View Vacancy - CPK - Head of Agri-tech and Sustainability C4(L)
The Department for International Trade (DIT) embraces and values diversity in all forms. We welcome and pride ourselves on the positive impact diversity has on the work we do, and we promote equality of opportunity throughout the organisation. DIT China would value applications from people from the widest possible diversity of background, culture, experience and gender.
Context
This is an exciting time to join the Department for International Trade (DIT). Our aim is to promote UK trade and investment across the world which is vital for the prosperity of the UK. DIT brings together policy, promotion and financial expertise to break down barriers to trade and investment in markets across the world to help businesses succeed. This is a great opportunity to be part of an international team that contributes to the success of the UK's trade goals.
DIT operates in 108 countries. Establishing new relationships around the globe, DIT promotes UK trade to ensure the UK takes advantage of the huge opportunities open to us, securing and improving economic well-being, stability, and helping to create tens of thousands of jobs. DIT has one of the largest representations of the 18 government departments working in China, which are coordinated and led by Her Majesty’s Ambassador who is responsible for the UK’s relationship with China. Her Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) is responsible for Trade and Investment work in China, one of nine global regions and the largest DIT overseas network in the world. With c.190 staff across six posts - Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing and Wuhan – DIT, as part of the UK government network in China offers a fast-paced place to work at the heart of UK-China Government relations.
Main Purpose of Job
This is an exciting and demanding role for an exceptional individual to be the Head of Agri-tech and Sustainability. Working closely with colleagues as part of the Agriculture, Food and Drink team your role will be to understand the Chinese governments plans in relation to modernising agricultural production; identify areas of Chinese Agriculture that could be enhanced by UK agri-tech solutions; understand UK agri-tech strengths and source ready for market products and companies; work with the Agri counsellor to determine where agri-tech and enviro-tech fit into the sustainability dialogue across the One HMG China Network; look at third country agricultural opportunities.
The Agriculture, Food and Drink team consists of a trade team and a market access team. However, argri-tech clients from the UK and China tend to be different to those currently dealt with by the food and drink officers. Therefore, as Head of agri-tech and sustainability, you will be working somewhat independently from the food and drink team, reporting to the D7 Agriculture, Food and Drink Counsellor.
Roles and responsibilities:
The Head of Agri-tech and Sustainability will need to develop and excellent network of contacts in the UK both in Department for International Trade and Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and beyond through International Trade Advisers, Non Government Organisations, commercial organisations and universities to map the UK agri tech opportunities for both trade and investment. In the course of identifying leads, the role also requires team working to pass on opportunities in agri, food and drink as well as other sectors.
The role will also require thinking outside of the box to look at what other aspects fall within the remit of agricultural sustainability and have trade and/or investment potential, including but not exclusive to novel food packaging, improved cold chain storage, and recycling of agricultural waste.
The job holder will be responsible for identifying, monitoring and reporting on the Chinese governments approach to agricultural modernisation, sustainability and agri-tech, highlighting opportunities for commercial collaboration and passing academic opportunities over to Science and Innovation and UK Research and Innovation teams.
In addition, the role will have lead responsibility for strategically working across the embassy with economic, political and prosperity teams to ensure agriculture and sustainability are considered I wider discussions on COP 26, COP 15, and One HMG goals.
The Agriculture, Food and Drink team does not currently have an export or investment target related to agri or enviro tech and sustainability. At the end of the first year of this role the job holder will be required to have made an assessment of the potential for UK trade and investment in this area and make recommendations to the Senior leadership team as to what, if any targets should be set, and the future of the position and any additional head count requirements to achieve the recommended target in future.
To be successful in this role, the job holder will need to collaborate with a multitude of individuals across the network and beyond. Excellent communication skills are essential, as well as the ability to work autonomously.
Specific responsibilities will include:
Agri-tech trade (65%)
- Develop a network of UK companies interested in trading with China
- Understand and be able to advise on the Chinese regulations, and challenges for companies in this sector
- Assess the potential for companies to successfully trade in China.
- Identify key Chinese associations related to this area
- Develop a network of Chinese clients interested in trading or investing in UK agri/enviro tech
Sustainable agriculture policy (20%)
- Develop key Chinese government contacts that can provide advice on Chinas sustainable agriculture policies
- Monitor Chinese media and policy papers and report on sustainable agriculture issues
- Support the Agri counsellor in cross network contributions for this sector
Investment (5%)
- identify UK investment opportunities in agri and enviro tech
- identify Chinese investors
- Flag opportunities to investment leads
Corporate Contribution (10%)
- Provide support where necessary in delivery of the wider objectives of the Agriculture, Food and Drink team and DIT China team, including on cross-cutting issues
- Promote and contribute to the China business plan and network values, actively and constructively participating in Post activities
- Commit to continual learning of self and team, making full use of on the job opportunities to deepen and develop own expertise and knowledge and understanding of the UK/China business environment, as well as formal training for skills and personal competences most relevant to the job.
Resources managed (staff and expenditure): There are currently no direct reports. Job holder will manage their own Travel and subsistence within Civil service guidelines.
- Strong interpersonal skills, including written and verbal presentation and communication skills
- Ability to work across teams and stakeholders based across multiple locations
- Ability to develop autonomous work plan to deliver pre-agreed goals
- Good analytical and policy understanding
- Good commercial understanding
- Language: English and Mandarin (Excellent/Highly Proficient in written and spoken)
- Knowledge of Chinese agricultural sector
- Knowledge of UK agricultural sector
- Experience of developing trade opportunities
We offer a competitive package, which includes basic salary and insurance plan etc. The gross starting salary for this position before all deductions is CNY 28,769/month for Chinese Nationals and an abated monthly salary of CNY 37,488/month for British Nationals and spouses/partners of all nationalities of diplomats who are ‘W’ (diplomatic) visa holders and meet passport criteria.
We also offer excellent development opportunities and a 22-day annual leave entitlement in pro rata.
Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):
There is plenty of opportunity to develop on and off the job, and to establish expertise and build capability. We are strongly supportive of the job holder continuing to develop their trade and investment professionalism.
In addition, opportunities and activities include:
- Courses and learning modules offered through the International Trade Profession and Diplomatic Academy.
- Attending external events and conferences hosted by academic institutions, business chambers, etc
- Learning and Development programmes, which have recently included leadership, line management, effective remote working and trade policy.
- Opportunities for job shadowing across the network
- An individual bid fund providing funding to support more tailored learning and development needs.
Flexible working arrangements always considered.
No accommodation or relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position. You must have or be able to obtain a local work permit.
Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy are subject to terms and conditions of service according to local employment law.
Employment offers are subject to successful clearance of pre-employment checks. Only short-listed applications will be called for personal interviews.
The Embassy is an equal opportunities employer and does not discriminate on grounds of ethnic origin, race, religious beliefs, age, disability, gender or sexual orientation.
All applications must be received before 23:55 China Standard Time on the specified 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.
The China Network is operating with reduced staff because of the COVID-19 outbreak. Recruitment for this position may take longer than usual and may be cancelled or suspended. Job offers will be subject to a return to normal operations.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
