View Vacancy - Intellectual Property Attaché - UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO), Grade – SEO, New Delhi
Note: All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the complete online application form including the employment and educational details, experience segment and the behaviour-based questions. We will be thoroughly reviewing the application forms only for all the required details. Forms that are incomplete in any respect will not be considered while shortlisting for the next stage.
Main purpose of job:
As the UK Intellectual Property Office’s (IPO) lead representative India (based in Delhi) with support from the British High Commission, the jobholder will lead on delivering the UK’s engagement on Intellectual Property (IP) issues in this dynamic country. The role will also serve to strengthen the UKs relationship with India on trade and reflect cross HMG strategy.
The role will mean being the Indian British High Commission network lead technical expert on IP, delivering IP policy objectives, supporting UK businesses exporting to the region, and promoting the UK’s IP agenda. The role will also involve working across the UK Government teams in the region, offering support in resolving IP related enquires, regardless of sector. We need to be agile and align our activities to priorities of both the UK and India, as those change, so too will our focus.
This position will see you exposed to senior government officials and CEOs of large companies, and therefore, strong communication skills and a high level of resilience and persistence are essential, alongside excellent drafting skills and the ability to turn round work quickly and under pressure. Demonstrable experience of creating and administering strategic partnerships is highly desirable, as well as achievement of direct commercial outcomes. We are target driven, so demonstrable experience in achieving successful outcomes will be key.
The job holder will be required to have excellent knowledge of IP, including an IP qualification and/ or extensive experience working in an IP intensive environment. Private sector experience and understanding of the Indian ecosystem would also be advantageous. The job holder will be required to represent the IPO across all aspects of the role including public speaking and representing the government at a senior level, providing advice to the Ambassador and Regional Trade Commissioner in addition to visiting Ministers, senior Department for Business and Trade officials and IPO seniors.
Due to the international nature of the role, the successful candidate will be expected to travel within the India and South Asia region, sometimes at short notice and to the UK.
The jobholder will also be expected to support and collaborate with colleagues across the region, particularly when they are visiting for major trade shows/meetings/ events etc. They will need strong engagement with the UK based Central and South Asia team at the IPO to align focus, effort and skills.
The role will require occasional work outside core hours, and in the event of inward or outward visits, long days can be the norm. Occasional weekend working may be required.
We reserve the right to review, revise or amend the roles and responsibilities from time to time reflecting the changing needs of business.
Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve:
Main Duties:
- Act as the IPO’s lead representative in India. Actively seek out and build relationships with diverse stakeholders in India and where relevant, the UK , enabling the IPO to shape the debate on IP in the region.
- While India is the main focus,(85%) supporting UK Government activities in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Maldives is part of the regional responsibility.
- Develop a strong and complimentary relationship with colleagues at the UKIPO and in particular, the UK based Senior Policy Advisor for the region.
- Develop expertise on IP policy development and delivery in India, for specialist and non-specialist stakeholders.
- Provide informed and impartial advice on IP issues to UK businesses operating, or wishing to operate, in India.
- Actively seek ways to deliver in market the UK’s International Strategy on IP and HMG policies that include IP , spotting new and emerging trends and driving implementation of the strategy
- Identify opportunities for policy and technical cooperation between the UK and India , including delivering objectives under the bilateral IP MoU and work plan, building a strong relationship with IP India and other regional IP offices.
- Organise and coordinate IP-related visits to the UK by overseas counterparts from India, and visits to India by UK Ministers and IPO officials.
- Engage with the Indian government across relevant departments on domestic and multilateral IP issues, in support of UK interests.
- Work closely across all teams in the India High Commission network on improving IP messaging and IP in bilateral trade dialogue (including Government to Government)
- Other pieces of work as required by the IPO and High Commission
Requirements:
- Knowledge of IP policy, process, administration and law within India. At least 3 years experience would be preferred.
- Experience of working directly with governments and businesses in the UK and/or India.
- The regional nature of the role means effective self-management and prioritisation, and the ability to operate independently with support from the IPO and BHC, are critical.
- Extensive travel (including ad hoc) is a requirement of the role, within India and internationally
- Strong strategic thinking, communicating and influencing and problem-solving and judgment skills. Experience of managing external relationships with key stakeholders is also an essential requirement.
- Familiarity with UK/EU IP policies helpful but not essential.
- Knowledge of the Indian business environment would be helpful.
- Fluency in English language, both written and spoken.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Resources managed (staff and expenditure):
- Manage UK IPO Attaché Fund – India
- Other Government Department Funding
- Line Management – An IP Intern may be employed, and direct supervision and development of this person will be a key responsibility
Language requirements:
Language: English – Fluent. The ability to converse in Hindi is an advantage
Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):
- IPO Induction Programme
- FCDO Fund Programme Training
- CSL learning (online)
- British High Commission essential learning programmes
Working patterns:
The role will require travel within India and the region, and occasionally further afield.
The role will require occasional work outside core hours, and in the event of inward or outward visits, long days can be the norm. Occasional weekend working may be required.
Any other information (or specific local Post requirements):
The role is fixed term role for 24 months. There is a possibility of renewal basis business requirements.
