Main purpose of job:

The British Embassy Bangkok is a large diplomatic mission of around 150 staff delivering a dynamic and rapidly expanding programme of activity in support of the UK’s objectives including on economic and sustainable development, trade, security, open societies, consular services and law enforcement. This is an exciting opportunity to join our diverse team.  
 
This is a fantastic opportunity to join a dynamic team which focuses on sustainable development partnerships on economic reform, digital, health, science and innovation, environmental issues and climate change.

As Deputy Head of the Economic and Sustainable Development (ESD) section at the British Embassy Bangkok, the job holder will have the opportunity to work on a fascinating range of domestic, regional and global issues and build networks with a broad range of external stakeholders.

The UK and Thailand recently signed a Strategic Partnership which strengthens cooperation in a range of areas including: economic, trade and investment; political, security and defence; climate, energy and sustainable development; science and technology; health; agriculture and people-to-people links.

This exciting role is part of the UK Embassy’s policy leadership team, delivering on that cooperation. We are looking for an excellent team player who has the ability to think strategically to shape and deliver on UK-Thailand partnerships, in particular on economic issues and green transition.

The UK and Thailand have a longstanding trade and economic partnership, including MoUs with the Bank of Thailand and the Securities and Exchange Commission, to support the development of Thailand’s financial sector and ecosystem to support financial inclusion. 

In Thailand, the UK’s activity on climate change spans diplomatic action and lobbying, events and media engagement, and a range of UK-funded programmes to support the Thai government to develop and implement low carbon transition plans and accelerate economic growth in green sectors. As part of the UK Government’s global response to the climate challenge and its commitment to help deliver the aims of the 2015 Paris Agreement, we plan to launch the UK PACT (Partnering for Accelerated Climate Transitions) programme in Thailand with a focus on transportation, sustainable finance and carbon pricing.

Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?:
     
Responsibilities will be defined with the successful candidate. They are expected to include: 

Leadership

• Play an active role in the Embassy’s leadership team, providing guidance on the UK-Thailand Strategic Partnership with Thailand, in particular to accelerate domestic regulatory and economic reforms and drive green transition.
• Collaborate with other sections of the British Embassy and UK missions across Southeast Asia to ensure our work is joined up and aligned with UK strategies and wider priorities (including Department for Business and Trade).
• Lead on senior visits (inward and outward) including leading relevant policy teams on deliverables, briefing and   programme.
• Management of team of up to 5 staff.
• Deputise for the Economic and Sustainable Development Counsellor.
• Contribute to wider goals across the Embassy as required, working flexibly to support colleagues in peak periods.
• Opportunity to play an active part in the corporate life of the British Embassy, such as contributing to learning and development, inclusion and wellbeing.

Policy and programmes

• Lead and represent our lobbying and comms engagement on key UK policy objectives in these areas – in particular on climate, energy, financial sector, and digital policy.
• Provide strategic direction and leadership on our economic partnership with Thailand, including oversight of policy analysis and reporting on economic developments, working with the Economic Officer and Political Section.
• Oversight and management of a diverse portfolio of bilateral and regional ODA programmes and projects, working closely with programme leads to maximise impact and value for money.
• Oversight of the ASEAN-UK Economic Integration programme, managed by a Programme Manager.
• Oversight of the climate, energy and environment portfolio, led by an Climate and Energy Attaché and UK PACT programme manager.

Stakeholder engagement 

• Building and maintaining an extensive network of senior contacts in economic and climate change fields in government, parliament, diplomatic community, academia, civil society and the private sector to support our engagement and promote UK policy objectives.
• Use networks to build knowledge, inform policy direction and deepen cooperation under the UK-Thailand Strategic Partnership.
• Briefing senior members of the Embassy, high-level UK Government visitors, and UK businesses on economic and climate developments in Thailand.
• Representational work, including speaking at conferences and events.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure): 

• This role directly line manages a team of up to 5 covering economic and climate portfolios.

We are looking for a proactive self-starter, able to work well under pressure and take a flexible approach to emerging priorities. You will have excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build strong relations within the British Embassy, with UK teams and a wide range of stakeholders in Thailand.
 
Candidates should demonstrate:

• A university degree, preferably in economics, international relations, or climate-related course;
• Knowledge of or background in one or more areas that the role covers, in particular, international development, economics, financial sector and fintech, climate change and energy;
• An understanding of economic and climate issues and policies in Thailand and willingness to continually learn and develop;
• A minimum of 5 years of work experience, ideally in development, climate or economic roles;
• Strong leadership and management experience, including empowering teams and engaging senior external stakeholders;
• Positive attitude and proactive approach to working with others;
• Strong interpersonal and relationship skills;
• Flexible and creative problem-solving skills, and the ability to come up with innovative solutions to complex problems, and coordinate coherent and compelling programmes and projects;
• Strong communication skills (written and verbal) and ability to adjust to different audiences;
• Strategic awareness;
• Ability to prioritise own workload and make adjustments to respond to urgent tasks;
• Excellent command of written and spoken English.