View Vacancy - JPN - Autumn-Winter 2019 Internship Programme

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 (Operations and Corporate Services)
Learning and Development

The British Embassy Tokyo promotes work experience and internship opportunities with the aim of building strong links between the UK and Japan. We encourage talented undergraduates, recent graduates and other school and college students to get a taste of embassy work, which we hope will encourage people to consider a future career linked to the UK-Japan relationship.

These internship opportunities would particularly suit someone with strong links to either the UK or to Japan and is considering pursuing a career in international relations, trade and investment, or similar field in the future.

In order to give opportunities to the widest range of applicants, people who have previously completed this Embassy’s Internship Programme are not eligible to apply.

Available position 

Seven positions are available in the British Embassy Tokyo.

The roles are:

Ref/01: Investment, Trade and Event Assistant – Scottish Development International (SDI)
Ref/02: Research Assistant – Political Section (FCO)
Ref/03: Marketing Intern - Media, Communications and Marketing (MCM)
Ref/04: Global Sports Team Assistant– Global Sports Team (FCO)
Ref/05: Project Assistant – DIT Tech Team (DIT)
Ref/06: Research and Project Assistant – Invest Northern Ireland (INI)
Ref/07: Trade and Investment Assistant (DIT)

The detailed Job descriptions for each of these roles including the language requirements are below. Please note all interns may also have the opportunity to assist other sections of the Embassy with tasks on an ad-hoc basis. There will be some flexibility to shape projects around the successful candidate’s skills and interests.

Who are we looking for?

The successful candidates for all seven (7) positions will be enthusiastic, quick learners with the ability to work with minimum oversight and challenge the status quo. Candidates should be looking to stretch themselves in a new environment.

A proven ability to undertake research work is an advantage for all positions, along with strong oral and written communication and IT skills.  We will consider applications from those both with and without formal work experience.  The work is likely to involve a mixture of policy and administrative tasks

To apply:

For those wishing to apply for our internship programme, please complete and submit the online application form via ‘Apply’ button at the bottom of this advert.

Please note that the application form must be completed in one single entry and cannot be revised later.

You will then receive an email acknowledgement on receipt of these documents.  In order to remain fair and impartial towards all prospective internship candidates, we are not able to give any further advice, other than the information already stated, concerning this application process.

Please note that incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration.

Ref/01: Investment, Trade and Event Assistant – Scottish Development International (SDI)

Responsibilities

This role provides quality business and administrative support to the Japan Country Head and executive team. Tasks may include:

  • Interfacing with key customers partner organisations and colleagues in Japan and Scotland
  • Providing support to the Japan Country Head and executive team on the delivery of company market research and delivery of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI)/international business development projects and events.
  • Undertaking initial desk research for company prospects/projects and securing meetings as appropriate
  • Providing support to organising events such as senior visit, trade missions, seminars and individual company visits to Japan.
  • Supporting on marketing and PR activities

Requirements

  • Fluent Japanese language skills (JLPT level 1 or equivalent).
  • Fluent in English (IELTS band 6.5 or TOEIC 875 points or above or equivalent)
  • Experience of visit planning and coordination or an understanding of international business or technology sectors would be useful but by no means essential. 

Ref/02: Research Assistant – Political Section (FCO)

Responsibilities

The Political Section of the Embassy is at the core of bilateral relations with Japan – covering a wide range of topics relevant to the UK. The section works with a variety of stakeholders in the Japanese government, politics, private sector, think tanks and academia. Following the visit to the UK this year by PM Abe, the political section will lead work to implement an ambitious package of new cooperation with the Japanese government, pursuing cooperation ahead of the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, including in the areas of homeland and cyber security, and taking forward new dialogues on infrastructure cooperation and maritime security. The team will also be particularly stretched in October and November, leading on the enthronement, possible VIP visitors for the Rugby World Cup and the G20 Foreign Ministers’ meeting. 

The successful candidate will work as a part of this busy team. Tasks may include:  

  • Accompanying members of the Political Section to calls on politicians, ministries, think tanks etc;
  • Undertaking thorough research in English and Japanese in assigned areas;
  • Leading or assisting with delivery of discrete section projects;
  • Producing short reports on their research findings in English;
  • Liaising with other parts of the Embassy and outside organisations on project and research work;
  • Assisting with visits and Embassy events when requested;
  • Researching and strengthening contacts with key stakeholders.

