View Vacancy - BK - Digital and Technology Trade Sector Lead, B3 (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.
Department for International Trade roles (DIT)
DIT

MAIN PURPOSE OF THE JOB:

The British Embassy Bangkok is a large diplomatic mission of around 140 staff delivering a dynamic and rapidly expanding programme of activity in support of the UK’s objectives including on prosperity, trade, security, open societies, consular services and law enforcement. The Embassy is a modern, diverse and inclusive employer where everyone contributes to the Embassy’s CORE Values of Generosity, Ambition and Courage.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our Department for International Trade (DIT). The successful applicant will play a key role in promoting UK trade with Thailand and other high-growth markets across Southeast Asia – with a particular focus on digital and technology. DIT is a specialised government body with responsibility for negotiating international trade policy, supporting business, as well as delivering an outward-looking trade diplomatic strategy.

Southeast Asia is home to a vibrant and dynamic digital ecosystem. The size of the Southeast Asia’s digital economy exceeded $100bn in 2020 and is projected to reach $360bn by 2025. As the region’s second largest economy, Thailand sits at the heart of Southeast Asia’s bid to become a global hub for digital innovation and transformation. The jobholder will therefore have two core responsibilities: (i) support UK digital and technology businesses export to Thailand as our Digital and Technology Trade Sector Lead; and (ii) support the Head of the Digital Trade Network in deepening our trade and technological ties with ASEAN by delivering on our emerging priorities under our new AESAN-UK Digital Innovation Partnership. Further information on the bilateral and regional activities has been provided below. 

ROLES & RESPONSIBILITES

As this is a new position in the Embassy, roles and responsibilities may evolve and the jobholder will need to be flexible and adaptive. Below is an indication of the core aspects of the role:

Project and Financial Management

  • Assist with the end-to-end delivery of a number of exciting digital-facing projects in Thailand and across the wider region, including overseeing engagements with delivery partners, tracking/reporting on project progress, and managing procurement aspects of delivery.
  • Support the Asia Pacific Digital Trade Network team to manage the Network’s finance, budgets, and projects. The officer will act as a key point of contact for Asia Pacific Finance and Procurement teams, supporting with forecasting and tracking project spend.

Strategy and Engagement

  • Supporting the development of a longer-term strategy and programme of engagement with Thailand and ASEAN on digital technologies, delivering on our digital and technology priorities for the upcoming UK-Thailand Joint Economic Trade Committee (JETCO) later this year.
  • Supporting the wider Asia Pacific Digital Trade Network and UK Mission to ASEAN in the implementation of our newly-launched ASEAN-UK Digital Innovation Partnership and other related deliverables under the Digital Trade Network Delivery Plan.

Trade Promotion

  • As our Thailand Digital and Technology Trade Sector Lead, you will lead in conducting desk-research and analysis on new commercial opportunities for UK digital technology companies seeking to expand to the Thai markets.
  • With a strong focus on Financial, Insurance, and Accounting Technology, you will develop and deliver a strategy to assist UK businesses to access and enter the Thai market. This may include the delivery of events, trade missions, online webinars, in-person roundtables and 1-2-1 support to key businesses.
  • Provide additional support to DIT Trade Managers in identifying/captalising on any sector-specific market opportunities and projects involving digital and technology.

General

  •  In times of peak operation demand, work flexibly within the section. 
  •  Whilst the role will have a dual-focus on both Thailand and Southeast Asia, Thailand will comprise approximately 70% of the role-holder’s time. The reamining 30% will focus on Southeast Asia/ASEAN-related activities, but may vary in line with business needs and priorities. The role will offer ample opportunities for the role-holder to engage with teams across the Embassy, wider regional network, and external government stakeholders and business.

LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS:

  • Fluent English (spoken and written)
  • Fluent Thai (spoken and written)

OTHER SKILLS / EXPERIENCE / QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Good communicator at all levels, spoken and written
  • Strong administration and organisation skills.
  • Flexible and reactive to new issues and priorities.
  • Ability to work at pace and prioritise, managing a sometimes heavy workload.
  • Ability to liaise with and manage external stakeholder relationships.
  • Experience in completing timely and accurate written information in English.
  • IT proficiency – Using MS Office.
  • Ability to travel within Thailand and Asi

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE:

  • Keen interest in digital, technology, business and trade.
  • Experience and knowledge of the Thailand’s Tech/Digital Sector and/or Financial, Insurance, and Accounting Technology (FinTech, InsureTech etc) sector.
  • Experience of living in or understanding of the United Kingdom, British people and culture.
4 February 2022
Executive Officer (EO)
Fixed Term
36
12 months
Asia Pacific
Thailand
Bangkok
British Embassy
1
THB
THB 65,152.00 per month
17 March 2022

The British Embassy offers a competitive remuneration package, including salary (will be abated for those not liable to tax), and benefits, a leave entitlement, Health Insurance and comprehensive development programme based upon business need and individual staff requirements. 

Learning and Development Opportunities: The British Embassy Bangkok encourages all staff to develop their capabilities, through both formal training (courses) and informal (job-shadowing, coaching, on-the-job training etc.). The majority of our formal L&D opportunities are drawn from FCO resources. All staff are encouraged to share their skills and experience with colleagues, through informal training (‘lunch & learn’) or coaching/mentoring. All staff are eligible for 5 L&D days a year. As stated above, you will be required to complete the trade modules of the Diplomatic Academy upon arrival into the position.

WORKING PATTERNS: 

This is a full time role, 36 hours per week, Monday to Friday. Subject to operational requirements, the Embassy has a flexible working policy and supports remote working patterns. As an inclusive employer we are happy to discuss alternative working patterns at interivew or at the point of any job offer.  

In crisis/emergency situations you may need to work as required to support the Embassy response, sometimes on a shift pattern which may result in unsociable hours and/or weekend working. 

Employment offers are subject to successful clearance of pre-employment and security checks. Staff who are locally recruited by the British Embassy 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. All candidates must be legally able to work and reside in the country of the vacancy with the correct visa/work permit status or demonstrate eligibility to obtain the relevant permit. Any costs related to obtaining or renewing permits and visas are the responsibility of the successful applicant.

Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary may have their salaries reduced by the equivalent local income tax amount.

Please note that your application must be submitted before 23:55 (Local Time) on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”. Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen.

Incomplete application forms will not be taken into consideration, so please ensure you provide the information requested. Only shortlisted candidates for interview will be contacted. Interviewees will be assessed on the core competencies listed above. Unsuccessful candidates will be notified via the system in due time.

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

To those applicants not shortlisted, we extend our appreciation for considering the British Government as a potential employer.

 

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, 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.

BRITISH EMBASSY BANGKOK’S VISION AND VALUES:

 

VISION: What do we want to build?

A better, safer, more prosperous world for Britons and Thais alike.

MISSION: How will we achieve this?

By championing UK values and delivering tangible benefits to individuals, businesses and society: through quality service, effective partnerships and local expertise.

VALUES:

Courage: In our approach to our work: supporting innovation, creativity and taking calculated risks in solving problems; encouraging challenge and welcoming diverse perspectives; honesty in acknowledging and learning from mistakes.

Ambition: In the challenge we set ourselves: Striving to be excellent in the quality of service we deliver; inspiring our teams, colleagues, customers and stakeholders; passionate about our purpose.

Generosity: Of spirit: kindness in our daily actions and conversations; openness to differing cultures, ideas and opinions; understanding of differing styles and honest mistakes to build a culture of support.

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.