View Vacancy – Economic and Trade Policy Analyst (CHEB20.420)

Note: Due to COVID-19, you may experience some delay in the progress of this recruitment campaign. We are working hard to minimise any disruption. You may find more information in the Additional Information section below.

The British Embassy in Berne is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas and is now looking for an Economic and Trade Policy Analyst.

The role of the Economic & Trade Policy Analyst is to monitor, analyse and report on key political and economic developments in Switzerland and Liechtenstein. The jobholder will:

• Develop, maintain and utilise a network of federal administration contacts, industry and academic economists, business associations, thinktanks and Embassy colleagues to deliver a range of regular policy and economic reporting for UK stakeholders;
• Provide economic and trade flow analysis directly for Her Majesty’s Ambassador;
• Provide ad hoc economic analysis as requested by HM Government e.g. on Switzerland’s COVID 19 response;
• Over time, will be expected to take personal lead supporting aspects of UK trade negotiations with Switzerland and Liechtenstein;
• Organise events including internal training and external workshops with industry.
• Provide support in arranging high-level meetings for visiting UK Government Ministers and Senior Officials.

Working directly to the Head of Prosperity, the role will also spend approximately half their time supporting the objectives of the UK’s Trade Policy Attaché to Switzerland and Liechtenstein.

ECONOMIC/POLICY: (40%)

Analyse and regularly report to the Head of Prosperity on the Swiss economy, following developments in the domestic economy, trends in market sectors, and developments in Swiss trade policy, including free trade negotiations, whether bilateral or through EFTA; provide analysis and insight to support UK understanding of these developments.

Develop and maintain a strong network of policy and economic contacts to support this insight, in Government, multilateral organisations (WTI, EFTA) and in the private sector.

Respond to lobbying requests on these topics and and coordinate high-quality briefing and advice within given deadlines.

UK TRADE NEGOTIATIONS: (40%)

Support the Head of Prosperity and UK’s Trade Policy Attaché to Switzerland and Liechtenstein with the development, monitoring and logistical support for new and ongoing trade negotiations. Including attending negotiations (virtually) and providing subsequent reporting;

Support the Head of Prosperity with horizon scanning through analysis and consultation with Embassy Trade/Investment colleagues, and external stakeholders, identifying future opportunities to strengthen UK-Swiss economic links.

POLITICAL/POLICY: (10%)

Support wider policy work of Embassy political team, analysing and regularly reporting on Swiss internal policy covering finance, trade and economics within both a domestic and international context (including through the prism of Switzerland’s EU negotiations, and the UK’s departure from the EU);

Respond to lobbying requests on these topics and provide high-quality briefing and advice within given deadlines;

Provide high quality time sensitive analysis to HM Ambassador on UK –Swiss/Liechtenstein Trade Flows, and wider economic landscape.

VISITS/TEAM SUPPORT: (10%)

Support ministerial and senior policy official delegations in order to help deliver the Embassy’s Prosperity Strategy (including logistical support and planning as required), particularly developing strong policy objectives for the visits.

Provide flexible support to the wider team, for example providing cover in the absence of the Political Analyst, or providing support for wider Embassy work on public diplomacy and visits.

FCDO is commited to continual learning and development. Individual learning and development needs will be established from the outset and reviewed annually. The Embassy will provide funding in line with L&D requirements and a variety of learning and development is provided throughout the year both directly at post and virtually through the FCDO International Academy.

• Full professional proficiency in English (including excellent writing skills), Reading and listening proficiency in German;
• Degree in Economics (or related), experience in economic analysis;
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills;
• Strong research and analytical skills;
• Knowledge of Swiss politics and economics;
• Team player with excellent interpersonal skills;
• Ability to flex style and adapt to last minute changes of direction;
• Ability to work alone and sometimes without all available information;
• Demonstrate resilience and cope with a high pressured environment.