Department for International Trade roles (DIT)
DIT
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
About the Department for International Trade in North America
You will join the Department for International Trade which promotes exports to the North America of British goods and services, two way investment between the UK and North America, and mutual improved market access to help grow our bilateral trade. (See www.gov.uk/DIT for further information). Within the British Embassy in Washington, The High Commissions in Ottawa and multiple Consulates across North America, the Department for International Trade has 150+ members of staff spread across 14 locations, forming a dynamic team that focuses on various sectors including advanced engineering, technology, financial services, life sciences, food & drink, retail and energy & environment. This is an exciting time to work for the Department for International Trade (DIT). Our mission is to promote British trade and investment across the world which is vital for the prosperity of the UK. DIT brings together export promotion, investment attraction and market access policy work to break down barriers to trade and investment 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.
Main Purpose of Job
This is an exciting and demanding role for an exceptional individual to be the Head of People for DIT North America. Working closely with colleagues as part of the Network Operations team and reporting directly to the Chief Operating Officer, you will play a key role in supporting the DIT North America region achieve its objectives as articulated in the North America Regional Trade Plan.
Detail
The Network Operations Team is responsible for supporting all DIT North America teams across our 14 locations to achieve our objectives and ambitions as stated in the Regional Trade Plan.
Central to achieving these ambitions are our people. We have a talented and diverse workforce that comprises 4 UK based civil servants and 150+ Country Based Staff. We are committed to ensuring that we develop, grow and realise the potential of all of our people; that we not only keep abreast of changes but get ahead of them and be the number one employer of choice in Trade and Investment work in North America
The successful candidate will be expected to further develop, deliver and lead on the implementation of DIT North America strategic approach to people management and development. This will include establishing strong relationships across the wider One HMG (Her Majesty’s Government) network in North America and also in the UK with departmental bodies to ensure appropriate coordination and alignment of all people matters. This role reports to the North America Chief Operating Officer and will play an active role as a member of the North America Leadership Team.
Roles and responsibilities
People Strategy:
- Play a key role in supporting the achievements of a high performing and commercially focused DIT North America team by tailoring the DIT People Strategy to the North America market and securing engagement from across the organisation.
- Embed our DIT values of being expert, enterprising, engaged and inclusive through our all-encompassing DIT people priorities:
- One DIT: working to be a truly global, collaborative organisation of motivated and expert individuals
- An Inclusive Culture: being a department that recognises, champions, and supports equality, diversity and inclusion
- Enabling Opportunities: building our career offer to provide exciting, engaging opportunities for a long-term sustainable career in DIT
- Thriving at Work: making sure people have the right foundation and feel empowered
Talent Development:
- Develop and lead the implementation of an integrated workforce development plan for DIT North America which links effectively with solutions available across the network, Regional L&D hub and UK offer.
- Develop a Structured induction and on-boarding programme covering the full scope of DIT and HMG and work with Sector Directors to produce sector specific on-boarding and learning programmes to ensure teams are fully immersed in both the trade and investment opportunities, and UK expertise
Building Capability, Advice and Expertise:
- Develop capability for DIT North America through:
- Ensuring FCDO and platform HR policies are properly communicated and consistently applied across the DIT network.
- Develop and implement a streamlined workforce planning and recruitment process. Track vacancies, oversee the recruitment approval process, improve DIT recruitment guidance, standardise on-boarding processes & material and liaise and track progress of all new starters
- Actively represent DIT in the wider North America network, including providing the DIT perspective on cross-network programmes, active participation in the People Advocates Global network and effectively presenting the North America perspective to London and HQ teams.
Organisational Development:
- Further embed the North America mission, vision and values to become integral to what we do and how we do it, ensuring collaboration and connections with DIT HQ initiatives.
- Play a key role in advancing staff survey outcomes, drive pillars of the work being undertaken by the People Plan Working Group (PPWG) to support positive change. Support Action planning for local team leaders.
- Support closer collaboration and integration of People functions between DIT and broader HMG in North America to deliver a more efficient and effective service
Deputise for COO where appropriate.
- Bachelors degree in a related field.
- 6-8 years professional experience, gained within a business, economic development or Government
- role
- A strong client focus with outstanding judgment, critical thinking and communication skills
- Proven competence in developing and leading strategy
- Ability to work across teams and stakeholders based across multiple locations
- Proactive, driven and motivated, with an ability to work operate with a high degree of autonomy
- Thrives in a fast paced environment and able to multi-task and deal with the uncertainties of an evolving, dynamic organization
- Proven advisory and influencing skills at senior levels –able to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely, both orally and in written communications
Language
English: Excellent/Highly Proficient.
Under US State Department requirements, the UK Government in the US may only employ, as non-diplomatic staff, persons who are US citizens, US Permanent Residents or A visa holders with EAD cards*. If you hold a visa other than an A visa you are not currently eligible to work at our office. Please refer to our website for information on exceptions to this policy at www.gov.uk/government/world/usa. All selected candidates are subject to background checks and will require a security clearance prior to starting work.
*A visas are acceptable at the Embassy and Consulates. The UK Mission to the UN (UKMIS) accepts G visas, and British Defense Staff (BDS) outposts accept A or NATO visas.
- Experience of working in HR or People roles
- Previous experience of working within Government
Changing and Improving, Collaborating and Partnering, Building Capability for All, Managing a Quality Service
22 July 2021
C5 (L)
Permanent
40
Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories
United States
New York
British Consulate General
$92,194
13 September 2021
Learning and development opportunities
There is plenty of opportunity to develop on the job, and to establish expertise. Specific areas and activities include:
- Leadership Programmes, various courses and materials provided in market and through the UK government’s Diplomatic Academy
- Attending external events and conferences hosted by academic institutions, business chambers, etc.
- Familiarisation visit to the UK to meet stakeholders and partners in DIT, FCDO and other Whitehall Departments
If the job is suitable for flexible working patterns, please provide details: Yes at the discretion of the Line Manager.
Resources managed (staff and expenditure):
No direct Line Management Responsibilities currently
Programme Budget TBD – Network L&D
Personal running cost budget
The UK Government operating in the US offers a substantial benefits package including generous leave, a choice of medical insurance, 401(k) matching up to 7%, extensive learning opportunities and a great work/life balance.
Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary, eg some non-local national staff and some spouses or partners of UK diplomatic staff, will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.
Internal candidates must inform their supervisor before they apply to a different position.
Only successful candidates will be contacted. Please no phone calls. Due to the high volume of resumes we receive, we cannot guarantee consideration of your application if the submission instructions are not properly followed.
The British Embassy is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and to creating a diverse working environment, free from discrimination, where everyone is included and treated fairly, based on merit alone. We are an equal opportunity employer, making all employment decisions without regard to race, gender, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation or any other criterion protected by law.
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