Senior Advisor for Trade Policy: Gender Equality and Innovation

3 weeks ago


Salford, Salford, United Kingdom Department for Business and Trade Full time

Position Overview

This is a remarkable opportunity to become part of the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). The department is dedicated to enhancing the domestic business landscape, dismantling international trade barriers, and fostering economic advancement by ensuring the UK remains a favorable environment for business operations.

We are seeking a candidate for a pivotal role within the GIST team, which operates under the Trade Policy, Implementation and Negotiations Group (TPIN). TPIN is tasked with negotiating and executing the UK's trade agreements with various partner nations globally, aimed at promoting the international growth of UK enterprises. The Group comprises over 700 professionals, each specializing in various technical aspects of trade policy and negotiations, and is at the forefront of achieving the UK's trade negotiation goals.

The GIST team leads the policy formulation, negotiations, and execution of three critical policy areas: Gender Equality, Innovation, and SMEs.

Our team collaborates multilaterally with a variety of organizations, including the World Trade Organization (WTO), G7, and G20, ensuring that UK interests are represented consistently across both bilateral and multilateral engagements.

We pride ourselves on being a high-performing and supportive team that promotes flexible working arrangements. We place great importance on diversity and inclusion, recognizing the value it brings to our work environment.

We are committed to providing the necessary training and support to help individuals excel in their roles. We understand the significance of both professional and personal development and will encourage you to enhance your skills and trade expertise.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to engage across all three trade policy areas, focusing on Gender Equality, Innovation, and SMEs, and will play a crucial role in both bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations and multilateral discussions. The role may involve some international travel as FTA negotiations resume, along with occasional work outside standard office hours, particularly in collaboration with partner countries on various implementation initiatives. The candidate must be prepared to accommodate these requirements, with time off in lieu provided for any work conducted outside normal hours. The position requires a collaborative team player capable of leading the development and execution of policy objectives across team structures, with adaptability being essential as priorities may shift based on guidance from the new Ministerial team.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

  • Oversee the preparation for FTA negotiation sessions, including briefing, drafting, and liaising with legal advisors, partner nations, government colleagues in the UK and abroad, and external stakeholders.
  • Lead segments of virtual or in-person negotiations.
  • Act as a deputy for the Grade 7 Chapter Lead during negotiations and other bilateral activities, as appropriate.
  • Guide sections of policy development work, utilizing an evidence-based approach to trade policy.
  • Support and manage sections of work related to FTA implementation and contribute to multilateral engagement.
  • Possibly oversee one HEO.
  • Engage with external stakeholders, other government departments, and within DBT.

In this role, you will:

  • Collaborate across the team to achieve both bilateral and multilateral objectives.
  • Establish and maintain strong relationships within TPIN and the broader DBT and OGD teams to refine and validate policy positions.
  • Leverage expertise from analysts, legal professionals, other policy teams, overseas colleagues, and businesses to ensure policy coherence.
  • Develop and assist in the delivery of briefing materials.
  • Exhibit strong teamwork skills, support policy development, and adapt to evolving priorities across various workstreams.

Essential Qualifications

  • Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to convey policy to diverse audiences.
  • Capability to thrive in a fast-paced environment under tight deadlines, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability.
  • Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to engage with colleagues and external stakeholders at all levels.
  • A proven team player who can support policy development and adjust to changing priorities across multiple workstreams.

Desirable Qualifications

  • Experience in international or domestic negotiations.
  • Knowledge or experience in trade policy.

Competencies

  • Persuasive and influential communication abilities.
  • Resilience and adaptability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
  • A collaborative approach and the ability to foster and maintain productive working relationships.
  • Confidence in presenting and advocating for policy positions.
  • Enjoyment of problem-solving and collaborating with other teams and senior officials to formulate new positions.
  • Ability to work independently while adhering to agreed-upon directives.
  • Effectiveness in driving initiatives forward in uncertain or ambiguous situations.
  • Skill in compiling, interpreting, and presenting evidence and options, drawing on expert insights as necessary.
  • Willingness to adapt to meet new demands.
  • Commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment.

Assessment Criteria

We will evaluate candidates against the following behaviors during the selection process:

  • Seeing the Big Picture
  • Making Effective Decisions
  • Communicating and Influencing
  • Delivering at Pace

Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, the Department for Business and Trade contributes significantly towards membership in the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.

  • Tailored learning and development opportunities.
  • A flexible working environment.
  • A culture that promotes inclusion and diversity.
  • Average employer contributions of 27% to the pension scheme.

We are dedicated to addressing the challenges faced by individuals with (multiple) protected characteristics in the job market and career advancement. We are fully committed to being an inclusive employer and ensuring equal opportunities. We aim to cultivate a diverse workforce and encourage applications from underrepresented groups, including ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and those with gender diverse identities.

For further information on our benefits, please refer to the attached candidate pack.



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