Economic Officer

Main Purpose of Job: - The Economic and Finance Team’s work is highly collaborative, cross-cutting, and focuses on deepening the economic linkages between the UK and Japan through economic analysis, policy engagement, and the delivery of economy-focused events and programmes. - The job holder will have the opportunity to work on a broad policy area working alongside other policy leads in the team on economic security cooperation, financial sector policy and economic analysis. - The role will also have responsibility for supporting the administration of financial programmes within the Embassy and support assist in the delivery of events and visits. What the Jobholder will be Expected to Achieve: Programme Fund Administration (35%) - Working with the Counsellor, Economic and Finance, to assist in driving the UK in Japan network’s effective use of programme funds. This includes running the network’s programme fund board, supporting policy teams in the bidding process, and conducting monitoring and reporting on programme expenditures, forecasting and project evaluations. External engagement and relationship management (35%) - Support the Counsellor, Economic and Finance, and the wider team in setting up meetings with external contacts and logistical arrangements. Managing contacts relevant to the team’s work and keeping up to date information on organisational changes of stakeholders. Events and visits (25%) - Assist in planning and delivering visit programmes for ministers and senior government officials, working closely with the Counsellor, Economics and Finance, and other policy leads in the Economic and Finance Team, and Embassy Visits Officer(s). - Provide support to intergovernmental meetings and dialogues. Cross-network working (5%) - Take an active role in the Embassy’s crisis response plan and crisis exercises, and at least one of its corporate networks. Resources Managed: - Monitoring responsibility for programme fund budgets utilised by the UK in Japan Network (approximately GBP 300,000-400,000 annually). Job Requirements: Essential qualifications, skills and experience: - Strong communication skills in both English and Japanese. - Experience working in an English and Japanese language working environment. - Curiosity and willingness to learn about a range of subject areas related to economic, financial and economic security policy. Language Requirement: - This role requires written and spoken proficiency in both English and Japanese (Fluency C2 in one, Business level C1 in the other). Desirable qualifications, skills and experience: - Programme and/or financial management experience. - An active interest in government policy. - Experience of working with Japanese and British businesses and/or governments. - Experience of visit planning and coordination.