UK Pavilion Director – Osaka World Expo 2025
Department for Business and Trade
Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 5th May 2024
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Senior leadership
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About the job
Job summary
The Japan Network consists of both British Embassy in Tokyo and Consulate General in Osaka and is led by HMA (His Majesty's Ambassador) Julia Longbottom. Its mission is to deliver an ambitious and enduring UK-Japan partnership, which enables us to act together, to respond effectively to global challenges and bring prosperity benefits to all regions of the UK.
Many departments are represented, including FCDO, DBT, MOD, DCMS, plus devolved administrations (Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland), British Council and Visit Britain.
The British Consulate General in Osaka is a small post of around 15 people which works very closely with the British Embassy in Tokyo. The Consulate’s main focus is trade and investment with around half the team working for DBT, but there is also a strong element of public diplomacy across western Japan. The Consulate’s area of responsibility extends from Aichi to Okinawa. Consular work is led by the Consular section in Tokyo, but all members of the Japan network are expected to be crisis-trained and ready to respond should a crisis happen.
The UK at Osaka Expo team work closely with the British Consulate General Osaka, who have extensive knowledge of Japan – culture, national and regional govts, economy, business sector, academia – and wide range of contacts in these fields.
By consulting with the Japan Network, we ensure Expo is delivering for whole of HMG in Japan and plans will land well with a Japanese audience.
Interview panel members Carolyn Davidson (Consul General Osaka) and Ceri Owen-Bradley (SRO World Expo 2025) will be hosting an information session on Wednesday 1st May at 0900 UK time.
To access the meeting please click here.
Job description
This is an exciting, high-profile role leading the running of the UK’s pavilion at the Osaka Expo 2025 – including operational responsibility for the Pavilion itself (expected to welcome c800,000 visitors over the 6 months of Expo) and delivery of the events programme that will showcase the best of the UK to Japan and beyond.
This role will join the UK team working on Osaka Expo 2025 before moving to Osaka in November 2024 to lead the set-up, run phase (Apr 2025 - Oct 2025) and close-down of the UK Pavilion in Osaka.
Key responsibilities
- Overall operational lead for the UK Pavilion at Osaka Expo 2025.
- Lead on day-to-day management of the UK Pavilion including approximately 15 Civil Servants and contracted staff and on health & safety issues.
- Pavilion lead on crisis management
- Liaison with building contractor and with technical, HR and catering partners
- Close collaboration with Embassy on all official visits to UK Pavilion including VIP and Ministers and Devolved administration Ministerial/ senior officials
- Cover for the UK Commissioner General where required and appropriate Lead in ensuring high performance/ behaviour standards from all Pavilion staff
- Incident leader in Osaka for Pavilion and events on the Pavilion
- Deputising for the UK Commissioner General on media appearances.
Person specification
Essential Criteria
- Outstanding people leadership skills. An exceptional and visionary leader with experience bringing together diverse teams in a new environment and creating a strong team culture and camaraderie
- Proficient in senior-level representational and presentational skills, demonstrated through exceptional communication and networking abilities
- Track record of effectively managing complex stakeholders or supplier groups.
- Possesses keen political acumen and diplomatic awareness, enabling adept navigation of complex environments
- Exhibits a proactive "can-do" attitude, committed to providing comprehensive support across diverse operational requirements
- Confidence in representing the UK and DBT via media appearances.
Benefits
- Learning and development tailored to your role
- An environment with flexible working options
- A culture encouraging inclusion and diversity
- A Civil Service pension with an average employer contribution of 27%
Things you need to know
Selection process details
How to apply
Please follow the online instructions on the Civil Service Jobs website to apply for this role. Applications must be submitted no later than 23:55 on 05/05/2024. You will be asked to upload the two documents outlined below. It is essential you add your full name to both documents:
- A CV setting out your career history, highlighting specific responsibilities and achievements that are relevant for this role. Please provide reasons for any gaps within the last two years.
- A Supporting Statement of around two pages of A4, providing examples of how your experience meets the essential criteria.
Failure to submit both documents will mean the panel only have limited information on which to assess your application against the criteria in the person specification.
If you encounter any issues or are unable to apply online please contact SCSRecruitment@businessandtrade.gov.uk in the first instance.
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
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Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : SCS Recruitment Team
- Email : SCSRecruitment@businessandtrade.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : SCSRecruitment@businessandtrade.gov.uk
Further information
