Main purpose of job:

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

Reporting to the Deputy High Commissioner, you will lead the three-person Economic Team which covers economic and trade development, climate change and nature, energy, and other areas of economic interest. You should be comfortable explaining the policy implications of economic developments in an engaging way to non-economists, adjusting your style depending on the audience. You’ll have a demonstrable understanding of the impact of environment and climate change on the Bruneian economy, and the opportunities and challenges that presents.  You will need to be able to research and analyse a range of economic, trade and policy issues including trends and underlying drivers, looking at both Brunei and ASEAN focus. You will strengthen the High Commission’s understanding of Brunei’s political economy and engage with the regional Economic Officers’ Network, contributing to regional analysis and reporting.  There is some flex to tailor the role to the successful candidate’s interests but your personal responsibilities are likely to include economic reporting and analysis, trade policy & CPTPP, ASEAN economic work and managing some programmes; you will also oversee the team’s work on economic and trade development, climate change and nature, energy,  and other areas of economic interest. You should be able to write well in English and be comfortable writing briefings and reports for the High Commissioner and for senior officials in the UK Government departments.  You will be confident in representing the mission at external events and with external stakeholders. You may manage programmes within Brunei and you will contribute to the regional programming discussions, ensuring the BHC takes up relevant opportunities. You will also be expected to play a full role in the wider corporate agenda of the High Commission, including helping to build an inclusive, professional, and kind working environment and leading on initiatives in areas such as greening, staff wellbeing or L&D.

Roles and responsibilities / what the jobholder is expected to achieve:

Management

• Guide the Economic Team to work effectively, proactively and creatively, alongside the Political Team, to deepen our understanding of Brunei, and strengthen our bilateral relationship.
• Ensure the Economic team follows new developments and is proactive in producing high quality analysis and reporting and contributes views to wider Post and Regional discussions.
• Oversee the work of the Economic and Trade Officer and the Economic Assistant including on climate change and biodiversity, visits and programme management.
• Contribute to the team’s personal development and ensure they have the knowledge, skills and network they need to deliver their duties
• Contribute to the broader leadership of the BHC, including sitting on the Country Board and taking on one or more corporate responsibilities.

Policy

• Research and analyse economic developments from a political economy perspective, producing written reports, briefing, speeches and project documents.
• Contribute to High Commission and regional reporting and policy discussions.
• Develop a wide network of contacts in government, business and civil society. Lead on economic engagement with regional and London colleagues as a member of the Economic Officers’ Network.
• Promote UK economic partnerships with Brunei, including identifying opportunities for British business and official engagement.
• Manage programmes (tbc) and represent the BHC on the regional ASEAN Economic Integration Programme Board.

Representational/Other

• Accompany the High Commissioner or Deputy to meetings with senior Bruneian contacts.
• Represent the British High Commission at external events and meetings.
• Represent the BHC on the Britain Brunei Business Forum committee and liaise with other relevant organisations such as the UK-ASEAN Business Council.
• Other responsibilities as tasked.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure): 

1 x EO Economic Officer and counter signatory for 1 x A2 Economic Assistant

• An undergraduate degree and at least three years relevant work experience. It is highly desirable for the degree to be in economics or a related discipline.
• Knowledge of Bruneian economic and/or business issues.
• Demonstrable understanding of climate change.
• Staff management experience.
• Excellent oral and written English communication.

Language requirements: 

Language: Fluent English, both spoken and written to a good standard.  Malay would be an advantage but is not essential.