Connection Lead
Job Summary
The Connection Lead will oversee the West Japan Connection Unit at the British Consulate General Osaka, strengthening strategic presence and people-to-people links. The role focuses on advancing MUSUBI initiatives, public diplomacy, and place-based partnerships in the Kansai region. It involves managing a small team and collaborating with senior leadership to sustain UK momentum post-Osaka Expo 2025.
Responsibilities
- Manage West Japan Connection Unit operations
- Oversee MUSUBI initiative implementation
- Drive public diplomacy and soft power campaigns
- Coordinate regional place-based partnerships
- Line manage a dedicated support team
Required Skills
- Fluent English and Japanese
- Microsoft Office proficiency
- Excellent time management
- Stakeholder engagement
- Team leadership
Job Details
### Main Purpose of Job
This is a new role based in the British Consulate General Osaka that will oversee the West Japan Connection Unit. The role will strengthen the UK’s strategic presence across Kansai and West Japan, supporting people-to-people links in priority sectors. This includes progressing West Japan MUSUBI initiatives, public diplomacy, and place-based partnerships. The role will manage a small team and work closely with the Consul General, Deputy Consul-General and the Head of DBT West Japan.
### Key Responsibilities
- Work together with the Deputy Consul General and Consul General to support development and implementation of a West Japan Connection Plan to deliver the British Consulate General Osaka’s vision and Japan Country Business Plan objectives.
- Coordinate inputs from stakeholders including the MUSUBI team in Tokyo, monitor delivery against agreed objectives and milestones, provide updates at quarterly boards, and track budget spend.
- Support the design and delivery of targeted public diplomacy and soft power initiatives to enhance the UK’s influence and visibility across West Japan.
- Support place-based partnerships between the UK and West Japan, acting as a key contact for regional relationships such as Osaka-Manchester.
- Line manage and support a small team, consisting of 1 x AO Visits and Events Officer and 1 x AO Political and Comms Officer.
- Build a strong network of contacts across West Japan, focusing on future leaders, female leaders, and diversity champions.
- Proactively support Consulate-General priorities, including high-level visits, corporate responsibilities, and crisis response duties.
### Job Requirements
- Ability to use standard Microsoft IT systems (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).
- Excellent time management and organisational skills with an ability to juggle multiple priorities.
- Flexibility to successfully support delivery of evolving priorities.
- Ability to accompany the Consul General to events or on regional travel.
- Language requirements: Proficiency in both English and Japanese (Fluency/C2 in one language and business level/high B2 in the other).
- Experience of working in an international environment in business or government is desirable.