UK Defence & Security Exports – Senior Desk Officer, Republic of Korea

Position description

This is an exciting time to join the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). We bring together policy, promotion and financial expertise to break down barriers to trade and investment in markets across the world to help businesses succeed. This is a great opportunity to be part of an international team that contributes to the success of the UK’s trade goals. This role requires the successful candidate to be cleared to SC level.

UK Defence and Security Exports (UKDSE) within DBT supports the defence, security and cyber sectors. These are strategically important sectors that contribute significantly to our exports, national prosperity and inward investment, and are fundamental to the UK’s national security and our wider diplomatic and economic interests around the world. Customers in the defence sector are exclusively other Governments, so HMG support is a fundamental component of successful export campaigns. Overseas customers often view procurement of UK equipment as part of a wider bilateral relationship – and the topic regularly occupies discussion time at the most senior bilateral meetings. 

Travel both within the UK and overseas will be required.

Job description

As a Senior Desk Officer, your role transcends three varied stakeholder groups: UK industry, UK Government colleagues based in the UK and overseas, and overseas customer governments and industry. Your work falls into three parts:

1. You will initiate and have the opportunity to lead work with the first two stakeholder groups to develop and execute Defence and Security export campaigns for the Republic of Korea.
2. You will build close networks across Government and industry to support market entry/development strategies.
3. You will help plan and execute UKDSE’s presence at exhibitions and trade missions overseas and in the UK in accordance with line management’s wishes.

These three elements will give you the chance to demonstrate and further develop a wide array of skills and experiences. You will also develop plans for the strategic employment of Ministers and senior officials to influence and progress campaigns and develop relationships with key decision makers.

An eagerness to develop strategic thinking is vital as the role will provide you with an insight into UK industry and commercial processes, whilst also requiring you to consider the Defence and Security export objectives in the context of HMG’s wider security and foreign policy agenda.

As part of your role, you will be expected to prepare briefs and submissions for Ministers and senior officials, sometimes at short notice. There will be a requirement to attend senior meetings in London at short notice.

Person specification

The post holder will ideally have knowledge and experience of defence and security equipment or policy. They will have well-developed interpersonal skills, combined with the ability to manage a diverse group of stakeholders within and outside of Government.

Essential criteria

• Experience of working alongside military or Civil Service colleagues and senior stakeholders.
• Proven ability to balance priorities with limited supervision and use sound judgement to escalate potential issues when appropriate. 
• Proven ability of working in a fast-paced industrial and diplomatic environment to identify opportunities, in or outside your own area of responsibility. 
• Track record of deploying strong written, analytical and communication skills and ability to find creative solutions to complex problems.

Desirable criteria

• Experience of working in an internationally focused role.
• Experience of working within defence, security and cyber, backed by a practical knowledge of trade and export promotion.

Personal Attributes & Skills

• Be a good communicator, with strong presentation skills in a range of settings, including dealing with Ministers, senior officials, and senior industry stakeholders.  
• Excellent written communication with the ability to prepare and contribute to briefs and submissions on a regular basis. 
• Have proven ability to deliver through others, leading a diverse team focussing on different tasks and challenges. 
• Be able to network effectively at all levels and influence without direct management oversight. 
• Able to work collaboratively in a team environment.  
• Be able to prioritise work and work to tight deadlines.  
• Have proven ability to manage and deliver projects.

Behaviours

We’ll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Seeing the Big Picture

Application instructions

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