View Vacancy - Trade Policy Adviser
Main purpose of job:
The British High Commission is inviting applications for the Trade Policy Adviser position within the Economics and Trade Team. The successful candidate will lead on the implementation of the UK-Canada Trade Continuity Agreement (TCA). This will include policy development and implementation, and oversight of key bilateral Committees.
The jobholder will work closely with a number of UK and Canadian Government Departments, each with an interest in full implementation of the TCA. As the link between these departments and the various Committees and policy agendas, the successful applicant will build new relationships across the UK Government and Federal Departments in Canada.
Success will require the jobholder to undertake both external representation to deliver organisation objectives, as well as participate in policy development and delivery. The jobholder will need to be adaptable to emerging organisation priorities and will be called upon to assist in other portfolios as required.
The role is Ottawa-based due to the importance of interaction with the Canadian Federal Government. However, the post-holder will be able to follow Covid-19 public health guidelines for as long as they are in place and work remotely to protect their personal health and the health of others.
Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?:
- Implement the UK-Canada Trade Continuity Agreement (TCA) and work through various Committees to ensure the correct functioning of the agreement.
- Liaise with the relevant lead UK departments and their Canadian counterpart(s) to organise the requisite Committee meetings – agenda preparation, identifying dates, securing Canadian attendance, reporting etc.
- Follow up on action points, liaising between the UK and Canadian sides, ensuring that commitments are delivered and stakeholders kept informed.
- In between Committee meetings, maintain ongoing relationships with business and with relevant Canadian Departments and authorities in order to spot emerging problems, trouble-shoot and liaise with UK authorities to resolve them.
- Develop policies and proposals to inform future UK-Canada FTA negotiations, market access priorities and wider international trade policy.
- Identify areas where there is scope to go further in opening up our markets and developing partnerships, secure Canadian buy-in, agree and manage routes for pursuing.
- Maintain strong relationships with trade associations and key sector stakeholders across Canada.
- Ensure that business is fully engaged in the implementation process, whether through full participation, side events, involvement in specific agenda items or simply securing input in advance.
- Work with DIT colleagues to ensure that the opportunities created by the TCA and subsequent clarifications/refinements are understood by business and they are taking advantage of them.
- TBC: Depending on the strengths and expertise of the chosen candidate, lead on cross-cutting economic and trade policy issues for specific priority sectors across Canada.
Resources managed (staff and expenditure):
1 x Direct Report
- An undergraduate degree in economics, trade policy, or related discipline (or appropriate work experience).
- Knowledge of current trends in Canadian trade policy, economic policy and political dynamics.
- Strong project or programme management skills and experience.
- Understanding of the Canadian federal and provincial system, and machinery of the federal government.
- Ability to write clearly for range of audiences in varying degrees of detail.
- Proven ability to work within changing circumstances and willingness to be adaptable to new priorities.
- Language: English.
- Experience working in the Canadian federal or provincial government, industry association, or other diplomatic missions.
- Knowledge of UK government trade and economic policy priorities.
- Language: French
Learning and development opportunities:
The British High Commission has a strong learning and development offer, including the ability to achieve qualifications through the UK’s Diplomatic Academy.
There is also a Learning and Development budget available for all staff to bid into.
Working patterns:
The job is full-time and the British High Commission is currently offering remote working in accordance with public health policies and personal health protection requirements.
Must have the legal status to live and work in Canada.
The contract will last until 31 March 2022.
This opportunity is closed to applications.