Main Purpose of Job:
We are recruiting a Senior Policy Officer – Climate and Environment to work within a team focused on sharing UK climate, energy and environment policy experience in Japan and building UK-Japan collaboration and partnership.
This role will require working as part of a team, leading on promotion of UK climate and environment policy, and engaging with stakeholders in Japan on climate and environment. The jobholder will be expected to develop understanding and expertise on UK and Japan climate and environment policy and work without close supervision. The jobholder will propose and lead activity and courses of action on climate and environment policy engagement and get involved in wider tasks and energy-related topics when needed including covering for energy-focused staff during absences.
The job holder will develop understanding on Japanese climate and environment policy, reporting key updates internally, and suggest opportunities for engagement and collaboration. The jobholder will prioritise their personal workload working in a strategic manner to deliver objectives which stem from UK Government priorities.
The jobholder will plan out activities and engagement to share with and learn from Japan and build partnerships. Such activity will often be strategically planned around key climate and environment related multilateral summits. The role will require flexibility to respond to changing objectives and priorities. The areas of focus described here are subject to change as UK policy focus and objectives change.
The role will include access to learning and development opportunities.
What the Jobholder will be Expected to Achieve:
Resources Managed (staff and expenditure):
Language Requirements:
This role requires written and spoken proficiency in both English and Japanese. Fluency (minimum of C2 level for CEFR framework*) in one language and business level (minimum of high B2) in the other.
*Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) for Languages sets the following mastery or proficiency levels:
Working Patterns:
The British Embassy supports and promotes flexible working as a crucial part of our inclusive offering. This role allows for flexible working e.g. start and end times, working compressed hours, working remotely on one day a week, and the possibility of a job share arrangement, subject to agreement with management.
Willingness to work out of hours where required for business need adjusting working patterns accordingly and willingness to undertake some local/international travel as required.
This role will be offered pending successful reference and security checks and is subject to the appropriate permissions to work. Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy Tokyo is subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Japan 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 Japan 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.
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.
The FCDO operates an agile approach to delivery. To facilitate an agile workforce, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time as we may reasonably require.
Learning and Development Opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):
On-the-job training, performance management and related training. Support to define and deliver a personalised development plan.
The British Embassy Tokyo and the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) provides a range of training opportunities in core diplomatic and commercial skills, from networking and communication to project management. The British Embassy Tokyo works closely with missions across the Asia-Pacific region to share experience and learning.
Alongside several specific courses that must be completed upon arrival, the Japan Network is supportive of learning and development. We offer five development days per year and regular opportunities for learning and development delivered both within the mission and regionally in Asia. We also use coaching and a buddying system to support new arrivals.
All staff are required to take a role in the Japan Network’s crisis preparation and response. Full training will be provided, and regular opportunities will be available to test and develop your skills.
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.
To ensure a successful application it is important that you explain how you demonstrate these behaviours, including through your experience. You are strongly advised to read the Success Profiles Civil Service Behaviours Framework, which provides detailed guidance on how the behaviours are defined.
Applicants are encouraged to use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) format to prepare specific examples of when they have demonstrated these behaviours in their application. Using the STAR format to provide evidence of your skills and experience in your application and at interview helps to give a structure. You briefly describe the situation in which you showed the behaviour, and then explain your task in addressing the situation, what action you took and the result of this.
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.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
