View Vacancy – Intellectual Property Attaché – UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO), Grade – SEO, New Delhi

Note: All applicants are required to mandatorily fill the complete online application form including the employment and educational details, experience segment and the behaviour-based questions. We will be thoroughly reviewing the application forms only for all the required details. Forms that are incomplete in any respect will not be considered while shortlisting for the next stage.

Main purpose of job:

As the UK Intellectual Property Office’s (IPO) lead representative India (based in Delhi) with support from the British High Commission, the jobholder will lead on delivering the UK’s engagement on Intellectual Property (IP) issues in this dynamic country.  The role will also serve to strengthen the UKs relationship with India on trade and reflect cross HMG strategy.

The role will mean being the Indian British High Commission network lead technical expert on IP, delivering IP policy objectives, supporting UK businesses exporting to the region, and promoting the UK’s IP agenda. The role will also involve working across the UK Government teams in the region, offering support in resolving IP related enquires, regardless of sector.  We need to be agile and align our activities to priorities of both the UK and India, as those change, so too will our focus.

This position will see you exposed to senior government officials and CEOs of large companies, and therefore, strong communication skills and a high level of resilience and persistence are essential, alongside excellent drafting skills and the ability to turn round work quickly and under pressure. Demonstrable experience of creating and administering strategic partnerships is highly desirable, as well as achievement of direct commercial outcomes. We are target driven, so demonstrable experience in achieving successful outcomes will be key.

The job holder will be required to have excellent knowledge of IP, including an IP qualification and/ or extensive experience working in an IP intensive environment.  Private sector experience and understanding of the Indian ecosystem would also be advantageous. The job holder will be required to represent the IPO across all aspects of the role including public speaking and representing the government at a senior level, providing advice to the Ambassador and Regional Trade Commissioner in addition to visiting Ministers, senior Department for Business and Trade officials and IPO seniors.

Due to the international nature of the role, the successful candidate will be expected to travel within the India and South Asia region, sometimes at short notice and to the UK. 

The jobholder will also be expected to support and collaborate with colleagues across the region, particularly when they are visiting for major trade shows/meetings/ events etc. They will need strong engagement with the UK based Central and South Asia team at the IPO to align focus, effort and skills.

The role will require occasional work outside core hours, and in the event of inward or outward visits, long days can be the norm. Occasional weekend working may be required.

We reserve the right to review, revise or amend the roles and responsibilities from time to time reflecting the changing needs of business.

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

Main Duties:

• Act as the IPO’s lead representative in India. Actively seek out and build relationships with diverse stakeholders in India and where relevant, the UK , enabling the IPO to shape the debate on IP in the region.
• While India is the main focus,(85%) supporting UK Government activities in Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Maldives is part of the regional responsibility.
• Develop a strong and complimentary relationship with colleagues at the UKIPO and in particular, the UK based Senior Policy Advisor for the region.
• Develop expertise on IP policy development and delivery in India, for specialist and non-specialist stakeholders.
• Provide informed and impartial advice on IP issues to UK businesses operating, or wishing to operate, in India.
• Actively seek ways to deliver in market the UK’s International Strategy on IP and HMG policies that include IP , spotting new and emerging trends and driving implementation of the strategy
• Identify opportunities for policy and technical cooperation between the UK and India , including delivering objectives under the bilateral IP MoU and work plan, building a strong relationship with IP India and other regional IP offices.
• Organise and coordinate IP-related visits to the UK by overseas counterparts from India, and visits to India by UK Ministers and IPO officials.
• Engage with the Indian government across relevant departments on domestic and multilateral IP issues, in support of UK interests.
• Work closely across all teams in the India High Commission network on improving IP messaging and IP in bilateral trade dialogue (including Government to Government)
• Other pieces of work as required by the IPO and High Commission

Requirements:

• Knowledge of IP policy, process, administration and law within India. At least 3 years experience would be preferred.
• Experience of working directly with governments and businesses in the UK and/or India.
• The regional nature of the role means effective self-management and prioritisation, and the ability to operate independently with support from the IPO and BHC, are critical.
• Extensive travel (including ad hoc) is a requirement of the role, within India and internationally
• Strong strategic thinking, communicating and influencing and problem-solving and judgment skills. Experience of managing external relationships with key stakeholders is also an essential requirement.
• Familiarity with UK/EU IP policies helpful but not essential.
• Knowledge of the Indian business environment would be helpful.
• Fluency in English language, both written and spoken.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

• Manage UK IPO Attaché Fund – India
• Other Government Department Funding
• Line Management – An IP Intern may be employed, and direct supervision and development of this person will be a key responsibility

Language requirements:

Language: English – Fluent. The ability to converse in Hindi is an advantage

Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):

• IPO Induction Programme
• FCDO  Fund Programme Training
• CSL learning (online)
• British High Commission essential learning programmes

Working patterns:

The role will require travel within India and the region, and occasionally further afield.

The role will require occasional work outside core hours, and in the event of inward or outward visits, long days can be the norm. Occasional weekend working may be required.

Any other information (or specific local Post requirements):

The role is fixed term role for 24 months. There is a possibility of renewal basis business requirements.

The role sits within the framework of the Trade Policy Team. On a daily basis, line management sits with the Head of the Trade Policy Team.

A parallel line management made up of IPO staff works alongside this structure.

The application process requires a personal statement, CV and behaviours section on the application form

Essential On Arrival:

• University qualification (undergraduate/ post graduate) in IP or extensive experience in IP
• Minimum 5 years demonstrated professional experience in a business development and/or economic development role – either in private sector or government
• Experience of working in India
• Excellent interpersonal skills and able to influence and network confidently with industry leaders, government officials, and senior business people;
• Ability to effectively work under tight deadlines and in a fast paced environment
• Experience of working with senior level interlocutors
• Experience of brief writing and public speaking
• Stakeholder engagement across all levels
• Resourcefulness in solving problems
• Team player with experience in working in large, complex environments and a willingness to work across boundaries
• Strong work ethic, organisational skills and keen attention to detail
• Excellent computer  & IT skills (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams)
• Superior professionalism and judgment
• Experience of working in complex, matrix organisations
• Ability to draft succinct reports and provide briefing for generalist and specialist audiences, including for ministers, often to very tight deadlines
• Delivery of high quality day-to-day data management