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 DSO 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.
The successful applicant will play a key role in providing administrative support to Retail & Consumer team and Food & Drink team, e.g. providing internal support such as procurement support, finance/budget management, and team performance monitoring/management. They will also provide administrative support to the deputy HMTC based in Shanghai, including calendar management, logistical arrangements for their business meetings and travel etc.
The Directorate Supporting Officer (DSO) will work as part of the wider DBT team, playing a role in delivering high profile activity and visits. As such, the successful candidate will have the opportunity to be part of a busy and ambitious team, working in exciting sectors and engaging with world leading brands on relevant industries. In addition to core work, the successful applicant will also have the opportunity to play a part in a diverse range of work such as supporting on the development of sector specific business plans, i.e. running major events and engaging the business community. If you are flexible, enthusiastic and if you will embrace the ‘DBT Spirit’ that is to be Expert, Engaging, Enterprising and Inclusive, we want to hear from you.
Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve:
1. Sector Team Support-Food & Drink (35%)
- Provide administrative support to Food & Drink team by being the docking point for requests from the Corporate Operations team on procurement management, and team’s finance/budget management.
- Support the Food & Drink team in delivering key visits, key sector events and marketing campaigns (online/offline).
- Prepare visiting programmes for official visitors & DBT China Senior Leadership Team and provide logistic support.
2. Sector Team Support-Retail & Consumer (35%)
- Provide administrative support to Retail & Consumer team by being the docking point for requests from the Corporate Operations team on procurement management, team performance management by using internal CRM system etc.
- Support the Retail & Consumer team in delivering key visits, key sector events and marketing campaigns (online/offline).
- Prepare visiting programmes for official visitors & DBT China Senior Leadership Team and provide logistic support.
- Support internal Retail team activities which may include team away day, team L&D programmes etc.
3. DHMTC PA and DSO Support (20%)
- Provide administrative support to the Deputy HMTC based in Shanghai post. This may include supporting on delivering practical, logistical arrangements and taking the meeting records. It could also include arranging meetings, tracking and sharing management information gained from sector teams. It also includes input data onto the DBT customer relationship database in support of the sector teams.
- Other administrative support to other sectors teams within CCL directorate. This could include working with the sectors (Education, Creative, Sports) on guest registration for key events, procurement management, CCL meeting calendar coordination, weekly calendar update to HMTA PA etc.
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
- A diplomatic, tactful manner when dealing with contacts and colleagues
- Good organisation skills, positive approach to teamwork, and a pro-active attitude;
- Ability to pay strong attention to detail and accuracy
- Good administrative and IT Skills (Word, Outlook, Excel, and Powerpoint)
- Experience in administrative work
- Basic budget and financial knowledge.
- Experience of working with Chinese government, government agencies, companies, industry associations in Retail, Food and Drink industry is even an advantage.
Benefits:
We offer a competitive package which includes –
- A gross salary of CNY 12,844 for Chinese Nationals and an abated salary of CNY 17,990 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.
