Department for International Trade roles (DIT)
DIT
Main purpose of job:
You will be responsible for increasing trade between UK and Thailand, by making a success of the newly established Joint Economic and Trade Committee (JETCO), and by working with the wider team to resolve specific market access issues faced by UK companies active in, or seeking to enter, the Thai market. The Secretary of State considers this to be a top priority for Thailand and it is listed accordingly as our top objective in the single country plan. Your primary measure of success will be the reduction in tariff, non-tariff and process barriers across sectors and the delivery of a successful programme of work to achieve these aims. Reporting to the Director for Trade, this is a key leadership role that will see you role model the embassy values of courage, ambition and generosity. You will deliver our diversity ambitions and play a key part in making the Embassy a fun and fulfilling place to work.
Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?:
Thailand. Beautiful beaches, buzzing cities, friendly people, year round warm weather and amazing food. What’s not to love? But Thailand also has a vibrant and thriving economy ranging from centuries old crafts to modern technologies and from long established multi-nationals to micro-entrepreneurs. The UK and Thailand have a strong trading relationship that dates back more than 400 years, and it is a trading relationship that continues to go from strength to strength. With outstanding contacts at every level of the Thai government and business, we have unparalleled access to the most influential people in Thai society. We use these contacts for the benefit of British businesses who are exporting a whole range of goods and services across the oceans.
You will manage the day-to-day work on trade policy, market access and disputes for the Department for International Trade (DIT) in Thailand. Working closely with teams across the Embassy, wider APAC region and London you will engage with British companies and Thai Government to understand these complex issues; and develop and implement innovative strategies/solutions to meet those opportunities.
We engender a one team approach across the embassy, so at times we will ask you to undertake representational duties, such as attending receptions on behalf of Her Majesty’s Government, or support other departments in their work.
The jobholder will have access to a range of excellent learning resources via the International Academy, and will be encouraged to achieve practitioner level (an FCDO internal qualification) in trade policy if they haven’t already. The jobholder will be encouraged to join the trade cadre and will also be a member of the DIT APAC trade policy team, all of which will provide a substantial support package to help the successful candidate grow and develop.
The job holder will be responsible for:
- Leadership of UK approach to Thailand market access – working closely with DIT in London, and senior management across the APAC region and Embassy, determine a strategy to tackling market access barriers in Thailand. Successfully deliver the annual UK-Thailand Joint Economic Trade Committee (JETCO) while coordinating and monitoring progress in JETCO sub-committees to deliver outcomes for the UK.
- Business, academic, and external engagement – develop and represent DIT Thailand in engagements with private, government and academic sectors. Build relationships to deliver our market access campaigns and objectives. Build trusted relationships with businesses, academics, other nations and Thai Government in order to understand and seek resolution to market access and dispute issues.
- Analysis of Thailand market access barriers and trends – act as first-line analyst within DIT Thailand on market access. Strategically and proactively deploy analytical expertise to carry out identification and scoping of the the impact of existing (or potential) market access barriers. Interpret those findings to support the wider DIT team and seniors. Produce accessible and engaging data and evidence products alongside recommendations to tackle issues through your knowledge of DIT and wider embassy initiatives.
- Delivery of market access campaigns – lead on designing and delivering campaigns to reduce or eliminate market access barriers in Thailand. Work with stakeholders across the Embassy and beyond (utilising your networks in the private and public sectors) to develop a strategy and coordinated approach to tackling key barriers.
- Reporting and evaluation of DIT Thailand market access barriers – take responsibility for tracking progress on priority market access barriers across DIT Thailand. Develop and implement data-driven measurement and evaluation tools to help effectively measure our impact, reporting and interpreting results to DIT Asia-Pacific (APAC) governance forums.
- Network & HQ Relationships – coordinate closely with DIT in London and the APAC Market Access Counsellor in Tokyo, to establishing and resolve market access barriers, and providing intelligence on wider market access and trade policy trends in Thailand and Asia.
- Dispute lead – provide advice and briefing to senior management regarding multilateral disputes concerning trade policy at the World Trade Organisation (WTO), and private sector disputes involving UK companies.
Depending on budgets, there may also be an opportunity to manage or advise on some programme funds, to enable additional research, engagement, or other activities to support DIT Thailand’s market access objectives. The post-holder will also be expected to take on a cross-cutting corporate contribution, either within British Embassy Thailand or across DIT APAC.
