Job Posting: Public Diplomacy and Trade Officer

Job Posting:

Public Diplomacy and Trade Officer

The Embassy of Iceland in Tokyo is seeking a dynamic and resourceful individual to join our team as a Public Diplomacy and Trade Officer. This full-time position offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to Iceland’s diplomatic presence in Japan, focusing on trade promotion, public diplomacy, and cultural outreach. The Public Diplomacy and Trade Officer is an integrated part of the Business Iceland team in embassies abroad, working to enhance Iceland’s commercial interests and visibility in international markets.

Main purpose of the job:

To support Icelandic export industries and foreign investment initiatives by facilitating trade and business opportunities in Japan. To promote Icelandic creative industries and manage public diplomacy efforts to strengthen bilateral relations.

Key responsibilities:

• Trade and commercial work
  • Lead the Embassy’s work on assisting Icelandic businesses in finding partners, developing trade opportunities, and gaining market access in Japan.
  • Provide professional advice and support to Icelandic companies seeking to establish or expand their presence in Japan.
  • Organise trade missions, conferences, and promotional activities, sometimes in cooperation with the Nordic Innovation House Tokyo.
  • Build and maintain a professional network to facilitate business collaborations.
  • Provide insights and information on Icelandic business and trade policies.
  • Support occasional projects in other markets covered by the Embassy, including Singapore, South Korea, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
• Public diplomacy and communications
  • Manage the Embassy’s public diplomacy efforts, media outreach, and promotional campaigns.
  • Handle copywriting and oversee digital communications, social media content, and online materials.
  • Prepare and deliver presentations in Japanese and English.
  • Support Iceland’s branding efforts in Japan.
• Promoting creative industries
  • Organise and oversee cultural events hosted at the Embassy and at external venues to promote Icelandic culture and artists.
• General Embassy support and travel
  • Assist in handling correspondence, scheduling meetings, and organising Embassy events.
  • Provide translation and/or interpretation services as required.
  • Undertake occasional travel within or outside of Tokyo as necessary.

Key qualifications and skills:

• Good knowledge of the Japanese market.
• Fluency in both written and spoken English and Japanese (knowledge of a Nordic language is an advantage).
• Minimum of 6 years’ experience in trade promotion or public relations.
• Undergraduate degree in business, international relations, communications, or a related field.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, capable of engaging with diverse audiences and stakeholders.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and familiarity with digital communication tools and social media platforms.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multicultural team, demonstrating flexibility and adaptability.

Terms of employment:

• Permanent position, initially a one-year contract with the possibility of extension.
• A valid residence permit is required. The Employee will receive social benefits in accordance with Japanese labour laws, including contributions to health insurance, pension, and employment insurance.
• Flexibility is essential as some events may require work outside regular hours.
• Full-time position, with a start date between 1 to 15 June. The applicant needs to be able to attend a 5-day training in Iceland in May 2025.
• Salary according to qualifications and experience.

If you are interested in being an integral part of the Embassy of Iceland’s work in Japan, please submit your CV, references, and cover letter to tokyo[at]mfa.is with the subject “Public Diplomacy and Trade Officer”.

For any questions, please contact Mr Ragnar Thorvardarson, Deputy Head of Mission.

We look forward to receiving your application!