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 Officer – Trade Affairs Officer (Local Agent Group I). Under this post, the recruited person will work under the supervision of the Head of Section and will be attributed functions based on the job specifications below, that could be adjusted based on the needs of the Delegation. The successful candidate will serve as Policy Officer – Trade Affairs Officer within the Trade Section, managing the monitoring, research and analysis of policy and legislative developments and contributing to the EU delegation outreach and engagement with key interlocutors. The candidate will work in a team of 15 (including 7 officials and 8 colleagues recruited locally).

Following main tasks and duties are currently required:

POLICY ANALYSIS AND MONITORING- Monitoring existing policies in Japan, Provision of expertise, research, analyses and assistance relating to specific fields

• Provide expertise, research, analyses and overall assistance on key files.
• Monitor and report on policies and relevant developments in Japan, explain their relevance for EU interests and policies.   
• Investigate and seek solutions to specific regulatory /market access concerns raised by Member States or European industry representatives.  
• Recommend actions with a view to explain EU policies and support EU interests.

 OUTREACH 

• Suggest and organise outreach and initiatives and contribute to projects that support EU positions and interests.
• Develop and maintain good contacts with interlocutors in Ministries, industry, and other relevant actors (Cabinet office, Diet, academic circles, etc).

RELATIONS with MEMBER STATES and CIVIL SOCIETY -  Establish and maintain contacts with relevant stakeholders

• Maintain good contacts with Member States, European industry, other stakeholders
• Respond to enquiries, provide information on topics relating to specific fields of expertise.

MISSIONS, MEETINGS and VISITS (incl. Protocol Service) – organisation of meetings, visits and related activities

• Organise meetings, site visits and external events.
• Accompany visitors from headquarters.
• Possibility to go on mission

PERSONAL SKILLS

Analysing and Problem Solving

• Ability to conceptualise problems, identify and implement solutions
• Capacity to analyse and structure information

Communicating in Japanese and English

• Capacity to communicate technical or specialised information
• Excellent drafting skills
• Learning and Development
• Flexibility (ability to adjust quickly to new tasks and new policy issues etc.)

 Prioritising and Organising

• Capacity to deliver in a structured way
• Planning capacity

 Resilience

• Ability to process urgent requests, prioritise
• Ability to multitask and work on several files under time pressure
• Working with others
• Ability to work in a multicultural team
• Knowledge sharing

The job will be carried out in the EU Delegation premises in Tokyo with a working time of 37.5 hours / week.

The basic monthly salary will depend on the years of experience with a range from JPY 687,777 to a maximum of JPY 1,183,293.  There is a competitive benefits package, including bonuses, housing and transportation allowances, paid leave days and public holidays, full benefit of Japanese social insurance and the additional pension scheme.

The contract will be limited to three years.  An opportunity to obtain an indefinite period contract will be assessed based on the need of the Delegation.

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 oral and written knowledge of both English (C1-C2 level) and Japanese language (C1 level).
4. University degree.
5. At least 10 years' relevant experience, including policy analysis and research as well as interaction with Japanese stakeholders.  
6. Substantial knowledge of EU-Japan economic and trade relations and related policies in Japan (competitiveness, industry, supply chains)
7. Familiarity with Japanese institutions and legislative /regulatory processes.

Knowledge and expertise in the following areas would be considered as 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.
4. Master’s degree or other post graduate degree.
5. Good command of IT tools including: MS Office (mainly Word, Excel, PPT); Use of internet as well as IT applications relevant to database use and search, remote work applications such as Webex.

How to apply

Please send your application and supporting documents by email to [email protected] to: Head of Administration – Trade Affairs Officer 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 to 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, 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: 7 January 2025  (12:00 Japan time)