View Vacancy - SIN - South East Asia Intellectual Property Office Adviser D6

As the UK Intellectual Property Office’s (IPO) representative in SE Asia (based in Singapore), the jobholder will lead the UK’s policy engagement on IP issues across this dynamic region. 

This will involve working closely with UK government colleagues, Governments across ASEAN – and UK businesses. It will mean being the British High Commission’s lead expert on IP, promoting IP issues across the UK government’s ASEAN network. The post holder will be responsible for ensuring a coherent approach to the UK's engagement with ASEAN on intellectual property; and managing projects that support this engagement. This will involve targeting activities to specific markets and sectors which will have the maximum impact.

The successful candidate will have a strong experience and knowledge in intellectual property issues and in international collaboration.  British High Commission Singapore is a vital diplomatic hub on economic issues for the SE Asia region. There is plenty of scope for the job holder to have a significant real world impact in terms of supporting the development of intellectual policy in the region. There will also be opportunities to get involved in other workstreams within the High Commission, widening the skills base of the successful applicant.

Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve:

Main Duties:

• Act as the IPO’s representative in SE Asia.  Build relationships with policymakers and other stakeholders in SE Asia, enabling the IPO to shape the debate on IP in the region.
• Develop expertise on IP policies and enforcement in SE Asia. Provide informed advice on IP issues to the British Government and UK businesses operating, or wishing to operate, in SE Asia. 
• Deliver the UK’s International Strategy on IP and IP-related issues in SE Asia, spotting new and emerging trends and driving implementation of the strategy. Ensure the wider SE Asia diplomatic network is supporting delivery of this strategy.
• Identify opportunities for policy and technical cooperation between the UK and SE Asian countries on IP-related policies and enforcement, including the policy lead and delivery of a substantial funding towards development assistance to support these objectives
• Organise and coordinate IP-related visits to the UK by overseas counterparts from SE Asia, and visits to SE Asia by UK Ministers and IPO officials.
• Engage with SE Asian governments on multilateral IP issues, in support of UK interests.                       

• Strong knowledge of IP policy, process, administration and law within SE Asia. At least 3 years experience would be preferred.
• Experience of working directly with both governments and businesses.
• Experience working on  trade policy issues, institutions and priorities
• The regional nature of the role means effective self-management and prioritisation, and the ability to operate relatively independently, are critical.
• Strong strategic thinking, communicating and influencing and problem-solving and judgment skills. 
• Experience of managing external relationships with key stakeholders is also an essential requirement.
• Familiarity with UK/European Union IP policies helpful but not essential. 
• Knowledge of the SE Asian business environment would be helpful. 
• Fluency in English language, both written and spoken.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.