JPN (Tokyo) - Deputy Head of Climate, Energy and Environment, 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. The FCDO operates an agile workforce and to facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, as we may reasonably require. Job Category Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (Policy & Political roles) Job Subcategory Climate Diplomacy Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)

Main Purpose of Job :

We are recruiting a Deputy Head of Climate, Energy and Environment to work within our team focused on sharing UK climate, energy and environment policy experience in Japan and building UK-Japan collaboration and partnership.

The jobholder will be expected to support the Head of Climate, Energy and Environment to manage and deliver engagement with Japan on climate, energy and environment, with a particular focus on managing and developing a detailed understanding of the energy portfolio.

The jobholder will engage with the Japanese Government and wider stakeholders to introduce UK energy-related policy, build partnership and share information that can support Japan’s efforts to further develop its clean energy policy and deployment. The role will also have a focus on following Japan’s energy developments overseas, assessing geopolitical impacts on energy and identifying opportunities for engagement and collaboration including with third countries. The jobholder will be expected to work independently on complex topics, including representing externally, providing advice to seniors, and developing policy positions and advice.

The jobholder will focus on the energy portfolio, overseeing the work of one colleague focusing on UK-Japan collaboration on domestic energy policy (particularly renewables) and proactively personally leading on engagement with Japanese stakeholders on Japan’s energy relationships overseas. The jobholder will also lead on collaboration with Japan on other non-power energy-related areas including building partnership and learning on industrial decarbonisation and exchange on transition to clean transport.

The role will involve building expertise on UK-Japan approaches and policy, identifying areas for policy sharing and learning from each other, identifying stakeholders and building a network, and building UK-Japan (and, at times, third country) partnership.

The role will require flexibility to respond to changing objectives and priorities. The focuses and topics described here are subject to change as UK policy focus and objectives develop.

The role includes access to learning and development opportunities such as online learning, on the job training and shadowing.

What the Jobholder will be Expected to Achieve :

• Energy policy reporting and analysis (20%) : Follow updates on Japanese energy policy reporting to internal embassy stakeholders and colleagues based in the UK. Conduct desk research and meetings to add expertise and quality to reporting which will include analysis for UK interests. The job holder will develop detailed understanding of the policy areas covered and be seen as a go-to expert internally on these topics.
• Planning and delivering activity to move forward objectives (20%) : Use judgement and interpretative ability to plan solutions and programmes to delivering objectives. Determine work priorities, work methods and allocations which could involve leading senior visits and events to deliver objectives. Secure and manage funding for activity including bidding for funds.
• UK policy promotion (15%) : Promote UK policy updates in Japan through comms activities, meetings, engagement and speeches.
• Strategic relationship management (15%) : Build a network of energy-related contacts in the UK, Japan and more broadly that the jobholder will cultivate and work with to exchange complex information. Use knowledge to provide advice to senior colleagues and engage external stakeholders to secure agreement and negotiate outcomes.
• Management (15%) : Management and oversight of one Senior Policy Officer focused on domestic power and renewables transition. Management and oversight of energy portfolio. Deputising and covering for Head of Energy, Climate and Environment, and Senior Policy Officers as necessary.
• Briefing (10%) : Prepare briefings for ministers, the Ambassador and senior officials. Accompany senior officials to meetings and prepare reports afterwards with strategic analysis. Prepare points and speaking material for senior colleagues to deliver at events and meetings.
• Corporate and Crisis (5%) : Deliver corporate activities and take on a corporate role to support the wider work of the Japan Network (British Embassy Tokyo and British Consulate General Osaka). Actively participate in crisis planning and training as part of crisis role and team.

Resources Managed (staff and expenditure) :

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

Language Requirements :

This role requires written and spoken proficiency in both English and Japanese. Fluency (minimum of C2 level for CEFR framework

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

Required behaviours Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Leadership, Seeing the Big Picture, Working Together Application deadline 13 July 2025 Grade Higher Executive Officer (HEO) Type of Position Full-time, Permanent Working hours per week 37.5 Region Asia Pacific Country / Territory Japan Location (City) Tokyo Type of Post British Embassy Number of vacancies 1 Salary Currency JPY Salary JPY 818,000 per month Type of Salary monthly Start Date 1 September 2025 Other benefits and conditions of employment

Note : Salary may be reduced due to tax status)

Working Patterns :

The British Embassy supports and promotes flexible working as a crucial part of our inclusive offering. This role allows for flexible working e.g. start and end times, working compressed hours, working remotely on one day a week, and the possibility of a job share arrangement, subject to agreement with management.

Willingness to work out of hours where required for business need adjusting working patterns accordingly. Some local / international travel as required.

This role will be offered pending successful reference and security checks and is subject to the appropriate permissions to work. Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy Tokyo is subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Japan 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 Japan 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.

Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary may have their salaries reduced by the equivalent local income tax amount.

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

Learning and Development Opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed) :

On-the-job training, performance management and related training. Support to define and deliver a personalised development plan.

The British Embassy Tokyo and the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) provides a range of training opportunities in core diplomatic and commercial skills, from networking and communication to project management. The British Embassy Tokyo works closely with missions across the Asia-Pacific region to share experience and learning.

Alongside several specific courses that must be completed upon arrival, the Japan Network is supportive of learning and development. We offer five development days per year and regular opportunities for learning and development delivered both within the mission and regionally in Asia. We also use coaching and a buddying system to support new arrivals.

All staff are required to take a role in the Japan Network’s crisis preparation and response. Full training will be provided, and regular opportunities will be available to test and develop your skills.