View Vacancy - CQ - Senior Trade and Investment Officer, Education and Skills, EO

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 identity, 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.
Department for International Trade roles (DIT)
Department for International Trade (DIT)

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT), formerly Department for International Trade/DIT, embraces and values diversity in all forms. We welcome and pride ourselves on the positive impact diversity has on the work we do, and we promote equality of opportunity throughout the organisation. DBT China would value applications from people from the widest possible diversity of background, culture, experience and gender. 

About DBT

This is an exciting time to join the Department for Business and Trade (formerly Department for International Trade) as a Senior Trade and Investment Officer for DBT China. Our aim is to promote UK trade and investment across the world which is vital for the prosperity of the UK. DBT brings together policy, promotion and financial expertise to break down barriers to trade and investment in markets across the world 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.

DBT operates in 108 countries. Establishing new relationships around the globe, DBT promotes UK trade to ensure the UK takes advantage of the huge opportunities open to us, securing and improving economic well-being, stability, and helping to create tens of thousands of jobs. DBT has one of the largest representations of the 18 government departments working in China, which are coordinated and led by His Majesty’s Ambassador who is responsible for the UK’s relationship with China. His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) is responsible for Trade and Investment work in China, one of nine global regions and the largest DBT overseas network in the world. With c.190 staff across six posts - Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing and Wuhan – DBT, as part of the UK government network in China offers a fast-paced place to work at the heart of UK-China Government relations.

The Role

DBT Education team and Skills Campaign teams are responsible for helping UK-based companies succeed globally through organising forums, road shows, trade fairs and etc. in China and the UK, which offers assistance to companies in Britain to create business links with Chinese partners. Priorities include K12 education (Early-Years Education, British-Style International/Bilingual Schools, All-round Education), English Education, Education Technology, Technical and Vocational Education and Training and Higher Education. The teams work closely with government departments, institutions, investors and various types of business partners. Meanwhile, the teams are also actively exploring cross-sector business opportunities in vocational education and training, given the quickly developing and changing market landscape in China.

The position is an exciting opportunity to be at the forefront of the British Government’s growth agenda. You will be involved in delivering the above objectives and working with internal and external partners such as the DBT HQ sector teams, key internal and external partners and stakeholders such as the British Council, Trade Policy Unit, Outreach team, Prosperity team, the British Chamber and the China Britain Business Council.

Acting as the regional lead in Southwest China, you will:

  • Independently manage export and inward investment projects from inception to completion in conjunction with other team members.
  • Conduct business development and market analysis.
  • Develop and manage client relationship, engage private and public stakeholders and work closely with DBT London and other HMG partners to achieve synergy in strategic focuses of the team.

You will mainly work on Education sectors (60%) and Skills Campaign (40%) in Southwest China. Detailed responsibilities are as below.

What will the Jobholder be Expected to Achieve:

Delivering Strategic Trade and Investment Plan (40%)    

  • Collect insights and analyse market trends for sector development in China.
  • Support to design and deliver strategic trade and investment plans for relative sectors by working closely with the sector leads, HQ team and key stakeholders.
  • Build and maintain a pipeline of active projects for four strategic focuses in China market by collaborating with DBT HQ teams, establishing sustainable relationships with government and business decision makers in UK/China as well as frequently engaging with experts from education market.  
  • With unique understanding of the market trend, detail analysis of sector figures and consistent follow up on project, turn active export or FDI projects on the pipeline into real business results to contribute to team target.
  • Work closely with sector colleagues and internal/external partners across government like British Council, Outreach team, SIN, China Britain Business Council (CBBC) and etc., drawing on their knowledge and network to identify new business opportunities in the market for education business and timely engage with Chinese business that have an interest in education sector.
  • Independently lead on activities/campaigns of new product lines with high potential such as in All-Round Education and Skills Campaign in Southwest China to better contribute to long-term sector strategy and target.
  • Provide ongoing aftercare support to existing UK exporters and investors in China looking at opportunities to grow their business.

Relationship Management and Business Development (30%) 

  • Proactively build and maintain key relationships with the Chinese governments, and other public organisations to support delivery of project opportunities and to address business environment and market access issues.
  • Identify and build relationships with senior leaders in key companies, authorities, institutions and other organizations in China and the UK, including intermediaries and trade associations to understand their business intentions and needs.
  • Maintain a close working relationship with internal partners and support them to achieve their targets for service deliveries, revenue and business opportunity responses.
  • Expand the business network by organising and participating in relevant sector-focused events.
  • Work together with Export Support Service - International Markets team to provide trade advice to UK education exporters.

High Impact VIP/Senior Visits and Events - Offline, Hybrid or Online (20%)  

  • Play an active role in planning, managing and following up on high-level visits and events that contribute to sector targets and address business environment and market access issues.
  • Act as a leading coordinator for the development of important visit programs in Southwest China, working with the British Council, CBBC and other networks where appropriate.
  • Support trade event with the delivery, including procurement, reporting etc.
  • Work with teams for online/offline/hybrid visits.

