Economist

British Embassy Tokyo
Chiyoda-ku - Japan
S: JPY 413,000 per month

The purpose of the British Embassy (BE) in Tokyo is to promote the British Government's prosperity, security and consular interests in Japan.

The Economic and Trade Policy Team is responsible for researching, analysing and reporting on the macro-economic picture in Japan; on trade policy and market access issues and working with the Japanese government to promote regulatory reform. Fiscal, monetary and wider economic reporting and analysis is at the heart of what the Section does. Key customers include the Ambassador, Her Majesty's Treasury, the Bank of England and the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Our work is also closely followed by other departments including the Cabinet Office, the Department for Business Innovation and Skills and UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) and British business.

Economic reform and growth is a top priority for the United Kingdom. This means the Economic and Trade Policy Team occupies a prominent position within the Embassy. The Economist is a key member of the team and has a high-profile role feeding analysis and reporting on Japan's economy into the heart of the British government's economic policy machinery. The jobholder will be required to produce wide-ranging economic analysis and commentary to a high standard, often at very short notice. They will also need to keep abreast of fiscal, monetary and economic policy thinking and processes in Japan, including at the Ministry of Finance and the Bank of Japan, and be well plugged-in to the private sector analyst community. Japan will host the G7 in 2016 and the economy will be a key part of a range of high-level meetings through the year, including the Summit itself. This will bring additional opportunities and added focus to the work of the Economist.

As well as reporting on regular economic data releases and current policies, this role provides plenty of variety and there is opportunity to look at a range of economic questions and scenarios. In recent months, the Economic and Trade Policy Team has provided analysis on subjects as varied as Japan's Qualitative and Quantitative Easing exercise; the Asian Infrastructure and Investment Bank; corporate governance in Japan; 'Womenomics'; the rise of the Nikkei index; the key strands of Abenomics; the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement; the UK-Japan balance of trade; the impact of economic activity in China on Japan. The jobholder will have lots of opportunity to be creative and will be encouraged and supported in identifying and taking forward research themes. We also work closely with UKTI teams and the support we provide to their work increasing Japanese exports to Japan and Japanese investment into the UK is an important strand of activity.

There will be opportunities to travel, including to the United Kingdom, both in order to undertake research and analysis, to develop contacts and networks and to provide briefing to a range of figures in partner organisations.

The Embassy is committed to supporting staff in their personal development and takes learning and development seriously. A wide range of courses, some on-line, some direct participation, and learning opportunities are open to the job holder.


Main Duties
• To research, analyse and report on the macro-economic picture in Japan. To track, interpret and report on key economic data releases and economic policy decisions and processes in Japan.
• To provide written and oral briefing on the macro-economic picture.
• Build an extensive network of key contacts across government, academia, think-tanks and the private sector.
• Support the wider Economic Diplomacy Team and UKTI activties
• To Line Manage the Deputy Economic Policy Officer
• To take on a specific role within the Embassy's crisis response team and take on an agreed corporate objective.


Requirements

The successful candidate must be able to demonstrate the following key skills or experience:

• A degree in economics and / or experience in producing economic analysis to at least degree-level.
• Native / near-native level Japanese (at least JLPT N1 or equivalent).
• Strong English language skills (TOEIC 850 or above).
• Ability to meet tight deadlines and work flexibly to meet customer needs.
• At ease with researching and presenting economic data.
• Ability to develop a network of contacts across government, academia, think tanks and the private sector.
• Ability to provide briefing (written and oral) and economic analysis to a high standard.
• Ability to use the suite of MS Office applications


The following experience or skills are desirable, but not essential:

• Native / near-native English language skills.
• Knowledge of the Japanese economy and producing analysis of the Japanese economy.
• Knowledge of Japanese government institutions, financial institutions and banks.
• Although not essential, knowledge of the Chinese / regional economies would be very useful.
• Strong network of contacts (private, academic and public sector).


The successful candidate(s) must also be able to demonstrate that they meet the following competences at interview.

Managing a Quality Service: Plan, organise and manage time and activities effectively, to deliver a high quality service. Communicate in a way that meets customers' needs. Take ownership of issues, focussing on providing the right solution and keep customers up to date with progress.

Making Effective Decisions: Use sound judgement, evidence and knowledge to provide accurate, expert and professional advice. Undertake appropriate analysis to support decisions and recommendations. Use relevant and credible sources of information, including new sources when necessary, to support objective decision making. Investigate and respond to gaps, errors and irregularities in information.

Collaborating and Partnering: Encourage collaborative team working within own team and with others, sharing information and building supportive, responsive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders. Flexible and willing to cover for others as necessary.

Seeing the Big Picture: Understand the Economic and Trade Policy Team strategy and how it contributes to the Embassy's and UK government priorities. Ensure own activities are aligned to these priorities. Be alert to emerging developments and trends which create opportunities or risks for the Team's work.

Engaging Internationally: Take an interest in the international picture and understand where work fits in, including the wider UK agenda. Develop useful contacts to help achive objectives. Represent and actively promote the UK's interests.

Changing and Improving: Understand and apply technology to achieve efficient and effective business and personal results. Review working practices and identify areas for improvement; cooperate with and be open to possibilities to change and consider ways to implement and adapt to change in own work.


Our Values

As part of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) the Embassy/Consulate-General aims for excellence by:

• Taking responsibility
• Encouraging innovation
• Working together

Our values support a vibrant culture where all staff takes on stretching responsibilities, where ideas thrive and the status quo can be fearlessly challenged. We work together effectively with all our partners to make a greater difference for the UK


Benefit package includes:

• The job is being initially offered on a 1-year contract.
• Working hours: Monday to Friday, generally 0900-1730 with flexible working opportunities and occasional out of hours working required
• Salary of JPY413,000 per month with 1 month bonus equivalents payable in June and December
(Note: Salary may be reduced due to tax status)
• Commuting allowance of up to JPY35,000 per month (paid on an actual cost basis)
• 24 days paid annual leave (calculated pro rata)
• Health Insurance and Employee pension (kenko hoken/kosei nenkin)
• Employment Insurance (koyou hoken)
• Excellent training and development opportunities
• Work-related travel in Japan/the region/to the UK
• Expected interview date is week commencing 7 November 2015.
• Start date: November/December 2015


To Apply
Please email your updated CV together with the completed application form, which can be downloaded from our website http://www.gov.uk/government/world/organisations/british-embassy-tokyo/about/recruitment, by 20 October 2015 to japan.recruitment@fco.gov.uk.

No accommodation or relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position.

The applicant must have work authorisation for Japan however if a foreign national, the British Embassy/Consulate General will support a visa application if required.

Please note that incomplete applications will not be taken into consideration. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

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.

Job summary