Trade Remedy Policy and Sponsorship Policy Advisor

DIT is recruiting for two exciting and stretching HEO roles, working at the forefront of the UK’s policy on trade remedies (anti-dumping, countervailing and safeguard measures), which are crucial in promoting free and fair trade, tackling unfair trade, and levelling the playing field for UK businesses. The team are the HMG centre of trade remedies expertise and work across government and internationally to deliver our objectives. We defend, protect and promote the UK’s current and future interests in trade remedies, building the UK’s role as an exemplar and champion of the Rules Based International System. The Trade Remedies team is a friendly, collaborative, and supportive team, with high People Survey scores in engagement in our work, and a consistent focus on inclusion and L&D. In our team we are working to a hybrid model and support flexible working where possible and in line with delivering business outcomes. **Trade Remedy Policy role (x1)**: We are looking for an HEO policy advisor to the Trade Remedies team, primarily working in the FTA and international policy branch but working flexibly across the team where needed. The branch represents the UK in the World Trade Organisation on all things trade remedies, negotiates trade remedies chapters in FTAs, engages with our trading partners, and defends the UK’s interests against remedies actions from other countries. The FTA and international branch works closely with the domestic policy branch of the Trade Remedies team that is responsible for overseeing the UK’s domestic remedy framework and advising Ministers on the imposition of trade remedy measures. Much of this is still new territory for the UK, so this is a great opportunity to lead on novel and evolving work. **Sponsorship policy role (x1)**: This is an incredibly exciting time to be joining DIT’s Sponsorship Team. We are responsible for building, improving, and maintaining a highly effective relationship with the department’s only arms-length body, the ‘Trade Remedies Authority’ ("TRA"). The TRA investigates whether new trade remedy measures are needed to defend UK economic interests against unfair international trade practices. They are a vital component of the UK’s trade policy framework - ensuring a high-functioning relationship between DIT and the TRA is critical to the delivery of our mutual objectives. **Job description** **Trade Remedy Policy role (x1)**: The role will involve: - Assessing our interest in WTO remedy disputes, advising whether the UK should join as a third party, and leading on our team’s input in remedy disputes we have joined as a third party - Assisting in the assessment of the UK’s interests in foreign trade remedy investigations and advising on the best course of action in response - Supporting our engagement in the WTO trade remedies committees and ensuring the UK complies with its WTO notification obligations - Engaging and building constructive and strategic relationships across DIT, Government and, where relevant, with domestic stakeholders and international partners - Working flexibly across the team on projects as they arise, including in relation to FTA negotiations and domestic policy **Sponsorship policy role (x1)**: The role will involve: - Assisting in the development of DIT’s sponsorship policy capability, ensuring it meets HM Government’s standards and code of practice - Supporting our engagement with the Trade Remedies Authority to build a highly functioning relationship with DIT - Supporting our engagement with policy teams across DIT to ensure an effective and cohesive engagement with the Trade Remedies Authority, aiding the troubleshooting of policy issues where necessary - Leading on discreet areas of work critical to the functioning of the Trade Remedies Authority - Working flexibly across the team on projects as they arise **Hybrid Working** Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas. Informal hybrid working arrangements will be available as agreed with the vacancy manager and in line with the requirements of the role. Most DIT employees will be working a hybrid pattern, spending 2-3 days a week (pro rata) in an office, on average. If your office location is London, you will be eligible to receive London weighting. **Person specification** **Essential Criteria** - Ability to work collaboratively with internal and external colleagues to build and maintain strong relations - Ability to use evidence-based policy development and strong analytical skills to present policy options and build consensus - Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work with and persuade others **Desirable Criteria** - An interest in, and understanding of, international trade and/or sponsorship **Behaviours** We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process: - Communicating and Influencing - Delivering at Pace - Working Together - Making Eff