View Vacancy - Intellectual Property Policy Adviser

Main purpose of job:

The British Embassy in Washington, DC is seeking an Intellectual Property Policy Adviser (Attaché) to join its Trade and Agriculture Policy Team. The team deals with all bilateral and multilateral trade issues and works to promote the UK’s trade policy interests and inform UK policy development. The UK’s vote to leave the European Union, its development of a sovereign trade policy capability, and the likely pursuit of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the US makes this an especially exciting time.

The successful candidate will have responsibility for the Intellectual Property (IP) portfolio within the team and play a key role in delivering the UK’s trade policy objectives. You will track developments on IP related issues across the US (at both a federal and state level) and work to address IP related market access barriers. You will work closely with trade policy colleagues at the British High Commission in Ottawa to ensure a joined-up approach to IP issues across North America. You will also support the UK’s engagement on IP issues in multilateral fora, most notably at the World Intellectual Property Office and the World Trade Organisation. .   The fast moving nature of trade policy means that you will be willing and able to get to grips with new and emerging aspects of trade quickly and to support other members of the team.

The role will involve engaging with a wide range of stakeholders in the US - particularly in Washington DC, including the Federal Administration and agencies (most notably the US Patent and Trademark Office and offices of the US Trade Representative), business, academia and Congress. You will work closely with policy leads in London (in particular the UK Intellectual Property Office), as well as with other sections in the Embassy and the UK’s network of Consulates-General across the US.   You will often be required to advise Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioner to North America (HMTC) and the British Ambassador on IP related policy.

This post will be part of the UK Intellectual Property Office’s s attaché network, which consists of 5 other attachés around the globe. As such, you will attend the UK’s annual IP Attaché Week in the UK. There will also be opportunities for travel across the US (including the United Nations in New York) and to Canada.

Roles and responsibilities:

• Keep abreast of legislative changes and other developments (for example through trade negotiations/ agreements like the US Mexico Canada Agreement) in relation to IP in the US and assess how this might affect UK Government policy and businesses.
• Provide intelligent, targeted policy advice on specific IP policy issues to senior Embassy officials, HMTC North America, British Government departments in the UK, and the UK delegations in Brussels and Geneva.
• Support the development and delivery of UK IP policy, through coordination with other colleagues in the Embassy, across the US network and the IPO.
• Develop and maintain a broad network of influential contacts in Washington DC and beyond, in particular with the Administration (USPTO/ USTR), Congress, key industry associations and academia/ think tanks.  
• Identify IP related market access barriers and opportunities facing UK companies in the US and devise strategies for overcoming/ taking advantage of these. Support seniors (Head of Team, Counsellors, HMTC North America, Ambassador) in representing the Embassy at external events and engagements on IP issues.
• Lead on the preparation and delivery of strategic IP related visit programmes for senior officials and support the delivery of Ministerial visits to the US as required.
• Developing and overseeing activities/ projects related to IP and trade under the US Network’s Prosperity Fund.

Essential on arrival:

• A minimum of 3-4 years relevant commercial, government or legal experience is preferred. Fewer years of experience will be considered for candidates with advanced degrees or exceptional, relevant experience.
• A minimum of a bachelor's degree in a relevant field is required, a graduate degree is preferred.
• The successful candidate would ideally have detailed knowledge of some or all of the following: intellectual property, trade policy; stakeholder engagement; Congress and the Administration; and the US legislative/regulatory process.
• Must be a proven self-starter with the ability to work independently and as a part of a team.
• Excellent communication skills (both written and oral) and a proven track record of translating a wide range of data and political reporting into concise briefing is essential.
• Attention to detail, strong judgment, problem-solving abilities and service delivery.