Jul 7

Internship: Research Assistant (Economic Diplomacy) – British Embassy (Tokyo)

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Posted by Sydney Sparrow, curriculum and content developer for a real estate school based in Virginia. Click here to join the JETwit Jobs Google Group and receive job listings even sooner by email.

Position: Research Assistant (Economic Diplomacy)
Posted by: British Embassy
Location: Tokyo, Japan
Status: Maximum of 28 hours per week

Overview: The Economic Diplomacy Team at the British Embassy in Tokyo works on a wide range of issues to help create the conditions for global growth by promoting a rules-based international economic system to underpin economic stability and by securing global energy supplies in a sustainable low carbon economy. Under the department, there are three different teams: 

• The Science & Innovation section in Japan represents the whole of the UK science base in Japan. The team promotes and strengthens science, technology and innovation collaboration between the UK and Japan. It works closely with experts from both countries dealing with exciting themes including stem cell research, brain science, cybersecurity, space, energy technology including nuclear. 
• The Climate Change & Energy section promotes UK climate change and energy policy in Japan, working with a wide range of governmental and non-governmental decision-makers, opinion-formers and influencers to encourage the political conditions which support Japanese climate ambition. The section has a major focus on energy as the main tool for achieving our climate objectives, as a crucial engine of the economy, and a source of trade and investment opportunities for the UK. 
• The Economic & Trade Policy section works to promote UK economic interests in an open and expanding global economy by reporting on and seeking to influence developments in the Japanese economy and regulatory environment. It deals with structural financial and regulatory reform in Japan; the EU-Japan Economic Partnership and negotiations and discussions in the WTO, G7, EU and other bi/multi-lateral forums. It also promotes close links on economic, trade and financial issues between the UK and Japanese governments and central banks.

The internships are designed for those who want to learn more about how an Embassy works. This includes learning how we help business and support British nationals living in Japan. It is ideal for those who wish to broaden their skills and experience in a real-world environment. The internships will provide you with a unique experience and in-depth understanding of the British Government’s work in business, and Economic Diplomacy (Science & Innovation/Climate Change & Energy/Economic & Trade Policy). 

Successful candidates will be enthusiastic, quick learners with the ability to work with minimum oversight and challenge the status quo. Candidates should be looking to stretch themselves in a new environment. 

A proven ability to undertake research work is an advantage, along with strong oral and written communication and IT skills. We will consider applications from those both with and without formal work experience. The work is likely to involve a mixture of policy and administrative tasks 

Responsibilities:

• Desk research and analysis on structural reform, innovation and energy/environment policies 
• Undertaking communications/outreach activities, such as article/presentation writing, event reporting and social media activities such as video creating and blog/Twitter coordination, etc 
• Sharing details with Embassy colleagues through reports and presentations 
• Support for events and visits and wider work of the three teams 

Interns may also have the opportunity to assist other sections of the Embassy with tasks on an ad-hoc basis. There is some flexibility to shape projects around the successful candidate’s skills and interests. For example of works the past interns have dealt with: 

• Design and production of a short video presentation about UK climate and energy policy for Japanese University students.
• Development of unique pieces of scientific/policy research including on pandemic influenza, risk communication and women in society. 

Requirements: A high level of spoken and written English is essential. A good working level of Japanese is preferred. Hours are flexible but ideally, the successful candidate will be able to come in to the office 3-4 days a week for the full duration of three months. Candidates with high-level IT skills including in social media, video editing and presentation creation are encouraged to apply. 

Application Process: You should apply via the following completed on-line application form here by Friday, July 10, 2015 (Japan Time). Please note that application form must be completed in one single entry. As required, you should send the following two documents by email to BritishEmbassyEvents.Tokyo@fco.gov.uk: 

1. Your up-to-date CV 
2. Evidence of your language ability if required for the position and not your native language 

You will receive an acknowledgement on receipt of the form. In order to remain fair and impartial towards all prospective internship candidates, we are not able to give extra advice other than that stated concerning the application process. 

Please email BritishEmbassyEvents.Tokyo@fco.gov.uk only if you have any issues completing this form.