Requirements

  • Either a native English or Japanese speaker with a high-level of written and spoken abilities in the other language.
  • Ideally available to come in to the office 3-4 days a week and can commit to the full term of the internship.
  • Previous study or experience in the political or foreign policy fields is not essential, but the successful candidate will be able to demonstrate an interest in these areas.

Ref/03: Marketing Intern - Media, Communications and Marketing (MCM)

Responsibilities

From FY 2019-20, MCM will be heavily involved in the “UK in JAPAN 2019-2020” campaign. Marketing and communications will be a key element of this campaign, as we engage with various partners/sponsors and communicate with not only a business audience but a wider public-facing audience. The successful intern will help with tasks outlined below.

  • Supporting events, branding and PR for high-level marketing campaigns, visits and other DIT seminars or embassy-wide events
  • Developing infographics and related visuals for UK in JAPAN 2019-20 website articles or social media campaigns
  • Contributing to blogs and articles in English for Export to Japan towards a British audience
  • Supporting Digital Marketing Officer on recording audio visuals for Export to Japan towards a British audience
  • Keeping and maintaining CRM data up to date along with Digital Marketing Officer
  • Supporting internal communications to the Japan Network

Requirements

  • Native-level English with fluent Japanese ability is a plus, especially as the intern will be working extensively on comms targeted towards a Japanese audience.

Ref/04: Global Sports Team Assistant– Global Sports Team (FCO)

Responsibilities

We will offer opportunities to engage in the diverse work of the Global Sports team, ranging from events management planning, sports team support and overall project coordination. This internship period will see many exciting and busy periods from the middle of the Rugby World Cup, including the Enthronement moment and also multiple visits by sports teams who will participate in test matches in preparation for the Games in 2020. The successful intern will have the chance to play an active role in the UK in Japan 2019-20 campaign and provide key support to the sports teams preparations, covering all aspects of the Global Sports Teams’ work. Tasks will include:

  • Supporting RWC/Tokyo2020 related events planning and production at the Residence and external locations.
  • Hands on support for 2 GREAT Weeks which fall into this internship period, giving wider exposure to the work of DIT as well, but with coordination of a sports angle aligned with the BOA and BPA in terms of visiting athletes and using their presence to reinforce business messages.
  • Conducting media monitoring and information gathering for campaign planning.
  • Hands on experience working on projects covering campaign strategy, sponsorship, branding, communications, digital and procurement.
  • Providing on-the-ground support during visits by sports teams, government officials etc.
  • Administrative work for project management e.g. arranging meetings and coordinating written documents

Requirements

  • Either a native English or Japanese speaker with a high-level of written and spoken abilities in the other language.
  • Flexible, dependable, enthusiastic and customer focused person that enjoys taking on challenging responsibilities and working as part of a team. They should be adaptable to changing circumstances and bring a can-do attitude to the range of exciting work and projects they will take on.
  • IT skills including ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.

Ref/05: Project Assistant – DIT Tech Team (DIT)

Responsibilities

The Department for International Trade (DIT) is the UK Government Department that helps UK companies export around the world, and assists foreign companies in setting up their operations in the UK. Within the department the Tech Investment Team will lead Tech Rocketships Awards*, working across the sections in the Embassy. We look for a Project Assistant to help us run the scheme effectively. 

In this role, you will have the chance to contribute to our operations with the following tasks:

  • Assisting with Tech Rocketships Launch event in October and announcement ceremonies in March
  • Undertaking some research in English and Japanese in the areas of startups eco-system and/or technologies landscape in Japan/UK
  • Producing short reports on your research findings in English
  • Liaising with other parts of the Embassy and with outside organisations
  • Giving ad-hoc support to other Embassy teams (mainly Tech Trade, Defence & Cyber)

*Tech Rocketships is a groundbreaking initiative to gain UK investment from highly innovative companies of the future. We will roll it out in Japan, following the successful rollout in India and Australia last year, to make the most of the UK Year in Japan and GREAT weeks.

Requirements

  • Either a native English or Japanese speaker with a high-level of written and spoken abilities in the other language.
  • Flexible, dependable, enthusiastic and customer focused person that enjoys taking on challenging responsibilities and working as part of a team.
  • IT skills including ability to use Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.

Ref/06: Research and Project Assistant – Invest Northern Ireland (INI)

Responsibilities

Invest Northern Ireland (INI) is the UK’s regional government body in Northern Ireland that supports its regional economic development. INI Japan is a new and small team in the British Embassy Tokyo. We help Northern Irish companies export to North Eastern Asia (Japan, South Korea and Taiwan) and also support companies from NEA region to expand their global business in NI. 