The role sits within the framework of the Trade Policy Team. On a daily basis, line management sits with the Head of the Trade Policy Team.
A parallel line management made up of IPO staff works alongside this structure.
The application process requires a personal statement, CV and behaviours section on the application form
Essential On Arrival:
- University qualification (undergraduate/ post graduate) in IP or extensive experience in IP
- Minimum 5 years demonstrated professional experience in a business development and/or economic development role – either in private sector or government
- Experience of working in India
- Excellent interpersonal skills and able to influence and network confidently with industry leaders, government officials, and senior business people;
- Ability to effectively work under tight deadlines and in a fast paced environment
- Experience of working with senior level interlocutors
- Experience of brief writing and public speaking
- Stakeholder engagement across all levels
- Resourcefulness in solving problems
- Team player with experience in working in large, complex environments and a willingness to work across boundaries
- Strong work ethic, organisational skills and keen attention to detail
- Excellent computer & IT skills (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams)
- Superior professionalism and judgment
- Experience of working in complex, matrix organisations
- Ability to draft succinct reports and provide briefing for generalist and specialist audiences, including for ministers, often to very tight deadlines
- Delivery of high quality day-to-day data management
Desirable:
- Previous experience working for a government department
- Private sector experience
For British High Commission candidates, the Country Based Staff BHC Terms & Conditions will apply.
For other than BHC Candidates, salary will be all-inclusive of INR 173,515 month plus 12% Provident Fund and 6% Special Allowance. Salary is non-negotiable.
Additionally, the BHC offers a great benefits package that includes annual domiciliary medical cover, plus a Group Hospitalisation Scheme with INR 500,000 floater cover for your immediate family.
No relocation or any other related costs or assistance will be provided.
Please note - BHC does not deduct tax at source and employees are required to ensure that any requirements of local income-tax law are complied with in full. Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary, e.g., some non-local national staff and some spouses or partners of UK diplomatic staff, will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.
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. The FCDO also operates an agile workforce. To facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time as we may reasonably require.
The BHC is recognised as a good employer, with a robust, fair and transparent performance management & appraisal system linked to increments and staff bonuses. We have a 5-day working week, plus annual leave, public holidays, maternity leave provision, special leave, paid sick leave provision; ample development opportunities, travel opportunities, a good organisational culture, and excellent work/life balance.
Around half of our work forces are women. We treat people with respect and equality and have a policy of zero tolerance for any form of discrimination, bullying, or harassment.
This is a good opportunity to be part of a strong, diverse team, working in the biggest network that FCDO has anywhere across the globe. We are aiming to make it the best.
We welcome all applications irrespective of age, race, colour, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, belief, or creed. We are also open to applications from people who want to work flexibly.
Note: All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the complete online application form including the employment and educational details, experience segment and the behaviour-based questions. We will be thoroughly reviewing the application forms only for all the required details. Forms that are incomplete in any respect will not be considered while shortlisting for the next stage.
Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card holders will need have, or be able to obtain, a valid special work permit issued from Government of India (GOI) to work in the British High Commission (BHC). BHC will not be able to sponsor work visas or obtain/ assist with the special work permit from GOI. Offers of employment made to OCI card holders will be conditional upon candidates obtaining a special work permit.
Note: For requisite special permission to take up employment in any foreign Diplomatic Missions in India, OCI Cardholder must visit https://ociservices.gov.in
Please note – successful applicants will be offered employment on Country Based Staff (CBS) terms and conditions. This is not a permanent UK Civil Service position and does not attract diplomatic immunities and privileges (other than what an individual may already hold if they are a recognised partner/family member of a serving diplomat).
To Apply:
Please note applications without (a) and (b) will not be considered.
- Complete the Online Application Form
- Complete the Experience, Professional Skills and Behaviour based Segments in the Online Application Form
- Applicants need to answer the questions based on your professional experience. Refrain from use of AI based tools to avoid application from getting rejected/disqualified.
Internal candidates applying for this position need to inform their current line managers, else the applications will not be considered.
We will accept only online applications by 23 September 2024 (latest by 23:55 hours IST).
Please note that all the applicants will be required to strictly adhere to the security guidelines for British High Commission.
Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary may have their salaries reduced by the equivalent local income tax amount.
Please note - Provident Fund Transfer in and out from EPFO is not possible as BHC PF is managed by a private PF trust governed by Indian Income Tax Act, 1961. The staff still has the option to transfer out and in from a privately held PF trust which are not governed by EPFO.
Applicants who do not have the required qualification & experience should kindly abstain from applying, as their applications will not be considered.
Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted, and no telephone enquires will be dealt with. Basis the scores, the candidate/s who did not score as highly as the successful candidate, might be placed on the reserve list. If during the reserve period of 6 months, the same or largely similar role becomes available, the role may be offered to the second or subsequent appointable candidates.
The appointment will be subject to Police Verification and other checks including references, medical, educational, and professional.
We welcome all applications irrespective of age, race, colour, gender, disability, sexual orientation, religion, belief, or creed. We are also open to applications from people who want to work flexibly.
This opportunity is closed to applications.