View Vacancy - KL - Economic Diplomacy Analyst, C4 (L)

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.
Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles)
Economic and Prosperity

Main purpose of job:

The British High Commission in Kuala Lumpur is part of a world-wide network of 230 diplomatic missions, representing and delivering on the UK goverment’s Foriegn, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) strategic objectives around the world. This is an exciting time to work at the British High Commission as the UK seeks to establish deeper economic collaborations with emerging economies such as Malaysia as we exit from the European Union; and build a global coalition to tackle Climate Change, ahead of the next COP26 Conference, co-hosted by the UK and Italy, and taking place in the UK in 2021.

This post will also contribute to the objectives of the UK Prosperity Fund’s Non-ODA (non – Overseas Development Assistance) programme objectives. The Prosperity Fund is a UK Government £1.2 billion initiative with the aim to promote economic growth in developing countries. As well as contributing to a reduction in poverty in recipient countries, we expect the reforms brought about by the Prosperity Fund programmes to create opportunities for international business including UK companies in the long term.

We are looking for a highly self-motivated, proactive and ambitious individual with strong and proven track record in analytical and statistical work, and use of Big Data tools to support our economic diplomacy and advocacy efforts in Malaysia. The job holder will be the lead expert on use of analytics, statistics and Big Data in the British High Commission, as part of the High Commission’s Prosperity and Economics team, and supporting the work of the Political External team on climate change advocacy and analytical work.

Strong interpersonal, networking and analytical skills are key requirements for this post. The job holder will need to (a) map and build an action plan on the statistical and data requirements of the prosperity and economic’s team, and for the climate change/COP advocacy workstream in the Political External/Environment team (including on the economics of climate change in Malaysia); (b) build and utilise an extensive network of local contacts in government (e.g. Department of Statistics Malaysia), academia and business; and use these networks to help deepen collaboration between the UK and Malaysia. They will also work in partnerhsip with the High Commission’s Economic Adviser on economic analysis and reporting, and provide occassional cover for this role.

You will report to the Counsellor, Head of the Prosperity and Economics Team, and coordinate with the Political External/Environment team. You will also draw expertise from policy officers, Prosperity Fund programme managers/advisers, and communications officers in the High Commission.

Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?: The post holder will use their analtyical, statisitcal and big data skills to deliver the following outputs:

Economic and Prosperity Diplomacy (40%)

  • Map the statistical and data requirements of the Prosperity and Economics team to contribute to enhanced (a) economic analysis and reporting; (b) evidence base / quantative elements of reporting on Prosperity Fund programmes to support policy reform and advocacy objectives of the Malaysia Prosperity Fund portfolio;
  • Use the above mapping work to draw an action plan to improve the use of statistical analysis and big data tools to contribute to programme reviews;
  • Provide expert inputs to policy outputs (briefings, speeches, diplomatic reports and letters) using statistics, evidence and infographics. The current policy/thematic areas covered by the Prosperity Fund portfolio in Malaysia (include Skills education, Health/Noncommunicable Diseases, Future Cities, Economic Reform/Financial Services, Low Carbon Energy, Anti-Corruption, and Trade).
  • Support Prosperity and Economics team to research and map sources of co-financing and leveraging additional programme finance from the public and private sectors; develp and deliver a financial sustainaiblity plan for the Malaysia Prospeirty Fund portfolio.

Climate Change Advocacy and Economic Analysis (40%)

  • Provide expert economic analysis on the economy of the environment in Malaysia to inform influencing of Malaysia’s policy position ahead of COP26, including in development of a more ambitious NDC (Nationally Determined Contributions) and LTS (Long term strategy) on emissions reductions;
  • Analyse the economics of renewable energy in Malaysia and the region, with a particular focus on transitioning energy production from coal and other high carbon production to solar and other renewables as the global investment environment evolves, and the potential for greater adoption of electric vehicles;
  • To provide expert advice on the economics of forestry in Malaysia, including economic analysis of illegal deforestation, the role of palm oil in sustainable development, and the potential for carbon trading schemes at federal and state level.

Other analytical support as required (20%)

  • Good Governance – Contribute to policy discussions and advice on projects to support institutional and governance reforms.
  • Trade policy – Contribute to policy discussions on enhancing UK-Malaysia trade and investment, in collaboration with the Department for International Trade team Kuala Lumpur.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure): Expert inputs to Prosperity Fund programmes, including dedicated non-ODA projects. Contributions to effective programme/project management.

  • Fluent written and spoken English and Bahasa Malaysia are essential.
  • Graduate with a university degree relevant to the job and at least 3 to 5 years experience of working in a relevant role such as statistics, analytics, research, big data;
  • Good and broad knowledge relevant to the roles, e.g. economics, statistics;
  • Excellent verbal communication and influencing skills including in giving presentations to external audiences (senior officials/stakeholders);
  • Strong knowledge in IT applications and Microsoft (inc Power Point), statistical tools/applications, Spreadsheets/Graphs, and use of Infographics;
  • Evidence of self-motivation, professionalism and the ability to work under minimal supervision;
  • Evidence of adaptability and ability to prioritise against competing, challenging tasking;
  • A flexible and creative problem-solver, able to come up with innovative solutions to complex
  • Familiarity with the UK economy is not required, but could be an advantage;
  • Local knowledge and network with relevant stakeholders (e.g. Department of Statistics Malaysia; multialteral organisations);
  • Experience of dealing with government/agencies, and sources of statistical/economic data;
  • Programme/Project management experience.
26 October 2020
Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Fixed term, with possibility of renewal
36.25
Asia Pacific
Malaysia
Kuala Lumpur
British High Commission Office
1
MYR
9,670
7 January 2021

The British High Commission offers a competitive remuneration package, benefits, leave entitlement of 20 days per annum (calculated on pro rata basis) and a range of learning and development opportunities including courses, access to significant on line training materials and on the job learning and development opportunities.

The Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office is committed to developing its staff, working hard to provide a comprehensive L&D offer. Staff have access to a wide variety of online resources through the Diplomatic Academy and Civil Service Learning. Staff are strongly encouraged to take advantage of all the available opportunities.

The job-holder will be required to take some specific training courses related to their role. All new staff undertake a workplace induction and there are a number of mandatory e-learning courses covering areas such as diversity, health and safety, and information management.

In addition to formal training, collaboration with a wide range of colleagues will deliver on-the-job learning experiences, including

  • Working in a diplomatic mission;
  • Understanding how UK international development assistance is managed / implemented;
  • Understanding effective programme management (including Monitoring, Reporting, Evaluation, and Learning).

 This job is suitable for flexible working patterns.

Some evening and weekend work is required on occasions. British High Commission Malaysia Standard Terms and Conditions apply and provide for time outside of working hours to be compensated through Time Off In Lieu.

Depending on Covid19 travel, quarantine rules and SOPs, the role may involve some travel within country, and potentially regionally and to the UK. A willingness and ability to travel is required.

Employment offers are subject to successful clearance of pre- employment and security checks. Staff who are locally recruited by the British High Commission are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law. 

No accommodation or relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position. You must have or be able to obtain a valid work permit.

 “Employees who are not eligible to pay local income tax: e.g. certain third-country nationals and spouses/partners of UK diplomats will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.”

Please note that your application must be submitted before 23:55 local time on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”.

Incomplete application forms will not be taken into consideration, so please ensure you provide the information requested. We regret to advise that we will only be contacting short-listed candidates. Applicants called for an interview will be assessed on the core competencies listed above.

Indicated start date is provisional and subject to successful completion of reference and security checks.

Kindly check your application centre or email regularly for any update on the status of your application.

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This opportunity is closed to applications.