Main purpose of job:

The British Embassy in Washington DC has an exciting opportunity for a dynamic person to join the Embassy’s Trade Policy team as Senior Trade Policy Advisor. This opportunity is a rewarding role which supports and further develops the special relationship between the UK and the US, working at the forefront of UK-US trade policy and international trade diplomacy in order to make a real difference globally. 

This is a chance to directly contribute to the way in which both Governments collaborate and negotiate on international trade policy. 

The officer will form a vital part of the Trade, Agriculture and Economic Security Policy Team at the Embassy. The Team deals with all bilateral and multilateral trade issues and works to promote the UK’s trade policy interests and informs UK policy development. The Foreign Secretary’s priorities include prosperity and trade, as well as shaping international economic rules, norma and institutions on trade and digital economy; you will support this, along with the interests of the Department of Business and Trade. 

The primary purpose of the role is to support the development and implementation of a strategy to build support for a strengthened UK-US trade and investment relationship with the Administration and Congress. You will use this knowledge to: help shape the UK’s trade policy priorities; develop strategies to deepen our engagement on trade policy issues at federal level; and identify priority audiences and develop tailored messaging to build support for increased UK-US trade. There will be scope to also promote UK trade and investment across the US, working with our Department for Business and Trade colleagues, including His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner, and Consulates. 

The US Network offers a unique career enhancing opportunity and is committed to supporting its staff through a variety of benefits including generous leave, insurance packages and a highly competitive 401k programme.  It also promotes a culture of flexibility which enables people to better maintain wellness through an excellent work/life balance approach that encompasses hybrid working, including working from home and flexible hours, where possible.  In this role you would be working in a diverse international environment alongside UK diplomats, armed forces personnel and other country based staff operating across the British Government’s network of Consulates and Government Offices in the United States. This network provides a platform for approximately 30 Government departments and agencies to conduct their work in the United States and is made up of over 900 staff with a rich and diverse background, skill sets, and experiences. 

You will work closely with other members of the Trade Team based in DC as well as with policy leads in London.  You will collaborate with the dynamic and diverse team within the across the wider Embassy and network. 
The ideal candidate will be a clear and effective communicator, team player and strong networker, with the ability to think strategically, with a background in/history of trade and economic policy. 

Roles and responsibilities:

• Build an understanding of and expertise of US federal trade policy across all key sectors and processes;
• Identify key influencers/stakeholders and develop broad, deep and effective networks of contacts (Administration, legislators, business policy representatives, think tanks, media and other interest groups);
• Advise the Ambassador on senior relationships they should build locally (e.g. Governors, Senators, Congressmen, Mayors, senior business leaders etc.) to help drive forward UK trade policy priorities and to influence views on trade policy and the UK;
• Understand and report on established or emerging federal level market access barriers affecting British firms; and with other prosperity colleagues develop and deliver lobbying strategies on behalf of the UK government to address emerging trade issues;
• Work with communications and prosperity colleagues to refine and deliver messaging that showcases the strength of the UK-US trade and investment relationship and is targeted at influential audiences;
• Working with other Embassy and network colleagues to design and deliver impactful visit programmes for the Ambassador, British Ministers and other senior visitors and ensure they understand the regional views on trade and how best to establish the UK as trade and investment partner of choice;
• Any other duties as assigned.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure): 

Expected to line manage two team members (tbc). 

• Significant work experience, from either/or the commercial, government or NGO sectors.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
• Excellent communication skills (both oral and written).
• Proven ability to represent your organisation and build effective networks outside your organisation.
• Previous strategy related work.
• Knowledge of trade policy.

Language requirements: 

Language: English

Level of language required: fluent