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 Strategy Support Officer 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 and investment goals.
DBT operates in 108 countries. Establishing new relationships around the globe, DBT promotes UK trade and investment 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.
China & Hong Kong is one of nine global regions and the largest DBT overseas network in the world. 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:
1. Strategy Team Support (40%)
This role functions as the central point of engagement and contact for HQ’s ITA (International Trade Advisors). This includes providing support for the monthly China & Hong Kong conference, coordinating and drafting their monthly newsletter and triaging content from the China HMTC inbox. The successful candidate will provide general team administrative support for a variety of recurrent and ad-hoc work. Examples include, setting up governance platforms, such as quarterly performance reviews on DBT’s three priority areas (exports, investment, and market access), training webinars, and supporting the Chief Operating Officer with ad-hoc work. This person will help the data and business analysis team with collation, validation, and analysis of performance data using DBT’s CRM system (Data Hub) and Business Dashboard system (Data Workspace), dependent on skills. You may be asked to support other individuals within the team with regular tasks.
2. Government Visits Support (25%)
This role is the central logistical support for ministerial visits to China and Hong Kong, which might include devising car plans, collating team responses, checking locations, hotel bookings etc. The successful candidate will liaise with a number of headquarter teams in advance of visits, co-ordinating plans with visit leads in post. The teams include: Ministerial Programmes; International Strategy and Trade Relations and Minister’s private offices. They will work with the FCDO’s Visits team to maximise delivery and support cross-network objectives on all senior visits. The role may be needed to provide on-site visits support (up to 10 days), as logistics support officer (including travel to locations). Accompanying ministerial delegations on their programme and responding to ad-hoc changes as appropriate.
3. Internal Communications (25%)
Support delivery of China/HK’s all-staff monthly newsletter, including compilation, drafting, creative work, send-outs and metrics. Organise and support the delivery of all-staff meetings and other ad-hoc network communications. This includes drafting and sending invitations, preparing senior staff, booking times. The role will also contribute to DBT’s global internal communications, ensuring that the work of the China and Hong Kong network is well reflected across the entire DBT network. The role will also establish and maintain a strong intranet presence on DBT’s Sharepoint platform, on local and global MS Teams and other internal websites.
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 independent/good in Mandarin
- Minimum 2 years of full time working experience in clerical work or business related
- Excellent administrative skills, including high proficiency in Word, PowerPoint and Excel
- Data and metrics driven, with a proclivity to drive decisions through data usage
- English writing skills, able to engage audiences with punchy and impactful language
- Strong attention to detail, able to produce accurate work at pace and quickly absorb large amounts of information
- Adaptable and open-minded, able to pivot to new work quickly and proficiently
- Excellent organisation skills, positive approach to teamwork, and a pro-active attitude
- The ability to quickly build working relationships with different teams and colleagues, being flexible in working style
- Able to make domestic trips to other consular posts for days at a time at short notice.
- Experience working with ministers or senior officials
- Experience working in communications roles
- Experience working with, and analysing data
Note:
- This is a fixed term contract with end date on 25 May 2026.
- Only British Nationals, spouses/partners of diplomats who are ‘W’ (diplomatic) visa holders and internal Chinese staff will be considered for Beijing.
Benefits:
We offer a competitive package which includes –
- For Beijing and Guangzhou: A gross monthly 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;
- For Chongqing and Wuhan: A gross monthly salary of CNY 11,909 for Chinese Nationals and an abated salary of CNY 16,219 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.
To apply for the position, please click here.
