Geopolitics co-lead

Position description

We are looking for an enthusiastic and high-performing individual to join the Geopolitics team in the International Strategy and Trade Relations (ISTR) Directorate, DBT.

ISTR is a centre of country, regional and trade policy expertise in DBT.  Our mission is to consolidate and grow the market access enjoyed by UK business, boost investment and advance the UK’s wider trade policy objectives, through our bilateral relationships and our extensive network of concluded FTAs.

The Geopolitics team is one of three Grade 6-led teams in the International Strategy and Delivery team, alongside Sectors and Engagement team and Market Access and Implementation Strategy.

The Geopolitics team works to: identify and interpret the impact of geostrategic and regional trends on policy development, identify departmental gaps in coverage or join-up of global challenges; identify emerging insight from academia and think tanks on global challenges; and establish effective reporting mechanisms for promoting cross-departmental collaboration.

Job description

This is a leadership role, which will play an important part in shaping the Geopolitics team’s work programme and remit, as well as taking an active corporate role in the wider International Strategy and Delivery team.

Role and responsibilities:

• Engage effectively across the department and Whitehall on geopolitical and trade policy issues.
• Build strong networks with policy and analytical stakeholders to utilise their expertise, ensure that geopolitical considerations are appropriately assessed and factored into DBT policy making and support alignment with wider Whitehall strategies.
• Build credible and collaborative relationships with external experts, including academics.
• Produce insightful policy analysis and reporting on geopolitical and trade policy issues, tensions and trade-offs, to support the development of DBT strategies and policies.
• Provide expert advice and build trusted relationships with senior customers and stakeholders. Provide briefing and advice for Ministers.
• Leadership within the International Strategy and Delivery team, including line management of a small team.

The role is likely to adapt with changing Ministerial and senior official priorities.

Person specification

Essential criteria

• Strong leadership skills, including the ability to see the strategic big picture.
• Knowledge and understanding of trade policy, international relations, and how they intersect.
• Excellent communication and influencing skills. Comfortable working across boundaries and developing relationships with teams across Whitehall and with external stakeholders. Able to engage credibly with senior stakeholders and understand their priorities, and draft clear and concise written materials.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities and demonstrate resilience and flexibility.
• The ability to motivate and empower a team and ensure the delivery of high-quality work.

 Desirable criteria

• We would welcome candidates willing to consider applying for Developed Vetting.

Behaviours

We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Leadership
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Communicating and Influencing

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £53,560, Department for Business and Trade contributes £15,516 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

• Learning and development tailored to your role
• An environment with flexible working options
• A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
• A Civil Service pension with an employer contribution of 28.97%

We recognise the challenges that people with (multiple) protected characteristics may experience on the job market and in their career progression. We are fully committed to being an inclusive employer and ensuring equal opportunities. We are keen to make our workforce as diverse as possible, and we hope to attract applications from underrepresented groups, including ethnic minorities, people with a disability, and people with gender diverse identities.

Please refer to the attached candidate pack for further information on our benefits.

Application instructions

Please be sure to indicate you saw this position on tendersglobal.net