Main purpose of job:

A key member of our diverse and inclusive British High Commission team, which works to maintain our strong bilateral relationship with Brunei and deliver our wider goals as an ASEAN Dialogue Partner and a new member of the CPTPP.  As part of the High Commission’s Chancery Team, you will take responsibility for delivering parts of our business plan, projects and events with initiative and drive. 

Reporting to the Head of Economics Team, you will be part of the Economics Team, which covers economic analysis, trade policy, trade promotion, climate change, nature, energy and other areas of bilateral interests.   Your role will include researching and analysing a range of policy and economic issues, building and using a network of contacts, and writing accurate and insightful reports in English, sometimes to tight deadlines.  You should have a general understanding of macroeconomics and trade policy and be able to engage with the Regional Economic Officers’ Network and contribute to regional analysis and reporting.  

Your role will also include programme budget administration.  Adequate learning and development opportunities will be provided.  In this role, you will be expected to: draft and review project proposals, work with project implementers, monitor implementation, ensure project reports are delivered on time, forecast and monitor spending and ensure that invoices are received, processed, and paid on time.

You will also support the Economics Team and the wider Economics Network in a range of ways, including but not limited to: organising programmes for visiting UK Government officials; preparing briefing for the High Commissioner and accompanying him to meetings with Bruneian government officials; supporting UK businesses and identifying potential commercial opportunities; helping deliver relevant UK Government programmes across ASEAN.

You will demonstrate professional working behaviours and be a role model for other staff, making a positive contribution to the British High Commission (BHC) as a whole. You will be comfortable in representing the mission in external meetings, including with government officials at the appropriate level. You will have a good understanding of international affairs, Bruneian government and/or economic policy and at least two years of work experience.  You will work closely with the High Commissioner and other BHC staff, as well as with the Brunei desk in the Foreign Office in London. 

Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?:

• Monitor, analyse and report economic developments in Brunei, contributing to our understanding of the Bruneian economy, Bruneian Government policy and risks and potential opportunities.
• Follow economic developments in the UK, including in the areas of trade policy, fiscal policy, industrial strategy, climate change, international development etc, updating personnel at Post on the implications for our work.
• Arrange programmes for visiting UK ministers and officials, prepare briefing and support them during their visit.  Prepare briefing for the High Commissioner and support him in meetings with Bruneian officials and businesses.
• Contribute to BHC reporting on key themes (eg economics, trade, investment, climate change, nature, energy, politics, foreign policy).
• Build a network of contacts in government agencies, businesses and other British diplomatic missions in SE Asia.  Represent the BHC in meetings.
• Manage BHC’s programme budgets ensuring end to end coverage of programme budget allocation and spend.
• Support the Head of Economics and other colleagues in the BHC and in London (taking the record of meetings, conducting research, giving advice on Brunei personalities and institutions, drafting briefing).
• Lead on specific projects and events (eg seminars, visits by UK officials/ministers); be part of a team preparing VVIP visits.
• Contribute to wider High Commission objectives, including being a member of the Embassy’s crisis response team and taking on a corporate role (eg L&D or first aid).
• Represent BHC on the committee of the Britain Brunei Business Forum (BBBF).

Resources managed (staff and expenditure): 
Prosperity Fund and International Programme Fund management. 

• An undergraduate degree and at least 2 years relevant work experience.  It is highly desirable for the degree to be in economics, finance or a related discipline.
• Good knowledge of government procedure and cultural sensitivities when engaging with local and international stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills, resourceful and with self-initiative and the ability to work as part of a team
• Flexible, resilient under pressure and decisive with a proven track record of delivering results to a high standard
• Excellent record management and organisation skills
• Professional speaking and telephone manner, IT literate, letter drafting, and political and economic report writing skills.

Language requirements: 
Language: English, Malay
Level of language required:  Fluent in English, Malay is desirable but not essential