View Vacancy - CPK - Senior Policy Officer – Politics and Society, C4(L)
The UK and China signalled their intent to become ‘Global Partners’ during President Xi Jinping’s State Visit to the UK (October 2015). As part of this, our countries are working to help secure stronger government, business and people to people links, delivering a resilient, frank and constructive global partnership for the 21st Century.
A central pillar of this work is to improve UK Government’s understanding of China’s politics and society. This role sits at the heart of the embassy in the Domestic Affairs team – you will work closely with the D6 First Secretary Political to develop high quality reporting in order to demystify and explain China to a London audience, including UK ministers. The job holder should have a good sense of how to creatively use and present data, and be able to work across teams in the embassy (including economics, trade, health) to identify opportunities to build UK-China understanding. There will be opportunities to bid into funds to support such projects. The job holder will be responsible for developing and maintain a strategic network of contacts, both in the UK and China, and there will be opportunity for travel across China.
The successful candidate will need to be a self-starter and is required to operate with a high level of autonomy and individual responsibility. The job requires fluency in Mandarin. The job holder will have direct line management of 1 x B3, but will also be responsible for leading reporting and projects across the wider China network.
High quality reporting, research and analysis on Chinese politics and society which informs and develops UK policy
Produce timely and high quality reporting on politics, social developments and current affairs in China, using data and analysis to ensuring that UK government has an in-depth understanding of the situation in-country
Lead on key bilateral visits. Identify opportunities where UK expertise can deliver change in China
To identify opportunities for bilateral visits, events and projects including government and academic exchanges between the UK and China.
Develop and maintain a strategic network of contacts which deepen UK understanding of politics and society
Develop a network of contacts within and outside the government in order to build understanding and links with the embassy
- University level education
- Knowledge of China’s contemporary politics and society
- Strong research, drafting and communication skills
- Graduate school specialisation in Chinese politics or international relations
- Experience of delivering projects with Chinese government, think tanks and NGO partners, with an emphasis on strong negotiating skills.
- Experience of project management and visits planning
Appointment of the successful candidates will also be subject to Overseas Security Clearance. Due to the security clearance level required for this position, this vacancy is open only to the following:
- Nationals from the UK who have spent at least two (2) years out of the last five (5) years in the UK;
- Nationals from the UK who have Diplomatic status in China ('W' visa holder);
- Other nationals from EU countries, the USA, Canada, New Zealand, or Australia providing they have Diplomatic status in China ('W' visa holder).
Necessary security clearance for this position can take at least two months and will require completion of a separate security interview which can take place either in the UK or in China (dates to be notified). Candidates must be available for this security interview to be considered for this role.
We offer a competitive package, which includes basic salary, 22 days annual leave in pro rata, Annual Performance Related Pay, In Year Bonus based on performance, commercial insurance package including accidental insurance, medical insurance, and business travel insurance, various trainings for this position, work life balance and diversity and inclusion organization. The gross starting salary (before all deductions) is an abated monthly salary of CNY 35,959/ month.
Conditioned working hours is 35 hours/week and flexible working can be arranged upon personal needs. For more details on our Total Rewards Package, please visit our website http://www.gov.uk/government/world/china.
Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy Beijing is subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Chinese employment law.
Only short-listed applicants will be contacted regarding the next phase of the selection process. To those applicants not short-listed, we extend our appreciation for considering the British Government as a potential employer.
All applications must be received before 11:55PM (China Standard Time) on 25 March 2019.
Incomplete application forms will not be taken into consideration, so please ensure you provide the information requested. We regret to advise that we will only be contacting short-listed candidates. Applicants called for an interview will be assessed on the core competencies listed above.
To those applicants not short-listed, we extend our appreciation for considering the British Government as a potential employer.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
