View Vacancy - British Embassy Tokyo May – July 2017 Internship Programme

Internships are designed for those who want to learn more about how an embassy works. This includes learning how we improve bilateral relationship further, help business and support British nationals living in Japan. It is ideal for those who wish to broaden their skills and experience in a real-world environment. These internships will provide you with a unique experience and in-depth understanding of the British government’s work in business, political and defence related activities.

There are seven internship opportunities available in the British embassy in Tokyo. These internships will run from May 2017 until end of July 2017 (13 weeks).

These are:

1.     Department of International Trade, DIT (2 internships)

The Trade and Investment Team supports British companies to export to Japan and Japanese companies to invest into the UK.  The team runs high value campaigns in targeted economic sectors like Life Sciences, Technology and Financial Services to promote the strengths of the UK.  We engage with companies through events, seminars, social media and targeted face to face meetings.  We also support a wide range of companies, including smaller businesses, in other less high value trade sectors.  Japanese investment into the UK has been transformational with companies like Nissan, Hitachi and Softbank driving innovation and employment in the UK and support for investors has never been so important.

a.  Research Assistant – Strategic Trade Team

The Strategic Trade Team develops or improves market access for British businesses in areas such as defence, security, cyber security and civil aerospace sectors. Department for International Trade (DIT) is the UK Government Department which helps UK companies export around the world, and assists foreign companies set up their operations in the UK.

Tasks include:

• Undertake thorough research in English and Japanese in the areas of defence, security, cyber security and civil aerospace of English and/or Japanese.
• Produce short reports on their research findings in English.
• Liaise with other parts of the Embassy and outside organisations on research work.
• Assist with Embassy events when needed.
• Proofread documents.
• Ad-hoc support to other team of the Embassy.

b. Trade and Investment Assistant

 Tasks include:

• Supporting key events including Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan automotive event in Yohohama and an event to promote the Midlands (UK) as a location for Japanese investment involving 60-80 investors.
• Supporting Trade and Investment leadership team to implement their new business plans from HQ in London.
• Pulling together information to facilitate better account manage Japanese companies already investing in the UK – our Top 30 and potentially Top 150 investors.  This will include information about the companies and their investments in the UK and may require web based research.
• Supporting the trade team to implement its 2017-18 high value campaigns and volume activity.

2.     Media, Communications and Marketing (2 internships)

The Media, Communications & Marketing Section engages with all departments of the Embassy to provide integrated and strategic marketing through a combination of media work, innovative campaigning and digital communications. The Department for International Trade is one of the team’s biggest customers in terms of influencing Japanese companies to buy British goods and services, invest directly into the UK and encouraging UK companies to export to Japan. 

a.      Marketing Assistant

Tasks may include:  

• Supporting events, branding and press release for high level marketing campaigns and high profile visits
• Developing creative communications such as infographics, presentations and case studies
• Contribute blogs and articles for export to Japan – have your own work published
• Support regular communications to UK exporters and Japanese investors through newsletters/surveys/campaigns
• Direct engagement with UK companies during trade missions and exhibitions
• Support the delivery of webinars and live-streaming
• Administration support – customer enquiries, data entry and branded assets directory
• Opportunities to experience other Embassy departments
• Key personal development opportunities - building new skills and knowledge

b.      Digital Diplomacy Assistant

Tasks may include:  

• Support the Embassy’s Digital Diplomacy Officer to create core digital content for HMG online platforms
• Research various topics as SNS contents in both Japanese and English and draft posts – have your own work published
• Support video productions, research and test SNS promotional tools and apps to find new ways to promote as well as providing basic technical support to running social media channels.
• Support and coordinate consumer and business facing marketing activities through production of newsletters and working with social media influencers and professional writers.
• UKTI and wider-Embassy support on press & media activities, events and visits when required
• Opportunities to experience other Embassy departments
• Key personal development opportunities - building new skills and knowledge 

3. Political Section - Research and Project Assistant 

The Political Section of the Embassy is at the core of bilateral relations with Japan – covering a wide range of topics relevant to the UK. The section works with a variety stakeholders in the Japanese government, politics, private sector, think tanks and academia. Some examples of recent section work include developing the UK’s political and security relationship with Japan, including in the United Nations Security Council; delivering successful visits by UK Ministers to Japan for this year’s G7 meetings; and pursuing cooperation for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, including in the areas of homeland and cyber security.

Tasks may include:  

• Accompanying members of the Political Section to calls on politicians, ministries, think tanks etc;
• Undertaking thorough research in English and Japanese in assigned areas;
• Leading or assisting with deliver of discrete section projects
• Producing short reports on their research findings in English;
• Liaising with other parts of the Embassy and outside organisations on project and research work;
• Assisting with Embassy events when requested.
• Researching and strengthening contacts with key stakeholders 

4. Energy and Infrastructure Team - Research Assistant 

The Energy and Infrastructure Team at the British Embassy is newly formed, bringing together policy and commercial expertise from across the UK government. We work to deliver the UK’s energy and infrastructure objectives in relation to Japan – focusing on attracting investment into the UK, supporting UK companies to export into Japan and to achieve specific policy goals. A stimulating and high-profile area, our priority projects include new offshore wind and nuclear build, nuclear decommissioning, smart energy and urban regeneration. The team seeks to achieve its objectives through close collaboration with external partners in the commercial, governmental, regulatory and NGO fields, as well as through international forums such as the G7 and the IEA.

