View Vacancy – JPN – Senior Investment Officer, Northeast Asia B3(L)

Main purpose of job:

Based in the British Embassy in Tokyo and reporting to the Regional Director of Northeast Asia (NEA), the job holder will drive investment activities and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from NEA into Northern Ireland (NI).

The post holder will work on their own accord and with the existing Invest NI (INI) team and UK’s Department for International Trade (DIT) in NEA to identify prospective FDI companies.  The post holder will also identify and work strategically with senior business and government stakeholders in NEA as well as other external organisations and industry bodies to help develop relationships, build collaboration and enhance Northern Ireland’s reputation with the ultimate goal of securing Foreign Direct Investment into Northern Ireland.

The post holder will also implement strategies to maintain and enhance relationships with FDI companies already invested in NI to support further high value investments from these companies.

The post holder will work closely with the wider Invest Northern Ireland teams based in its Belfast headquarters, Asia Pacific and other locations.

The post-holder is expected to undertake travel on a regular basis within NEA, and when required, travel to the UK and other countries.

Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?:

The post holder will work with the Regional Director NEA to proactively identify foreign direct investment prospects (FDI) through market intelligence, personal and business connections, and research.  They will promote the Northern Ireland investment proposition and capability to key decision makers within these FDI companies so that they consider NI as an investment destination and ultimately invest in Northern Ireland.

Trade & Business development

–       Work with the Regional Director NEA to implement the FDI strategy to promote Northern Ireland capability which contributes to the overall goals of the Asia Pacific territory.  Implement the most appropriate methods for improving perceptions of NI and generating new leads among companies in NEA. This could include the use of social media, seminar events, trade fairs, NI sector specialist visits, Ministerial roundtables and cooperative projects; 

–       Support the Regional Director NEA to build Northern Ireland’s profile alongside local and regional colleagues and develop a programme of activity to enhance the perception of Northern Ireland as a place to invest and do business with;

–       Work with the Regional Director NEA and INI Marcoms team to develop marketing strategies for FDI in NEA to raise awareness and promote Northern Ireland;

Effective Strategic Relationship Management

–       Develop strong C-level relationships with targeted companies, government, stakeholders and influencers in NEA;

–       Identify and attend investment conferences in the region, deliver in-market seminars and virtual webinars to promote Northern Ireland as FDI destination;

–       Build strong relationships within the British Embassy and Consulate, the UK Department of International Trade (DIT), British Council, Northern Ireland government representatives and other key stakeholders/business organisations in order to leverage their expertise and connectivity to promote NI as an FDI destination directly to their prospects;

–       Work with the Regional Director NEA to tap into the network of NI ex-pats living and working in NEA and work with NI Connections to lever economic returns to Northern Ireland;

–       From time to time and in collaboration with the INI NEA team and the wider INI APAC team, support companies interested in investing in Northern Ireland by providing information they require to make informed business decisions by handling market research and assessment enquiries, conducting inward visits, setting up appointments and writing appropriate reports.

Database & Calendar Management

–       Manage relevant information sources and maintain accurate recording of customer and stakeholder information on Invest NI’s CRM and management systems;

–       In relation to FDI, effectively manage the Regional Director’s calendar, meeting schedule, travel arrangements, pre-approval requests and other associated work requirements;

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

• The post-holder will not have direct reports.
• The post-holder will be responsible for managing a pre-allocated budget appropriate to the agreed regional business sector plan.

Due to time difference with the UK, the post-holder may be required to work some evenings in order to meet deadlines or attend conference calls.

Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):

Induction training will be provided at Invest Northern Ireland’s Head office subject to travel restrictions and locally in Japan. The post-holder will be able to access learning and development opportunities afforded by the British Embassy in Tokyo and by Invest Northern Ireland.

This position is 1-year fixed-term with possibility of renewal.

• Educated to degree level ideally in a business or related function;
• Minimum 5 years’ experience in private or public sector organisation, with at least three years’ relevant experience in Japan;
• Excellent communication, interpersonal & organisational skills, self-motivated and driven to commercial outcomes; 
• Experience in analysing information and preparation of reports;
• Fluent in Japanese – spoken and written;
• Fluent in English – spoken and written; 
• Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office (Word/Excel/PowerPoint).