Senior Policy Advisor, Trade Diplomacy, Japan

E3G is looking for a Senior Policy Advisor to lead analysis and engagement on trade diplomacy within its Japan programme. The new role will sit within E3G’s Global Clean Power Diplomacy team and will work closely with our Japan and trade experts to develop E3G’s work on the intersection of Japan’s trade policy, energy and economic security strategies, and climate objectives – with trade playing a key role as a diplomatic lever across these areas contributing to accelerating the clean energy transition.

The role

The role will build on existing work on trade and its use as a diplomatic lever, leading the development of strategies and engagements to align Japan’s trade, and economic policies, with the goals of a clean energy transition and ambitious climate action. The candidate will be based in Japan and will be required to work remotely.

We are looking for an intellectually curious, enthusiastic person with experience of condensing and communicating complex information into clear, targeted analysis and advice for varied stakeholders. You will be motivated by building relationships with external stakeholders, and by creating impactful outcomes through strategic collaborations. You will have the opportunity to develop the strategy and shape the work programme, in consultation with colleagues in the Japan team and across E3G’s wider trade and industry related teams.

Background

E3G is an independent climate change think tank with a global outlook. We are world leading strategists on the political economy of climate change, dedicated to achieving a safe climate for all.

We work on the frontier of the climate landscape tackling the barriers and advancing the solutions to a safe climate. Our goal is to translate climate politics, economics and policies into action. E3G is consistently ranked as one of the top ten most influential environmental think tanks in the world by the University of Pennsylvania’s Global Go To Think Tank Index.

Delivering a rapid, managed transition of the global power system from coal-to-clean, not via gas, is a fundamental condition to achieving the goals of the Paris Agreement. E3G’s Global Clean Power Diplomacy team mobilises diplomatic actors to drive real-world, real-economy progress on ending the global use of the coal power and transitioning to clean energy. E3G identifies opportunities for influence and interventions, collaborates with civil society campaigns and partners, and fosters international diplomatic alliances to create a world where no new coal is built, and where existing coal is replaced by clean, affordable energy to enable a climate-safe world.

Key Responsibilities

Provide strategic insight and thought leadership on trade and diplomatic engagement with Japan in the context of broader global climate and energy goals.
Monitor and track developments relating to Japan’s trade relationships with a focus on key partner countries, including various bilateral and multilateral frameworks and agreements (e.g. FTAs), government strategies and publications (e.g. Green Transformation Strategy; and industrial policy priorities, such as the 17 Strategic Fieldsunder Japan’s growth strategy etc.), as well as commercial drivers relating to both traditional and clean energy supply chains, in order to assess their impact on Japan’s energy and economic security priorities and identify opportunities for strategic interventions.
Produce analysis, presentations, briefings and other materials, both internally to contribute to E3Gs strategic thinking, and to a wide range of external contacts to communicate our analysis and recommendations, in both written and spoken formats.
Expand E3G’s relationships and networks to relevant institutions and stakeholders in trade, energy and economic security – particularly civil society organisations (CSOs), alongside government officials, research institutions, trade associations and key private sector actors, primarily in Japan and key trade partner countries, to develop productive collaborations that support achieving the programme’s objectives.
In collaboration with E3G’s Japan experts and trusted partners, maintain and widen the team’s relationships with diplomats and foreign missions and trade representatives to distribute analysis and strategic advice, for example through organising and presenting in online and in-person briefings.
Represent E3G externally through active participation in civil society meetings, as well as relevant conferences and other events in Japan and internationally as needed; and maintain relations to media and provide commentary and insights about their area of expertise when needed.

Experience and Skills

A graduate degree in a relevant discipline, such as trade policy, international relations, climate and energy policy, development, geography, or politics.
A minimum of six years of relevant professional experience in a related field, such as trade, policy, research or advocacy within a government or international organisation, commercial sector, think tank, civil society or research institute.
Established connections to organisations and individuals relevant for the role, e.g. government and ministries, trade associations or related research institutions, and the ability to leverage these relationships effectively and in alignment with organisational priorities.
Strong analytical and strategic thinking, with an aptitude for learning new areas and consider complex information to make evidence-based recommendations.
Excellent communication skills, able to convey information and arguments to others in a clear, accessible and convincing way including in sensitive or challenging stakeholder contexts.
Highly organised and attention to detail, able to be proactive and deliver high-quality outputs in a timely manner.
Strong interpersonal skills, with ability to form high-trust relationships with various external stakeholders and handle sensitive information with discretion, as well as patience and resilience in long-term engagement processes.
Excellent written and spoken Japanese and English.
Ability to work effectively and collaboratively in an international team environment.

What we offer

Initial contract of one year, with possibility of extension, for a full-time position.
Fully remote and flexible working arrangements.
16 vacation days + additional leave between Christmas and New Year.
Eligible for social (employee health) insurance and employment insurance.
E3G offers a competitive salary and reward package which compares well with other organisations within our sector, reflecting experience and qualifications of the chosen candidate. The salary shall be subject to withholdings for taxes and social and labor insurances in Japan mentioned above in which the Senior Policy Advisor will be enrolled.
Yearly process for remuneration review.

E3G is unable to provide relocation assistance to candidates who would need to change locations in order to take up this position.

E3G will require candidates to demonstrate that they the right to live and work in Japan.

How to apply

Please submit your application in English. Please include:

A CV of maximum two pages
A cover letter of no more than one page outlining why you are applying for this role and when you would be able to start. Please include a written description of your residency status and right to work in Japan (for example, your visa status, if applicable), in the letter.

The deadline for applications is Midnight, Sunday 16th August.

Whilst we very much appreciate the time you will have taken with your application, unfortunately due to the level of response we receive we may not be able to reply to every candidate. Therefore, if you have not heard from us with 2 weeks of the closing date, please assume that on this occasion you have been unsuccessful.

E3G values diversity and welcomes applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of age, gender, race, disability, sexual orientation, religion or ethnic background. We aim to build an inclusive workforce that is reflective of the populations we support, and actively seek applications from those who are marginalized and underrepresented. We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities.

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