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 be 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 development to ensure the UK remains a thriving environment for businesses.

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 worldwide, aiming to bolster the international growth of UK enterprises. This group comprises over 700 professionals, each specializing in different facets of trade policy and negotiations, and is at the forefront of achieving the UK's trade negotiation goals.

The GIST team is positioned within the Cross Cutting Policy deputy directorate, spearheading the policy formulation, negotiations, and execution across three critical policy domains.

Our work also involves multilateral collaboration with numerous organizations, including the World Trade Organization (WTO), G7, and G20, ensuring that UK interests are represented consistently in both bilateral and multilateral discussions.

We pride ourselves on being a high-performing and supportive team that advocates for flexible working arrangements. We deeply appreciate the advantages of diversity and inclusion.

We are committed to providing the necessary training and support to help individuals excel. Recognizing the significance of both professional and personal development, we encourage you to enhance your skills and trade expertise.

The successful candidate will likely engage across all three trade policy areas focusing on Gender Equality, Innovation, and SMEs, playing a crucial role in both bilateral Free Trade Agreement (FTA) negotiations and multilateral engagements. Anticipate some international travel as FTA negotiations resume, along with occasional work outside standard office hours, as we collaborate with partner nations on various implementation initiatives. The successful candidate must be prepared to accommodate these requirements, with time off in lieu provided for any work conducted outside normal hours. This role demands a collaborative team player capable of leading the development and execution of policy objectives across team structures, with flexibility being essential as priorities may shift based on directives from the new Ministerial team. There is also potential for line management of one HEO.

Key Responsibilities

The successful candidate will:

  • Oversee the preparation for FTA negotiation sessions, including briefing, drafting, and liaising with legal advisors, partner nations, and broader government colleagues.
  • 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 necessary.
  • Direct sections of policy development utilizing an evidence-based approach to trade policy.
  • Support and manage aspects of FTA implementation and contribute to multilateral engagement.
  • Possibly supervise one HEO.
  • Engage with external stakeholders and collaborate with 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 robust 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, international colleagues, and businesses to ensure policy coherence.
  • Develop and assist in the team’s preparation of briefing materials.
  • Exhibit excellent teamwork, support policy development, and adapt to evolving priorities across various workstreams.

This position can be based in various locations across the UK. Please note that this role must be performed from within the UK.

If based in London, you will qualify for London weighting.

Candidate Profile

Essential Qualifications

  • Strong 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.
  • Confident communication skills, both written and oral, with the ability to engage with colleagues and external stakeholders at all levels.
  • A collaborative team player who can support policy development and adjust to shifting priorities across multiple workstreams.

Desirable Qualifications

  • Experience in international or domestic negotiations.
  • Familiarity with trade policy.

Personal Attributes

  • Persuasive and influential communication abilities.
  • Resilience and adaptability to manage multiple priorities effectively.
  • A collaborative mindset with the capability to build and sustain effective working relationships.
  • Confidence in presenting and advocating for policy positions.
  • Enjoyment in problem-solving and collaborating with others to formulate new positions.
  • Independence in executing tasks within the framework of agreed directives.
  • Effectiveness in advancing work in uncertain or ambiguous situations.
  • Ability to compile, interpret, and present evidence and options, engaging experts as necessary.
  • Willingness to adapt to meet new requirements.
  • Commitment to fostering an inclusive work environment.

Core Competencies

We will evaluate you against these competencies during the selection process:

  • Strategic Thinking
  • Effective Decision-Making
  • Communication and Influence
  • Timely Delivery

Compensation and Benefits

In addition to a competitive salary, the Department for Business and Trade contributes significantly towards your 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.
  • An employer contribution averaging 27%.

We recognize 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 create a diverse workforce and encourage applications from underrepresented groups, including ethnic minorities, individuals with disabilities, and those with gender diverse identities.

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



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