Tasks may include:  

• Undertake research in English and Japanese in assigned areas (e.g. company interest in UK opportunities) and produce short reports on their research findings in English;
• Produce a regular digest of energy and infrastructure news in relation to Japan;
• Accompanying members of the team to calls on politicians, ministries, think tanks etc;
• Liaise with other parts of the Embassy and outside organisations on research work;
• Assist with attend Embassy events when requested.

5. Economic Diplomacy - Research Assistant 

The Economic & Trade Policy section works to promote the UK’s interests in an open and expanding global economy by reporting on and seeking to influence developments in the Japanese economy and trade regulatory environment.  It deals with structural financial and regulatory reform in Japan; the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement and negotiations and discussions in the WTO, G7/G20, and other multilateral forums. It also promotes close links on economic, trade and financial issues between the UK and Japanese governments and central banks and helps provide analysis to support UK’s global position in the lead up to leaving the European Union.

Tasks may include: 

• Desk research and analysis on economics and trade policy including structural reform, market access barriers, innovation and energy/environment policies
• Undertaking communications/outreach activities, such as article/presentation writing, event reporting and social media activities such as video creating and blog/Twitter coordination, etc 
• Sharing details with Embassy colleagues through reports and presentations
• Support for events and visits and wider work of the four teams

To find out more about the kind of work we do across the embassy, please see www.gov.uk/government/world/japan 

Interns may also have the opportunity to assist other sections of the embassy with tasks on an ad-hoc basis. There is some flexibility to shape projects around the successful candidate’s skills and interests. Previous interns had the opportunity to do the following:

• Design and production of a short video presentation about UK climate and energy policy for Japanese University students.
• Development of unique pieces of scientific/policy research including on pandemic influenza, risk communication and women in society. 

The successful candidates for all seven internships will be enthusiastic, quick learners with the ability to work with minimum oversight and challenge the status quo. Candidates should be looking to stretch themselves in a new environment.

A proven ability to undertake research work is an advantage for all internships, along with strong oral and written communication and IT skills.  We will consider applications from those both with and without formal work experience.  The work is likely to involve a mixture of policy and administrative tasks. Please see additional requirements below:

1. Department of International Trade

a. Strategic Trade Team -  Research Assistant

Requirements: Either a native English or Japanese speaker with a high-level of written and spoken abilities in the other language.  Ideally available to come in to the office 3-4 days a week and can commit to the full term of the internship.

 b. Trade and Investment Assistant

Preferably the candidate would be a native Japanese speaker with a strong knowledge of English both written and spoken (the other way around would also be perfectly manageable).  She/he would be able to work for 3/4 days a week and be able to commit to the full term of the internship.

2. Media, Communications & Marketing team

a.   Marketing Assistant 

A native English speaker (or high working level of English), enthusiastic and a self-starter. Working level Japanese ability is desirable, but not essential. Ideally available to come in to the office 3-4 days a week and can commit to the full term of the internship

b.   Digital Diplomacy Assistant

Native-level or JLPT Level 1 Japanese to a high standard and fluency in spoken and written English. Good knowledge on social media marketing and Adobe software especially Adobe Premiere and wordpress desirable.  Ideally available to come in to the office 3-4 days a week and can commit to the full term of the internship.

3.  Political Section - Research Assistant

Either a native English or Japanese speaker with a high-level of written and spoken abilities in the other language. Ideally available to come in to the office 3-4 days a week and can commit to the full term of the internship. Previous study or experience in the political or foreign policy fields is not essential, but the successful candidate will be able to demonstrate an interest in these areas.

4.   Energy and Infrastructure Team - Research Assistant

Either a native English or Japanese speaker with a high-level of written and spoken abilities in the other language. Ideally available to come in to the office 3-4 days a week and can commit to the full term of the internship. Previous study or experience in the energy and infrastructure field is not essential, but the successful candidate will be able to demonstrate a keen interest in these areas. 

5. Economic Diplomacy  - Research Assistant (Economic and Trade Policy) 

A high level of spoken and written English is essential. An excellent working level of Japanese is preferred.  Hours are flexible but ideally, the successful candidate will be able to come in to the office 3-4 days a week for the full duration of three months. Candidates with high-level IT skills including in social media, video editing and presentation creation are encouraged to apply.

General Language Requirements

English: The English speaking roles will require daily work in English - by email and phone - with representatives of organisations based in the UK. Therefore, the successful applicants will need to speak English to a native level or at least TOEFL 600 pts /TOEIC 900 pts or equivalent.

Japanese: Where required, you should be fluent in Japanese as you will be expected to contact Japanese organisations by email and telephone.  Those roles will also require daily work both in Japanese and English. Therefore, the successful applicants will need to have English qualification at least TOEFL 600 pts /TOEIC 900 pts or equivalent.