View Vacancy - CPK - Trade and Investment Officer, Financial and Professional Services Team - A2

This is a dynamic role for an exceptional individual to be part of the Financial and Professional Services team to help to advance the trade and investment ambitions articulated in the Department for International Trade (DIT) Regional Trade Plan for the China and Hong Kong region, which are: 

Objective 1 - Driving and inspiring UK exports to China, significantly increasing the UK market share of China's goods imports, and more than double the value of UK services exports.

Objective 2 – Consistent trade policy engagement with China to achieve incremental market access, mitigate business risk and prepare for future trade deals

Objective 3 - Broadening and deepening the UK-China investment partnership, positioning the UK as the top European destination for Chinese investment and providing strong support for UK investors.

The Department for International Trade (DIT) was established by the Prime Minister in July 2016 to integrate and elevate the Trade agenda; help secure a better deal for the UK as it negotiates a successful exit from the EU; and, establish new relationships with other countries around the globe. DIT promotes British trade across the world and ensures the UK takes advantage of the huge opportunities open to us, securing and improving the economic well-being and stability of the UK, and helping to create tens of thousands of jobs every year.

Led by Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for China and Hong Kong we are one of nine global regions and part of an overseas network that operates in 108 countries. The largest DIT overseas network in the world, with 200 staff across six posts - the British Embassy in Beijing, plus Consulates in Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing and Wuhan – DIT, as part of the One HMG network in China and Hong Kong, offers a fast-paced place to work at the heart of UK: China Government relations.

This is a fascinating job in an energetic, fun, cross-China team comprising roughly half British and half Chinese staff.

Reporting to the First Secretary for Financial and Professional Services DIT in Beijing, the job holder will be required to support engagement across the Financial and Professional Services sectors in both Beijing and the UK, international representative bodies, and leading analysts in the field.

The postholder will play a pivotal role in supporting UK firms to increase their exports to China and securing inward investment to the UK from Chinese firms.  The core focus of your job will be to support the work of the team in delivering high value business wins and high quality investment for the UK to meet sector targets, through managing logistics and practicalities of specific events, visits and activities to support the team in implementing the strategy set by the Director and senior managers.  

You will provide research and drafting support, and maintain accurate team records, as well as project documentation and budgets when required, including working with senior management to secure and manage sponsorship for key activities.  You will also act as the enquiry point for the team for internal and external contacts and coordinate with other teams as required to ensure smooth day-to-day running of team and sector activities.  You will take lead responsibility for organising regular City Club events that are hosted by the DIT team in Beijing (and other cities) with senior speakers from the UK.

The successful applicant will play a key role in supporting the Directorate, interfacing with other directorates on a range of issues, including budgets/finance and performance monitoring and management.  Very good organisational, interpersonal and communication skills and resilience are key requirements for the role.

Strong written and oral English and Chinese skills are essential.

Roles and Responsibilities: 

Delivering Strategic Trade and Investment Campaigns

Develop a broad understanding of the sector strategy and the team’s contribution.  Undertake research to provide inputs to help with the evolution of that strategy.  Contribute to the practical preparations for the design and delivery of trade and investment sector campaigns. Aid the planning, management and follow up of high level visits and events that contribute to sector targets and address business environment and market access issues.

Help to build knowledge of trends and developments in China and UK markets, companies, technology, financial and policy environments to support delivery of these campaigns.  Use your knowledge to help support the work of the team to influence contacts on the benefits of working with the UK.

Effective Relationship Management

Create, develop and maintain excellent working relationships with key internal and external stakeholders., Help to identify and arrange opportunities for the team to build relationships with key players in China and the UK, including intermediaries, trade associations, our global commercial partners and Government departments in order to understand their business intentions and needs.  Undertake research and provide support to the team in order to identify potential high value opportunities for trade and investment feeding these leads into the system for evaluation and follow-up. 

Support the team by keeping good records, updating team pipeline activities across the China FPS team, to deliver high-quality, responsive customer management. Contribute to DIT corporate activities as and when required.

High Impact Visits and Events, Sharing Knowledge

Provide support to progress targeted business opportunities including planning and practical arrangements for events and meetings to promote UK Financial and Professional Services, including budget management and PRISM reporting. 

Develop an understanding of the work of other parts of the Embassy and UK Government and how this might help to support your team’s objectives. Make flight/ train bookings/ hotel reservations for the team and visitors. Prepare visit programmes for official visitors and provide practical support. 

Knowledge and Skills Development

Commit to continual learning, making full use of on the job opportunities to deepen your sector knowledge and understanding of the UK capability and UK/China business environment, as well as formal training for skills and personal competences most relevant to your job. This includes knowledge-sharing with colleagues across DIT and the wider Embassy.

• Minimum 2 years of full time working experience
• A diplomatic, tactful manner when dealing with contacts and colleagues
• Excellent organisational skills, positive approach to teamwork, and a pro-active attitude
• Excellent spoken and written English and Mandarin
• Good administrative and IT skills (e.g. Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint)