View Vacancy - SIN - Trade Policy Adviser C4(L)
The British High Commission in Singapore is establishing an exciting new position to further develop the strong UK-Singapore trade relationship.
Singapore accounts for over half of UK exports to ASEAN, and is its largest market by a significant margin. The UK is also Singapore’s largest global provider of services and fifth largest inward investor. Equally for Singapore, the UK is an important market. The UK is a top twenty export destination and a location of significant outward investment.
This challenging role will be to lead on supporting UK trade policy priorities by further deepening UK-Singapore business and trade ties. This is a unique opportunity to be directly involved in the UK establishing its independent trade position as it moves towards leaving the European Union. Developing stronger links with Singapore and SE Asia more broadly are important elements of our future trading relationships.
Roles and responsibilities:
The job holder will be responsible for developing the UK-Singapore Economic and Business Partnership - a senior dialogue for economic and trade opportunities between both governments. This work stream is important for the bilateral trade relationship between the UK and Singapore. It is intended to develop bilateral cooperation that advances our strong trade and investment ties and develops new approaches to deepen these ties.
It involves ensuring the right frameworks are in place to facilitate information exchange on opportunities and priorities, setting up bilateral dialogues, laying the groundwork, consulting with and briefing stakeholders, and pursuing opportunities to strengthen partnerships and expand support for engagement from both sides. For example, by initiating private sector outreach and communication on the UK-Singapore trading relationship, highlighting UK capability and fostering dialogue with key stakeholders, industry and other partners, such as the British Chambers of Commerce, key businesses.
In addition the job holder will lead detailed analyses to:
- Understand both the UK and Singapore trade relationships, including the potential risks and sensitivities and relevant domestic policy developments;
- Identify and develop a clear picture of key areas of business interest and concern; and
- Analyse and gather intelligence on the existing trade relationships, how they were successfully concluded, and the implications these might have for a potential agreement with UK.
The role also involves working closely with UK government ministries - particularly the Department for International Trade (DIT), but also HM Treasury and the Department for Business - as well as Singapore government departments. The successful applicant will need to sustain and grow networks of contacts in both countries and be comfortable working with senior stakeholders.
The role will also link UK regional technical assistance work on economic reform in the region with our trade promotion objectives to ensure a seamless approach between economic growth objectives and trade promotion (undertaken by other colleagues in the British High Commission).
Singapore is a vital trade hub for the region. As such, you will also be responsible for developing trade expertise among our diplomatic missions across the region and provide vital knowledge, direction, and support for smaller ASEAN markets.
This is a full time role and is likely to involve a limited amount of travel. The successful candidate will have a strong experience and knowledge in trade policy and in international collaboration. There is plenty of scope for the job holder to have a significant real world impact in terms of facilitating new trade relationships. There will also be opportunities to get involved in other work streams within the High Commission, widening the skills base of the successful applicant.
The successful candidate will ideally be able to start by 07 August 2017.
- Experience working on trade policy issues, institutions, and priorities.
- A degree, and professional experience in a relevant field.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills; ability to draft high quality materials to short deadlines and to present with confidence to senior stakeholders.
- Knowledge of UK and Singapore government systems
- Economics/ analytical skills and experience
- Normal working hours are 37.5 per week: 8.30 am to 5.00 pm from Monday to Friday.
- Monthly gross salary of SGD 7,114 + CPF/ CPF-in-lieu, with pro-rated 13th and 14th month pay
- 23 days paid annual leave (will be pro-rated on the first year)
- Childcare leave (up to a maximum of 6 days per year, dependent upon age of children)
- Family Care leave (up to a maximum of 2 days per year)
- Medical insurance package covering GP, specialist, and hospital
- Excellent learning and development opportunities,
spanning the range of professional skills required for this role in the High Commission.
In addition, this role will also offer numerous opportunities for further development of knowledge and expertise in UK and Singapore research and innovation priorities and systems; using programme funds and bilateral relationships to achieve strategic outcomes; and leadership and direction setting. There will also be opportunities to travel to the UK and within the ASEAN region.
No accommodation or relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position. lf you are planning to relocate for this position, please ensure that you have thoroughly investigated living and working in Singapore and all related costs before submitting your application.
This is a locally engaged position subject to local laws and terms. Employment offers are subject to successful clearance of pre-employment checks.
Should the successful candidate require a permit to work in Singapore, the British High Commission will apply and sponsor the appropriate pass on their behalf.
All applications must be received before 11:55PM (Singapore Time) on 21 June 2017.
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.
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.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
