25089 - International Trade Policy Advisor

Background

One of the MoJ’s four strategic priorities is to deliver a Global Britain that promotes the rule of law. The Global Strategy and Rights Division plays a vital role in achieving this, leading on the MoJ’s international relations beyond the EU and upholding the UK’s international obligations within a well-functioning domestic human rights framework as we exit the EU. The Division is made up of an International relations and Trade team, working alongside other responsible for EU fundamental rights, UN human rights and domestic human rights.

Overview of role

We are looking to fill a HEO/Band C role to work in the International team to help deliver the MoJ’s priorities for international trade. This is an exciting opportunity for high-performing, proactive individual with excellent people skills to be part of a small, friendly team working together with the Band B lead to co-ordinate and represent MoJ’s international trade policy interests and build capability across the Ministry in this fascinating policy area.

We are looking for an individual capable of representing the department across Whitehall and internationally where required. The role offers significant exposure to the world of EU exit negotiations, international relations, trade and foreign policy and post holders will be expected to maintain and where appropriate contacts across a range of Government departments and beyond.

There may be opportunities for overseas travel.

Main Activities / Responsibilities

The successful candidate will be part of a small team dealing with MoJ’s international policy interests, strategy and engagement outside the EU. Responsibilities within the team will be agreed in discussion with the successful candidate, but will include elements of the following:

• Co-ordinating and representing MoJ’s international trade policy interests, including those relating to human rights, trade disputes, trade remedies and other cross-cutting trade issues.
• Deputising for the Lead on International Trade in fora including various cross Whitehall Working Groups such as the Trade Capability Group, Sustainability and Trade Working Group.
• Building international trade capability across relevant teams within the Ministry.
• Providing advice to Ministers/ Senior Management on the MoJ’s trade interests as we transition from the EU to trading independently (including relevant legislation and downstream impacts).
• Acting as principle point of contact for DIT, FCO and DExEU on all cross-cutting trade issues.
• Managing the department’s bilateral and multilateral relationships, providing advice on a wide range of international and trade relations and policy issues.
• Co-ordinating MoJ’s international engagement and negotiations, including in the Commonwealth.
• Developing and implementing trade elements of the department’s international strategy.
• Drafting briefing and correspondence regarding international matters for meetings, speeches, conferences, Parliamentary Questions etc.

Person Specification:

Essential skills/expertise

• Outstanding written and oral communication skills.
• Work with a high degree of initiative and flexibility in a fast-paced environment.
• A strong track record of using evidence and sound judgment to make effective decisions.
• Excellent attention to detail without losing sight of the big picture.
• The ability to build and manage constructive relationships with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including at very senior level.
• Diplomacy and the ability to deal with sensitive matters appropriately and discreetly.
• Excellent organisation skills and the ability to prioritise effectively and deliver at pace, sometimes to extremely tight deadlines and with little supervision.

Desirable skills/expertise

• Previous experience of international work and/or trade policy
• Previous experience of working across Whitehall and providing advice to Ministers on sensitive policy issues.

Civil Service Success Profiles

Applicants should be able to demonstrate evidence of following behaviours at HEO/Band C level:

Seeing the Big Picture (lead behaviour)

• Being alert to emerging issues and trends that have an impact/benefit own and team’s work
• Actively seek out and share experience to develop understanding and knowledge of own work and team’s business area
• Understanding own area’s strategy and how this contributes to Departmental priorities

Making Effective Decisions

• Invite challenge and where appropriate involve others in decision making to help build engagement and present robust recommendations
• Make decisions when they are needed, even if they prove difficult or unpopular
• Explore different options outlining costs, benefits, risks and potential responses to each

Delivering at Pace

• Successfully manage, support and stretch self and team to deliver agreed goals and objectives
• Plan ahead but reassess workloads and priorities if situations change or people are facing conflicting demands
• Regularly monitor own and team’s work against milestones or targets and act promptly to keep work on track and maintain performance

Leading and Communicating

• Communicate in a succinct, engaging manner and stand ground when needed
• Communicate using appropriate styles, methods and timing, including digital channels, to maximise understanding and impact
• Convey enthusiasm and energy about their work and encourage others to do the same

Selection process details:

An initial sift based on the lead competency may be held if a large number of applications are received. If your application progresses to a full sift, all competences will then be considered. Feedback is not available for those not invited to interview. Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment, and upon request. If your application falls just below the threshold, you may be offered roles at a lower grade. Expenses are not available for travel to interview.

For more information contact: dora-raluca.trofor@justice.gov.uk.

Any further information on this role contact dora-raluca.trofor@justice.gov.uk

If you require any assistance please call 0845 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail Moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@sscl.gse.gov.uk Please quote the job reference - 25089.