CPK - Head of Green Finance, HEO

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow. Job Category Department for Business and Trade roles (DBT) Job Subcategory Department for Business and Trade (DBT) Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) embraces and values diversity in all forms. We welcome and pride ourselves on the positive impact diversity has on the work we do, and we promote equality of opportunity throughout the organisation. DBT China would value applications from people from the widest possible diversity of background, culture, experience and gender. 

This is an exciting time to join the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) as Head of Green Finance for DBT China and Hong Kong. Our aim is to promote UK trade and investment across the world which is vital for the prosperity of the UK. DBT brings together policy, promotion, and financial expertise to break down barriers to trade and investment in markets across the world to help businesses succeed. This is a great opportunity to be part of an international team that contributes to the success of the UK's trade goals.

DBT operates in 108 countries. Establishing new relationships around the globe, DBT promotes UK trade to ensure the UK takes advantage of the huge opportunities open to us, securing and improving economic well-being, stability, and helping to create tens of thousands of jobs. DBT has one of the largest representations of the 18 government departments working in China, which are coordinated and led by His Majesty’s Ambassador who is responsible for the UK’s relationship with China. 

His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC) is responsible for Trade and Investment work in China, one of nine global regions. With c.180 staff across six posts – Beijing, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chongqing and Wuhan – DBT, as part of the UK government network in China offers a fast-paced place to work at the heart of UK-China Government relations.

About the role

The green finance team in which this role sits is one of 3 policy and thematic branches in the wider Financial and Professional Services team. Developing UK-China green finance collaboration is a core objective of the team, given China’s and international climate targets, as well as the UK’s comparative financial market expertise. Our pipeline of green finance projects is the key mechanism to access, engage, and influence the Chinese policy debate, while also delivering tangible outputs (e.g. green bond issuances, shaping Chinese and international green finance standards, and influencing market practices).

The British Embassy in Beijing has an established and well-respected China Green Finance Programme, which is funded by HMG Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) and the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. Through cooperation with a range of Chinese and international stakeholders, the programme aims to increase the capacity and capability of key public and private sector institutions in order to create a more coherent, comprehensive, responsible, and innovative Chinese green finance system. 

This role is an exciting opportunity to be at the heart of an established and dynamic area of UK-China collaboration. The successful candidate will play an important role in shaping the UK’s approach to green finance in China, including designing and delivering programme outputs. The role has day to day responsibility for delivering a portfolio of technical assistance programmes in China, as well as engaging external stakeholders, including UK and Chinese government agencies, financial regulators, financial institutions, think-tanks, academics and NGOs. Given the diverse nature of programme projects, the Head of Green Finance will need to be comfortable working flexibly across multiple and evolving work streams over the programme lifecycle.

The role will report to the Counsellor, Financial & Professional Services in the British Embassy Beijing, working closely with the Economic and Climate Change sections across the Embassy and British Consulates across China, and will liaise with other relevant stakeholders to ensure successful delivery of the established China Green Finance programme.

Strong written and oral English and Mandarin skills are essential. 

Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve:

1. Setting policy direction, while driving programme development and outreach (30%)

Lead analysis of China’s green finance developments, plus government and regulatory priorities, in order to help identify key opportunities for the UK’s Green Finance Programme. Lead design of FY2025-26 programme projects, consistent with available funding, FPS team objectives, and wider goals on climate change in the China Country Business Plan. Support the Counsellor, Financial & Professional Services in engagement with the Chinese financial regulators, as well as with Chinese and UK industry stakeholders, to understand their priorities in order to feed into the development of the programme.

2. Programme monitoring, implementing and reporting (30%)

Lead the successful implementation of the Green Finance Programme, provide quality assurance, ensure the delivery of activities to schedule and budget. Managing the Green Finance Programme Officer, including to arrange public calls for bids for China Green Finance project proposals, checking and developing activity-based budgets, and checking implementer expenses. Monitor and evaluate projects on a regular basis, including ongoing financial and contractual management and monitoring of risks and significant outcomes. Take responsibility for coordinating and delivering project evaluations, assessing progress against project deliverables and policy impact. Summarise and report achievements and potential gaps within the project portfolio. Analyse market information in consultation with senior managers and policy leads to produce clear and accurate reports for China and UK use.  Support policy leads in implementing, managing and monitoring quality projects which deliver high impact against programme criteria. 

3. To develop external and internal stakeholder relationships in support of the design and implementation of the programme portfolio (30%)

Managing and strengthening the Embassy’s network of UK-China green finance contacts to identify capacity building and policy influencing opportunities for the programme. Engage with senior contacts as required, e.g. People’s Bank of China, China’s Green Finance Committee, as well as the City of London’s Green Finance Initiative. Engage with potential Chinese and foreign implementation partners, including government departments, research institutes, consultants, financial services firms, and NGOs both in China and the UK, at national and local levels, to build a clear picture of delivery requirements and capabilities. Build and use an extensive network of contacts to promote positive relationships between internal and external stakeholders and ensure there are clear lines of communication that keep BE Beijing China Green Finance Programme projects on track, on time, and in line with the overall goals and ambitions of the Financial & Professional Services team.  Undertake field trips in China to engage with local stakeholders as required, and potentially in the UK to support activities.