Through this internship, the successful candidate will work as a part of a fast-paced team and gain real-life opportunities to experience practical and international business skills. Tasks will include:

  • Undertaking the research both in English and Japanese in the assigned areas
  • Developing a profile of NI in NEA and NEA in NI
  • Assisting with delivery of discrete projects
  • Supporting event planning and delivery  
  • Liaising with various stakeholders such as other INI teams, partner organizations in NEA and NI on project and research work
  • Supporting communications work such as preparing social media contents, translating articles and monitoring SNS channels in English/Japanese
  • Providing administrative support such as office logistics, arranging meetings and managing contact data, etc.
  • Assisting with Embassy events when requested

Requirements

  • Either a native English or Japanese speaker with a high-level of written and spoken abilities in the other language.
  • Previous study or experience in international business fields is not essential, but an interest in working in a regional government office is desirable.
  • We are seeking a flexible, dependable, enthusiastic and customer focused person who enjoys taking on challenging responsibilities and working as part of a team.
  • The role requires intermediate to high skill level with Microsoft Office suites.

Ref/07: Trade and Investment Assistant (DIT)

Responsibilities

DIT would like an intern to support work on the Trade and Investment elements of the on the cross-cutting UK Year in Japan 2019-20 campaign. This role would do project based work primarily on supporting work on the Rugby World Cup pop-up activation in 3 cities, working with UK companies on showcasing their brands. The role would also support planning on implementation of the Clean Growth Week (working with the lead for the week on implementation). It would be a challenging role but would give someone insight into how UK companies work in Japan, and their route to market. It would also give exposure to how a company markets their brand in Japan.

Requirements

  • Either native level Japanese and fluent English, or vice versa

    1 September 2019
    Internship
    Part-Time, Intern
    28
    Asia Pacific
    Japan
    Tokyo
    British Embassy
    7
    JPY
    1013 per hour (if visa status allows to undertake paid work)
    7 October 2019
    6 April 2020

    Hourly Wage/Expenses

    These internships are open to candidates eligible for paid or unpaid work in Japan. If your visa status allows unpaid work only, we will reimburse travel costs and lunch expenses for the days worked.

    If your visa status allows you to undertake paid work, we will reimburse travel costs and pay JPY985 per hour worked.

    A commuting allowance of up to JPY35,000 per month (paid on actual cost basis) will be paid.

    Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):

    The British Embassy offers comprehensive learning and development opportunities that will be fully available to the jobholder. We regularly run both work area specific training, as well as more general skills development in project management, finance, and leadership. 

    All staff are required to take a role in the embassy’s crisis preparation and response. Full training will be provided for this and regular opportunities will be available to test and develop your skills.

    Working patterns:

    • Working hours: At least three days a week from 0930 to 1730 (maximum of 28 hours per week)
    • Detail can be discussed with the line manager.

    Application

    Please state your preferred internship in the multi-select questions in the application form.

    Candidates may be considered for other current internship vacancies for which they are qualified.

    Interviews

    We will be in contact to invite applicants selected for interview at least two days prior to the interview date.  We regret that due to the large volume of expected applications, only those selected for interview will be contacted. 

    Security Clearance

    All successful candidates at the interview stage will be offered a position contingent upon completion of their security clearance. 

    Criteria and Eligibility

    • The durations of the internships are five months.
    • You must be available to work at least three days a week from 9.30am until 5.30pm. The exact working hours will be agreed at appointment.
    • You must be at least 18 years old.  
    • The internships are not available to applicants based in abroad.  UK and foreign nationals must be based in Japan and be available for an interview in Japan.
    • You must have a valid visa to undertake paid or unpaid work in Japan. It is your responsibility to make sure that you have a valid visa to stay in Japan until the end of your internship assignment. 90 days temporary visitor visa is not acceptable.
    • You will not be eligible for a transfer appointment to any position within the British Embassy at the end of your internship.  Any future employment with the British Embassy shall be subject to a separate external recruitment and selection process.
    • You should ensure that you have sufficient insurance (e.g. medical) in place to ensure you have adequate cover.
    • No accommodation or relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position.

    The British Embassy and Consulate-General are equal opportunities employers and do not discriminate on grounds of ethnic origin, race, religious beliefs, age, disability, gender or sexual orientation.

     

     

    Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.

    This opportunity is closed to applications.