Date: 13/09/2018
Job Title: Project Executive – Trade Sustainability Impact Assessments (SIAs) & China IPR Helpdesk
Location: Beijing, China
Job Description
DEVELOPMENT Solutions (DS) is a European consultancy and serves the international donor and business community in support of sustainable development and investments objectives, primarily in emerging markets. Our work covers a wide range of fields described within four company divisions, (i) Trade and Economy, (ii) Energy and Environment, (iii) Business support for small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and (iv) Human Capacities. This expertise is built on our strong grounding in project design and management requiring research, policy analysis, capacity building and business, public and government relations expertise. Further information regarding our projects and expertise is available at www.development-solutions.eu.
DS is leading a consortium implementing Sustainability Impact Assessments (SIAs) in support of free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations between the European Union and the Republic of the Philippines, between the European Union and the Republic of Indonesia, and between the European Union and Malaysia. Following the launch of bilateral FTA negotiations with the Philippines and with Indonesia respectively, and in view of the likely resumption of the bilateral FTA negotiations with Malaysia, DS has been mandated by the European Commission to conduct Trade Sustainability Impact Assessments for the bilateral FTA negotiations with the Philippines, Malaysia, and with Indonesia.
DS is moreover leading the implementation of the China IPR SME Helpdesk. A major EU funded business support service projects for European SMEs, which deliver business-focused and practical advice on IPR protection and enforcement in China and South-East Asia. Services available to European SMEs include through expert Helplines, online portals, industry or IP specific guides, training workshops and other events. Additional information about the Helpdesks can be found at www.ipr-hub.eu.
We are currently seeking a highly motivated individual to join our team to support research and technical writing activities for the SIAs and to support the China Helpdesk team with the creation of information materials (e.g. guides, infographics, podcasts). Prospective candidates will preferably have a Master’s degree in economics, international trade, international relations, political science, environmental sciences and/or law. The candidate should have experience in academic research preferably related to international trade policy and sustainable development initiatives in developing countries. Familiarity with intellectual property and the EU’s trade policy agenda in China and ASEAN would be preferable. In addition, the candidate should have an excellent command of written and oral English while knowledge of Bahasa Malaysia or Filipino would be considered an asset.
The candidate should also possess the following skills/qualities to perform well in this role:
- Strong research, analytical and technical writing skills;
- Ability to present high quality, analytical research in a succinct manner;
- Reliability, initiative, thoroughness and attention to detail;
- Strong coordination and organisational skills;
- Excellent communication skills for interactions with project experts and stakeholders;
- Ability to work independently and meet tight deadlines;
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint); and
- Experience in working with podcasts and/or infographics is a plus.
This is a paid internship for six months, with the possibility of an extension.
Application information
Interested candidates are encouraged to send an application including cover letter, CV, and one-page writing sample to jim.stoopman@development-solutions.eu and helika.jurgenson@development-solutions.eu. Please indicate clearly whether you are currently available for an interview and your current location. Only short-listed candidates will be contacted for interviews.