OFFICIAL

Job Profile

?Job title: Principal Research Analyst – China

Grade: G7
Reserved or Unreserved: Reserved
Rationale for reserved or STRAP Required
unreserved status:
Level Transfer, Promotion Temporary Promotion
or Temporary Promotion:
Location: London or Remote Working in location with access to high classified
systems
Post / Directorate: Asia Pacific Research Group / Research Analysts / Research and
Evidence Directorate
Tour / Posting Length: 6-12 months

Security Clearance DV & STRAP

Required:

Start Date: 1/12/2023

How we approach our work is important. The How We Work Statement (below)
sets out the ambition we share across the FCDO for how we lead and behave
towards each other, how we make decisions, and how we get the job done.
Some aspects may be particularly relevant to this role.
 We put respect and kindness first. We are inclusive, we get to know
each other, and value our diversity and the contribution we each bring.
We are fair, act with integrity, and tackle inequality and unacceptable
behaviour. We work together and take responsibility to solve problems.

About Foreign,  We draw on the expertise, insight and diverse perspectives of people
Commonwealth across the FCDO, HMG, and beyond. We use the best available data
& Development and evidence. We are open to challenge and take a sustainable, long-
Office (FCDO) term approach. We are transparent about the rationale for decisions and
smart about taking and managing risks.

 We are agile and alert to emerging opportunities. We encourage

learning, innovation and use of data and digital. We are all clear on what
we are expected to deliver and support each other in doing so. We look
to reduce duplication and unnecessary process. We are committed to
transforming both the FCDO and the way HMG delivers international
policy.

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Job Profile

This is an exciting specialist role working on a country of great strategic

importance to the UK. Research Analysts are subject matter experts in the
FCDO. Our core functions are to provide timely analysis, policy challenge and
to act as a bridge between policy makers and experts outside of government.
The Asia Pacific Research Group (APRG) is a geographic-focused Research
Description of Group with analysts covering countries such as China, Japan, Indonesia and
Team/Division Thailand. APRG plays an important role in strengthening Indo-Pacific expertise.
Some of our declassified papers (2013-16) can be seen online here:
https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/foreign-office-research-analyst-
papers

The successful applicant will be an expert on China, its foreign policy, military,
and/or technology strategies, in particular its policy priorities, as well as the
evolution and implementation of those priorities across the reform and opening
era.You should have a good working knowledge of Mandarin Chinese. You will
contribute to and inform the development of UK policy towards China, as well
as the UK’s wider relationship with the Indo-Pacific region. You will be expected
to provide timely and informed specialist advice and analysis on Chinese
Purpose of Job
foreign policy to inform policy-making and help deepen understanding of the
(Recommended
region within the FCDO and across Whitehall. This job provides an excellent
200 words)
opportunity to become one of Whitehall’s leading experts on China and to
deploy those skills in a front-line capacity. You will be expected to undertake
familiarisation visits to the region and to support government led exchanges
with allies.

Key We all have a responsibility to embrace the changes of the FCDO as it

responsibilities transforms, building the culture we want to see and delivering our cultural
statement in how we lead and behave towards others; how we make decisions
and how we get the job done is everyone’s responsibility.

In this role you will also be responsible for:

 Political analysis (60%) To develop and maintain close working relations

with FCDO policy makers, principally in Northeast Asia and China
Directorate, and with other Whitehall customers. Working with other
members of Asia Pacific Research Group (APRG) and the wider Research
Cadre where necessary, you will provide policy leads with high quality
specialist analysis and advice based on your deep working knowledge of
the relevant political systems.

 Outreach and academic engagement (20%) To develop, consolidate and

act as a bridge between the FCDO and the community of external experts,
in particular academics, think-tanks and expert commentators. You will be
expected to use your growing networks to help organise in-house seminars,
expert roundtables and policy-challenge sessions.

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 Diplomatic Expertise (20%) To contribute to FCDO’s ambition to

transform the organisation by infusing staff with even greater subject matter
expertise, equipping them with the right skills and tools to be flexible, world-
class diplomats. You will do this by running International Academy events
and training days, which may include supporting the development of a
network of China watchers in posts across the FCDO’s global network. You
will continue to develop your own specialist expertise on the region and
related issues, and will contribute towards maintaining and developing
APRG’s archive of material.

Candidates who secure a role that is considered specialist/technical, may be

required to affiliate to the relevant specialist network, if not already a member.

Essential:

We are looking for someone with:

 A relevant post-graduate degree plus experience working on or in China,
e.g. in a multilateral organisation, a non-governmental or private sector
organisation, think-tank or academic institution
OR
 a relevant undergraduate degree plus substantial experience working on
or in China.

As well as:
About you  Expertise on China, its foreign policy and the interplay between domestic
and foreign policy, OR expertise on China’s pol-mil relations, OR
expertise on China’s technology strategy.
 Proven research and analytical skills; sound judgement; and the
capability to think strategically.
 The ability to master large amounts of information quickly and to tight
deadlines whilst drawing sound, accurate and salient conclusions.
 Excellent written and oral communication skills.

Desireable:
 Fluency in Mandarin Chinese.

The candidate CV needs to demonstrate they have undertaken similar roles

and activities as shown in the Key responsibilities/About You sections above.

CV (employment history) and (previous skills and experience)

Assessment Yes
criteria at sift
Personal Statement (candidate will provide evidence against the ‘about you’
section above)
Yes - 500 words

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Evidence of behaviours (maximum 250 words)

Behaviours - Making Effective Decisions
Behaviours - Communicating & Influencing
Behaviours - Working Together
Not required
Interview
Behaviours - Making Effective Decisions
Behaviours - Communicating & Influencing
Behaviours - Working Together
Not required
Assessment Specialist question – Chinese foreign policy (5 min presentation followed by
criteria at Q&A)
interview
Specialist question – Chinese domestic policy making challenges

Assessment tool
Presentation - 5 min on a set topic

Candidates invited to interview will be provided with additional information in their interview
invite
The FCDO encourages all forms of flexible working. All roles based in the UK
(and some overseas) are open to applications for flexible working. Staff can
apply for flexible working arrangements under the legacy Flexible Working
Policy (FCO) and Alternative Working Pattern Policy (DFID).

Hiring managers should be available to discuss proposed working patterns with

potential candidates.
Flexible working If you are not able to offer all forms of flexible working, please indicate below
which working patterns cannot be accommodated:

Remote/flexible working will be

The following working pattern(s) supported, on condition of access to
cannot be accommodated: STRAP material.

Choose an item.
Travel requirements: occasional travel to UK offices.
Additional Notes
For overseas positions, post reports can be found on Post Hub.

Name: Gemma O’Neill

Hiring Manager
E-mail: Gemma.ONeill@fcdo.gov.uk

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