Resources managed (staff and expenditure):
Depending on available budgets, there may be some opportunity to manage or oversee programme funding to support market opening activity in Thailand. This is a new area of focus, providing an opportunity for the role holder to develop a team (budget depending).
- Strong written and oral English communication skills;
- Qualification in economics, public policy, business or similar field;
- Proven experience of working in a trade policy, trade promotion, or business advocacy environment;
- Proven experience of working with business or government to identify and resolve complex issues.
- Strong command of analytical techniques and tools, an ability to present complex ideas in a simple way;
- An ability to think innovatively and create new solutions to meet challenging and complex issues.
- Ability to lead and influence others to achieve results.
Language requirements:
Language: English
Level of language required: Fully fluent in all aspects of English and Thai
- Strategic communications or campaign background, building and implementing engagement plans to achieve objectives;
- Knowledge and application of trade policy mechanisms such as the WTO, ASEAN, RCEP and bilateral/multilateral trade agreements.
Making Effective Decisions, Leading and Communicating, Collaborating and Partnering, Engaging Internationally
28 November 2021
C4 (L)
Full-time, Permanent
36
Asia Pacific
Thailand
Bangkok
British Embassy
1
THB
THB 101,719 per month
15 January 2022
The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.
The British Embassy offers a competitive compensation package including a guaranteed 13th month pay, 20 days paid annual leave (calculated on a pro-rata basis if you join after 1 January), extensive medical insurance and access to a guaranteed 5 days of learning opportunities a year.
Job specifications and descriptions within the Embassy may be subject to change in the coming months as the Embassy undergoes wider structural changes.
Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):
The jobholder will have access to the UK government’s extensive Trade Faculty training offer, including online training, lectures, discussions and in-depth specialist courses. A wide range of training to develop personal competences is also available through the FCDO and DIT regional training centres. We encourage all staff to develop their capabilities, through both formal training courses and informal opportunities such as job-shadowing, coaching and on-the-job training. All staff are encouraged to share their skills and experience with colleagues, through informal training sessions or coaching/mentoring. We have an active L&D committee who organise a varied programme of learning for all staff.
All staff are eligible for 5 Learning and Development days a year.
Working patterns:
This is a full time role – 36 hours/week, Monday to Friday. We are currently piloting hybrid working (some time working in the office, some time working from home) as we transition back to normal working practices, while ensuring the health and safety of our staff. You will be expected to spend some time out of the office, engaging with partners and stakeholders; some time in the office; and will be able to have the flexibility to work from home. If the context of the pandemic changes, the proportion of time spent at home / in office / in external engagements may change.
The Embassy has a smarter working policy and is committed to offering flexible working patterns balanced with the operational requirements of the role. In crisis/emergency situations you may need to work as required to support the Embassy response, sometimes on a shift pattern working which may result in unsociable hours and/or weekend working.
As an inclusive employer we are happy to discuss alternative working patterns at interview or at the point of any job offer.
Other conditions:
Employment offers are subject to successful clearance of pre-employment and security checks. Staff who are locally recruited by the British Embassy are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law.
No accommodation or relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position. You must have or be able to obtain correct permit to work or work authorisation in Thailand in order to apply. Any costs related to obtaining or renewing permits and visas are the responsibility of the successful applicant.
Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary may have their salaries reduced by the equivalent local income tax amount.
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.
Incomplete application forms will not be taken into consideration, so please ensure you provide the information requested. Only shortlisted candidates for interview will be contacted. Interviewees will be assessed on the core competencies listed above. Unsuccessful candidates will be notified via the system in due time.
Indicated start date is provisional and subject to successful completion of reference and security checks.
To those applicants not short-listed, we extend our appreciation for considering the British Government as a potential employer.
The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.
British Embassy Bangkok’s Vision and Values:
VISION: What do we want to build?
A better, safer, more prosperous world for Britons and Thais alike.
MISSION: How will we achieve this?
By championing UK values and delivering tangible benefits to individuals, businesses and society: through quality service, effective partnerships and local expertise.
VALUES: that underpin our work
Courage: In our approach to our work: supporting innovation, creativity and taking calculated risks in solving problems; encouraging challenge and welcoming diverse perspectives; honesty in acknowledging and learning from mistakes.
Ambition: In the challenge we set ourselves: Striving to be excellent in the quality of service we deliver; inspiring our teams, colleagues, customers and stakeholders; passionate about our purpose.
Generosity: Of spirit: kindness in our daily actions and conversations; openness to differing cultures, ideas and opinions; understanding of differing styles and honest mistakes to build a culture of support.
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