Corporate Contribution (10%)

  • Participate in wider HMG activities. These may include being active on themed committees and in other corporate roles.

Resources Managed (staff and expenditure): N/A

  • Broad understanding of education and skills industry.
  • In-depth understanding of education and skills landscape and business model in Southwest China
  • Excellent communication and networking/relationship building skills.
  • An adaptable self-starter with enthusiasm and energy able to work alone as well as in a team.
  • Well-organised, multitasking, motivated and diligent.
  • Good IT skills, including Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook and database management.

Language Requirements: 

English & Mandarin

Level of language required: Excellent/Highly Proficient

  • Good track record and network for developing and landing business success in education and skills industry.
  • Strong business development, marketing or operations background gained in an international G2G and B2B environment.
  • Experience of working with Chinese government, government agencies, companies, industry associations in education and skills industry.
Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service, Communicating and Influencing, Working Together
21 March 2023
Executive Officer (EO)
Fixed Term, Full-time
35
24 months
Asia Pacific
China
Chongqing
British Consulate General
1
CNY
Chinese: CNY 17,208 per month | British: CNY 23,822 per month
29 May 2023

We offer a competitive package which includes :

  • Gross monthly salary (before all deductions) of CNY 17,208 for Chinese Nationals paid in 13-month instalments and an abated monthly salary of CNY 23,822 per month for British Nationals and spouses/partners (all nationalities) of diplomats who are ‘W’ (diplomatic) visa holders and meet passport criteria.
  • Insurance plans such as social and housing fund (Chinese Nationals), commercial insurance package including accidental, life, medical and business travel insurance.
  • 22 days annual leave entitlement in pro-rata which increases by 0.5 per full calendar year worked up to maximum of 25 days.
  • We offer different types of compulsory leave in accordance with Chinese law, e.g., Maternity Leave, Paternity Leave, Marriage Leave, Parental leave, etc.
  • In addition to the above compulsory leave, we also offer other types of leaves with pay e.g., Study Leave, Volunteering Leave to support staff who undertakes volunteering activities, Special Paid Leave to deal with emergencies involving a close family member, and more.
  • Employee Assistance Programme which is a confidential service providing help, support and information to staff to resolve and manage situations causing concern whether at work or personal nature is available to staff 24/7

There is also plenty of opportunity to develop on and off the job and establish expertise and build capability. We are strongly supportive of the job holder continuing to develop their professional skills. The Mission encourages a blended learning culture based on the 70/20/10 model which includes e-learning, mentoring, coaching, other development activities and role-specific required trainings. This offer also includes supporting staff members to take part in a 5 days of learning activities each year.

Conditioned working hours is 35 hours/ week from Monday to Friday and flexible working can be arranged upon personal needs.

Staff recruited locally by the British Consulate General Chongqing is subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Chinese employment law.

Employment offers are subject to successful clearance of pre-employment and security checks. Staff who are locally recruited by the British Embassy are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Chinese employment law.

No accommodation or relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position. All candidates must be legally able to work and reside in the country of the vacancy with the correct visa/work permit status or demonstrate eligibility to obtain the relevant permit. Any costs related to obtaining or renewing permits and visas are the responsibility of the successful applicant.

Learning and Development Opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):

There is much opportunity to develop on the core areas of the job, as well as wider, and to establish expertise and build capability. We are strongly supportive of the jobholder continuing to develop their trade and investment professional skills.

In addition, opportunities and activities include:

  • Courses and learning modules offered through the International Trade Profession and Diplomatic Academy.
  • Attending external events and conferences hosted by academic institutions, business chambers, and beyond.
  • Learning and Development programmes, which have recently included leadership, line management, effective remote working and trade policy.
  • Opportunities for job shadowing across the network.
  • An individual bid fund providing funding to support more tailored learning and development needs.  

Please note that the deadline for applications is 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”.

Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen.

We advise you to allow enough time to complete and submit your full application, since only applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered.

Note: All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the online application form completely including the employment and educational details, experience, professional skills and behaviour-based questions. We will be thoroughly reviewing the applications and incomplete form in any respect may not be considered while shortlisting for the next stage.
 
Only shortlisted candidates for interview will be contacted. Interviewees will be assessed on the core behaviours/qualifications listed above. Unsuccessful candidates will be notified via the system in due time. Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of 6 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.

For inclusivity and diversity, please remove the following personal information when uploading your CV: name, address, email address, age, date of birth, gender, and nationality.

The start date mentioned in the job advert is a tentative start date and the successful candidate will be required to undergo security vetting procedures. Any offer of employment will be subject to the candidate achieving suitable clearances.

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This opportunity is closed to applications.