4. Corporate Contribution (10%)

Provide support where necessary in delivery of the wider objectives of the Corporate Operations and DBT China team, including on cross-cutting issues. Promote and contribute to the China Country Business Plan and network values, actively and constructively participating in Post activities.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

1 x EO Project Manager, Green Finance Programme Essential qualifications, skills and experience Excellent/highly proficient in English and Mandarin A minimum of 3 years of professional experience in the financial / environment and / or public policy sectors. Proven track record in policy or business analysis, maintaining and building effective networks while influencing external stakeholders in both public and private sectors, including government departments, financial institutions, think tanks, and NGOs. Experience in project and programme management, including: designing new projects, setting specific outputs, outcomes and indicators, monitoring and evaluating of project expenditure, identifying risks and project outcomes. A team player, with strong interpersonal skills to engage with different embassy sections, British Consulates across China, and UK government stakeholders. Fluent in spoken and written English. Desirable qualifications, skills and experience Experience of management (1 or more direct reports). Experience of implementing cross-border programmes involving multiple stakeholders. Experience of working in climate change, low carbon, and environmental policy. Knowledge of green finance and financial markets, how they operate, are structured and regulated. Understanding of China’s financial markets, government priorities, and regulatory system. Experience of UK government and financial systems would be an advantage. A relevant university degree or professional equivalent. Required behaviours Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Leadership, Making Effective Decisions, Seeing the Big Picture, Working Together Application deadline 10 October 2024 Grade Higher Executive Officer (HEO) Type of Position Full-time, Fixed Term Working hours per week 35 Duration of Post 24 months Region Asia Pacific Country/Territory China Location (City) Beijing Type of Post British Embassy Number of vacancies 1 Salary Currency CNY Salary RMB 29,488 for CB Chinese l RMB 38,425 for CB Expat Type of Salary monthly Start Date 24 November 2024 Other benefits and conditions of employment

Note:

For this position we are only able to consider British Nationals, spouses/partners of diplomats who are ‘W’ (diplomatic) visa holders and internal Chinese staff to be located at the Embassy in Beijing.

Benefits:

We offer a competitive package which includes –

A gross monthly salary of CNY 29,488 for Chinese Nationals and an abated salary of CNY 38,425 for British Nationals and spouses/partners of diplomats who are ‘W’ (diplomatic) visa holders and meet passport criteria. Commercial insurance package including accidental, life, medical and business travel insurance 22 days annual leave entitlement in pro-rata which increases by 0.5 per full calendar year worked up to maximum of 25 days. We offer different types of compulsory leave in accordance to Chinese law, e.g. Maternity Leave, Paternity Leave, Marriage Leave, Parental leave, etc. In addition to the above compulsory leave, we also offer other types of leaves with pay e.g. Study Leave, Volunteering Leave to support staff who undertakes volunteering activities, Special Paid Leave to deal with emergencies involving a close family member, and more. Employee Assistance Programme which is a confidential service providing help, support and information to staff to resolve and manage situations causing concern whether at work or personal nature is available to staff 24/7. There is also plenty of opportunity to develop on and off the job and establish expertise and build capability. We are strongly supportive of the job holder continuing to develop their professional skills. The Mission encourages a blended learning culture based on the 70/20/10 model which includes e-learning, mentoring, coaching, other development activities and role-specific required trainings. This offer also includes supporting staff members to take part in a 5 days of learning activities each year.

Learning and Development Opportunities:

No matter what stage of your career you’re at, you’ll have a positive impact and play a key role. We strongly believe in investing in our people - from day one, you’ll be assigned a dedicated buddy, have guidance from your line manager and support within the wider organisation. You’ll have the opportunity to develop on and off the job, and to establish expertise and build capability. We are strongly supportive of the job holder continuing to develop themselves. 

In addition, opportunities and activities include:

Attending external events and conferences hosted by academic institutions, business chambers, etc. Learning and Development programmes, which have recently included leadership, line management, interpretation, presentation skills, effective remote working and trade policy.  Opportunities for job shadowing across the network. An individual bid fund providing funding to support more tailored learning and development needs.

Working Patterns:

35 hours of work per week; 7 hours per day excluding breaks.

Other Information:

Employment offers are subject to successful clearance of pre-employment and security checks. Staff who are locally recruited by the British Embassy/Consulate General are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Chinese employment law.

No accommodation or relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position. All candidates must be legally able to work and reside in the country of the vacancy with the correct visa/work permit status or demonstrate eligibility to obtain the relevant permit. Any costs related to obtaining or renewing permits and visas are the responsibility of the successful applicant.

The FCDO also operates an agile workforce. To facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time as we may reasonably require.

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