Job Description
Main Purpose of Job:
The British Embassy Japan Network promotes work experience and internship opportunities with the aim of building strong links between the UK and Japan. We encourage;
talented undergraduates, recent graduates and other school and college students (referred to as ‘interns’); and
people returning to work after any type of career break (referred to as ‘returners’),
to get a taste of embassy work and expand their employability for future careers linked to the UK-Japan relationship.
Successful completion of the Internship programme will give you the option of joining our interim personnel pool for future fixed term job opportunities and will give you the experience to support strong applications for future permanent roles in the British Embassy Tokyo or Consulate General Osaka.
What the Jobholder will be Expected to Achieve:
This Internship programme would particularly suit someone with strong links to either the UK or to Japan and is considering pursuing a career in international relations, trade and investment, or similar fields in the future.
Successful candidates will gain an understanding of the mission of the British Embassy and its Consulate through training and work assigned by the key teams of Japan Network. Your role will be determined based on your interests, specialities, skills and experience. In any team, you are expected to bring in new ideas, approaches, fresh perspectives, a willingness to challenge entrenched working practices, and help us boost capacity.
Your host team will provide you with a range of opportunities to familiarise you with our way of working and our current policy focus areas and will agree with you a full programme to cover the term of the Internship that reflects your interests and learning objectives. The Internship can last up to a maximum of 6 months, but it is possible that we can accommodate shorter periods and reduced working hours following consultation at the interview.
Our internship programme offers a unique work experience and usually focuses on one or two areas. We expect to be offering placements with focuses including:
・Diplomatic Communications
Join a dynamic team of communications and political professionals at the Embassy. Gain hands-on experience in digital content creation, event coordination, and strategic communications. You will support the MUSUBI Initiative - a public-private partnership investing in future leaders - and contribute to the Embassy’s broader outreach efforts.
・Business and Trade
Help strengthen UK-Japan trade ties by supporting promotional activities, researching market opportunities, and connecting businesses. Focus areas include the Food & Drink sector and Creative Industries, aligned with the UK’s industrial strategy.
・Investment
Work with our investment team to conduct long-term competitive analysis for specific sectors outlined in the UK’s newly released 10-year Modern Industrial Strategy. The role will contribute to the development of initiatives aimed at attracting and retaining investment, support research and analysis efforts, and engage with high-profile Japanese and UK businesses.
・Expo Legacy
Support planning of events and activities around the Kansai region that demonstrate the UK’s strengths and policies, maintain and grow priority stakeholders, and bring together meaningful exchanges involving people, businesses, academia and government. Work will mainly focus on life sciences, clean energy, tech and local growth plans, as well as on people-to-people exchanges.
Essential qualifications, skills and experience
・Excellent verbal and written communication skills in Japanese and English
・Proficient computer skills
・Resilient in a constantly evolving environment
・Strong team player and self-starter with positive, dedicated and open attitude
Desirable qualifications, skills and experience
A background in or understanding of specialised areas such as international relations, economics, global challenges, science, trade or marketing
Required behaviours
Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together
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