Senior Investment Officer

Job Description Main Purpose of Job: Based in the British Embassy in Tokyo and reporting to the Regional Director of Northeast Asia (NEA), the job holder will drive investment activities and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from NEA into Northern Ireland (NI). The post holder will work on their own accord and with the existing Invest NI (INI) team and UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) in NEA to identify prospective FDI companies. The post holder will also identify and work strategically with senior business and government stakeholders in NEA as well as other external organisations and industry bodies to help develop relationships, build collaboration and enhance Northern Ireland’s reputation with the ultimate goal of securing Foreign Direct Investment into Northern Ireland. The post holder will also implement strategies to maintain and enhance relationships with FDI companies already invested in NI to support further high value investments from these companies. The post holder will work closely with the wider Invest Northern Ireland teams based in its Belfast headquarters, Asia Pacific and other locations. The post holder is expected to undertake travel on a very regular basis within NEA, and when required, travel to the UK and other countries. Where required, the post holder may be required to support trade-focussed initiatives – EG. During busy periods or where trade and investment activity overlap. What the Jobholder will be Expected to Achieve: Trade & Business Development: ・Work with the Regional Director NEA to implement the FDI strategy to promote Northern Ireland capability which contributes to the overall goals of the Asia Pacific territory. ・Implement the most appropriate methods for improving perceptions of NI and generating new leads among companies in NEA. This could include the use of social media, seminar events, trade fairs, NI sector specialist visits, Ministerial roundtables and cooperative projects. ・Support the Regional Director NEA to build Northern Ireland’s profile and develop a programme of activity. ・Work with the INI Marcoms team to develop marketing strategies. Effective Strategic Relationship Management: ・Develop strong C-level relationships with targeted companies, government, stakeholders and influencers in NEA. ・Identify and attend investment conferences, deliver in-market seminars and virtual webinars. ・Build strong relationships within the British Embassy/Consulate, DBT, British Council, and other key organizations to leverage expertise. ・Support companies interested in investing in NI by providing market research, handling enquiries, conducting inward visits, and setting up appointments. Database & Calendar Management: ・Manage relevant information sources and maintain accurate recording of customer/stakeholder information on Invest NI’s CRM and management systems. ・Effectively manage the Regional Director’s calendar, meeting schedule, travel arrangements, pre-approval requests, and other associated work requirements. Resources managed (staff and expenditure): ・The post-holder will not have direct reports. ・The post-holder will be responsible for managing a pre-allocated budget appropriate to the agreed regional business sector plan. Working Hours 37.5 hours per week. *Flexible working patterns (compressed hours, working remotely 1 day/week, job-share) are supported subject to agreement. Job Requirements Essential qualifications, skills and experience ・Educated to degree level, ideally in a business or related function. ・Minimum 5 years’ experience in private or public sector organisation, with at least three years’ relevant experience in Japan. ・Excellent communication, interpersonal & organisational skills, self-motivated and driven to commercial outcomes. ・Experience in analysing information and preparation of reports. ・Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office (Word/Excel/PowerPoint). Language requirements: Written and spoken fluency in both English and Japanese (minimum of CEFR C2 level for both). Desirable qualifications, skills and experience ・Knowledge of Northern Ireland, key sectors and economic drivers. ・Investment sales background or a Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) sales background. Required behaviours Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together English Level: Native Level Japanese Level: Fluent(JLPT Level 1 or N1) Salary & Benefits Basic salary: JPY 587,800 per month (Annual: JPY 8000K - JPY 8500K) Commuting allowance: Up to JPY 35,000 per month Social insurance: Health Insurance, Employee Pension, Employment Insurance Holidays: 2 days off per week, 25 days of paid annual leave per year, Public holidays, Paid sick leave, Marriage/Civil partnership leave, Compassionate leave Job Contract Period: Fixed-term employee (12-month contract, with possibility of renewal) Nearest Station: Approximately 5 minutes on foot from Hanzomon Station, 8 minutes on foot from Kojimachi Station.