We are

The European Union (EU) is an economic and political partnership between 27 European countries. It plays an important role in international affairs through diplomacy, trade, development aid and working with global organisations. Abroad, the EU is represented through more than 140 diplomatic representations, known also as EU Delegations, who have a similar function to those of an embassy.

The EU Delegation to Japan was established in 1974 with the objective of fostering closer ties between the European Union and Japan.

We offer

We offer a post of Policy Assistant – Trade Affairs Assistant. Under this post, the recruited person will be attributed functions depending on the needs of the Delegation. Upon recruitment and under this job function the successful candidate will serve as Policy Assistant – Trade Affairs Assistant within the Trade Section, managing the monitoring, research and analysis of policy and legislative developments and contributing to the EU delegation outreach in the fields specified below under requirements.

The job will be carried out in the EU Delegation premises in Tokyo with a working time of 37.5 hours / week. This job position corresponds to a local agent (Group 2) position with a starting basic monthly salary of JPY 548,091.  The contract will be limited to three years.  An opportunity to obtain an indefinite period contract will be considered after a successful assessment.

We offer a competitive position in an international, dynamic environment. The candidate will work in a team of 15 (including 7 officials and 8 colleagues recruited locally).

Full benefit of Japanese social insurance is granted and other benefits, such as additional pension scheme, are offered.  We offer a flexible working environment, with the possibility to work from home one day a week. Travel requirements are limited (maximum 4-5 times a year within Japan, and once a year to Brussels). 

Selection Criteria

Minimum Requirements:

1. Medically fit to perform the required duties.
2. Enjoy civil rights and permits for employment under local law.
3. Excellent knowledge of both English (C1 level) and Japanese language (C1 level).
4. University degree and Master’s degree or other post graduate degree
5. At least 1 year relevant experience, including policy analysis and research as well as interaction with Japanese stakeholders.  
6. Substantial knowledge of economic and trade relations,
7. Familiarity with Japanese institutions and legislative /regulatory processes.
8. Excellent command of IT tools including: MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.); Use of internet as well as IT applications relevant to database use and search, remote work applications such as Webex.

Knowledge and expertise in the following areas would be considered an asset:

1. Knowledge of the European Union and its Member States.
2. Relevant professional experience in diplomatic and/or international organisations.
3. Japanese language of mother tongue level.

How to apply

Please send your application and supporting documents by email to [email protected] to: Head of Administration – Trade Affairs Assistant recruitment.

The application should include a cover letter including references of previous employers specifying contact details (company/institution, position, email and telephone number) and a detailed CV. Other supporting documents can also be attached with the application.

The EU Delegation will not supply additional information or discuss the selection procedure by telephone or in person: Please address any queries concerning this procedure to [email protected]

The procedure

After the deadline for applications, the applications will be reviewed by a Selection Committee set up for this purpose. The Selection Committee will prepare a short-list of candidates who are considered to be the most suitable for the post on the basis of a preliminary assessment of the information provided in their application letter and the supporting documents.  The short-listed candidates will be invited to an interview by a selection panel. The knowledge of the applicant of the relevant domains of EU-Japan economic and trade cooperation, climate change, environment and sustainable development, energy policies, as well as basic knowledge of the European Union, will be tested by detailed questioning of the panel. Applicants selected for the panel interview are expected to prepare themselves well on the substance of these topics.

The candidates who have not been short-listed will not be contacted individually; However, the Delegation will use the same means of publication as for this Vacancy Notice to inform the remaining candidates once the recruitment procedure has been completed and that a candidate has (or has not) been recruited. 

Deadline for applications: 3 October 2024 (Japan time)