, and establish expertise and build capability. We are strongly supportive of the job holder continuing to develop their professional skills. The Mission encourages a blended learning culture based on the 70/20/10 model which includes e-learning, mentoring, coaching, other development activities and role-specific required trainings. This offer also includes supporting staff members to take part in a 5 days of learning activities each year.
Learning and Development Opportunities:
No matter what stage of your career you’re at, you’ll have a positive impact and play a key role. We strongly believe in investing in our people – from day one, you’ll be assigned a dedicated buddy, have guidance from your line manager and support within the wider organisation. You’ll have the opportunity to develop on and off the job, and to establish expertise and build capability. We are strongly supportive of the job holder continuing to develop themselves.
In addition, opportunities and activities include:
- Attending external events and conferences hosted by academic institutions, business chambers, etc.
- Learning and Development programmes, which have recently included leadership, line management, interpretation, presentation skills, effective remote working and trade policy.
- Opportunities for job shadowing across the network.
- An individual bid fund providing funding to support more tailored learning and development needs.
Working Patterns:
35 hours of work per week from Monday to Friday, 08:00-17:00. There will be occasions that require you work outside normal hours.
Other Information:
Employment offers are subject to successful clearance of pre-employment and security checks. Staff who are locally recruited by the British Embassy/Consulate General are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Chinese employment law.
No accommodation or relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position. All candidates must be legally able to work and reside in the country of the vacancy with the correct visa/work permit status or demonstrate eligibility to obtain the relevant permit. Any costs related to obtaining or renewing permits and visas are the responsibility of the successful applicant.
Please note that your application must be submitted before 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline.”
Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen.
We advise you to allow enough time to complete and submit your full application since only applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered. Applicants called for an interview will be assessed on the core behaviours listed above.
All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the online application form completely including the employment and educational details, experience, professional skills and behaviour-based questions. We will be thoroughly reviewing the applications and incomplete form in any respect may not be considered while shortlisting for the next stage.
Only shortlisted candidates for interview will be contacted. Interviewees will be assessed on the core behaviours/qualifications listed above. Unsuccessful candidates will be notified via the system in due time. Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of 6 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.
For inclusivity and diversity, please remove the following personal information when uploading your CV: name, address, email address, age, date of birth, gender, and nationality.
The start date mentioned in the job advert is a tentative start date and the successful candidate will be required to undergo security vetting procedures. Any offer of employment will be subject to the candidate achieving suitable clearances.
