Negotiations Strategy and Policy - South Korea FTA Team

This is a critical role within the South Korea Country Team. We sit within the Trans-Pacific Negotiations and Policy Directorate, in the Trade Policy, Implementation and Negotiations Group. We are a fun, friendly and fast-paced team, working closely to deliver our collective objectives, and recognising the value of joined up working and collaboration. The UK and Korea have launched negotiations to upgrade our current Free Trade Agreement (FTA). With Round Three due to take place in November, this is an exciting opportunity to work on a live trade negotiation, helping to deliver a key government priority, while working with a fascinating trading partner. This is a key leadership role in the development of the overall strategy for these negotiations, and you will lead delivery of that strategy across a number of specific policy themes. You should be comfortable taking the lead across complex policy areas, working confidently with a range of teams across HMG to draw positions together, and be able to transfer quickly and flexibly between policy areas as priorities shift. This role reports to the Deputy Chief Negotiator and includes line management. Some overseas travel can be expected.

• Take a lead role in shaping the future trading relationship with South Korea. This will involve building and deploying a negotiating strategy through formal negotiating rounds with South Korea, ensuring this strategy fits within wider DBT priorities.
• Build a deep understanding of the policy areas across the FTA, including UK and South Korean interests and wider policy and tactical considerations. Support negotiations in a subset of these areas, confidently working with - and challenging - policy teams to craft a balanced approach that reflects our wider strategy.
• Support substantial engagement with South Korea on the future of the UK's trading relationship. The successful candidate will be able to confidently and independently engage Korean counterparts and support Ministers and senior officials in their engagement.
• Build crucial relationships with other Government Departments, as well as FCDO colleagues at Post in Korea.
• Work closely with policy, legal and analytical colleagues in the Department to ensure that policy development and negotiation text appropriately considers UK interests.
• Carry out and intelligently consume analysis on UK business interests, including liaising closely with the Department of Business and Trade's industry-facing teams; play a leading role in stakeholder consultation, external communications and engagement work.
• Play an influential role in the leadership of the Korea and wider Trans-Pacific Negotiations team to contribute to a positive and inclusive working atmosphere for all. Being able to work in a flexible way to help us manage a changing and fast-paced policy environment.
• Deliver concise and efficient drafting, including for internal and external Ministerial and Senior Official briefings.