About the job

Job summary

Drop In Session: You can get more information about the role and working at the TRA by attending the drop-in session which takes place on 5th January 2024, 12:30-13:30. You will have the opportunity to ask any questions, including about the recruitment process from application to interview through to offer. You can join the session at any point throughout the hour by clicking on the link here.

The TRA is one of the first public bodies to be set up to meet the new needs of the UK following its departure from the European Union. We play a central part in ensuring that the international trading environment is fair and free, by protecting British businesses from unfair trading practices such as dumping, trade-distorting subsidies and unforeseen surges in imports. 

We are growing to be an organisation of over 150 people, with our headquarters in central Reading. It is vital to us that we have a friendly, supportive culture, where you will quickly get to know who works here and where you will be helped to realise your full potential. We strive to be an outward-looking organisation, learning from international best practice and looking to add our own distinctive twist, such as developing our digital-first approach to trade remedy investigations. As an arm’s length body that is independent of government, we are passionate about living our values of integrity, expertise, transparency, and inclusion.

We are looking for professionals who bring relevant skills and expertise but who are also eager to learn and develop. Nobody joins the TRA as the finished article. If you believe that you have the experience and qualities to put your stamp on something new and exciting, we very much look forward to hearing from you.

Job description

In this fast-paced role, you will work with fellow Investigators, Analysts, Policy advisers and Lawyers in the TRA to progress trade remedies cases. You will take an active role in assessing claims of unfair trade practices, reviewing accounts and other documents, analysing data, planning and conducting site visits and collaborating with participants in an investigation. You will prepare or contribute to the preparation of detailed reports outlining the conclusions of the investigations you participate in, which make recommendations as to whether remedies should be applied in the UK.

Role Purpose  

As an Investigator, you will be assigned to a case team led by a more Senior Investigator. You will be involved in carrying out investigations into allegations of dumping and subsidy of goods imported into the UK. You will undertake a range of activities including reviewing financial data and other evidence from importers, exporters and producers in the UK and overseas before preparing a final report. You will collaborate with Economists, Lawyers and Policy teams at various stages of the investigation. 

Opportunities for development:

You will be enrolled in an extensive investigator development programme. The investigator development programme is a combination of courses and on-the-job training. It will support you in developing your expertise and enable you to gain externally recognised qualifications. The programme includes training in accountancy and verification, investigative practice and trade remedies law and policy, structured to provide you with the confidence to operate effectively in your role as a trade remedies Investigator. Training is tailored to the role and will enable you to work with your team and contribute to cases, shortly after joining the TRA. There will be opportunities to progress to SEO Senior Investigator when you can demonstrate that your training and experience have equipped you for the role. You may also be able to complete a full qualification in accountancy or other disciplines.

Key Accountabilities  

• Carry out a range of investigative and analytical tasks, maintaining official case files, updating the case management systems, supporting investigations and reviews
• Develop and apply knowledge consistently, drawing on the provisions of trade remedies legislation, regulations and procedures, with support from colleagues
• Assist in preparing complex briefs, correspondence, reports and advice for management
• Conduct analytical assessments of data from a range of sources, seeking advice as necessary
• Verification/assurance of financial data and other supporting material
• Support the organisation in developing relationships with key stakeholders including domestic and international industry and government agencies
• Collect, analyse and manipulate complex data obtained during investigations
• Effectively communicate risks, issues and recommendations to senior colleagues
• Produce written communications for a range of stakeholders

Person specification

We are looking for individuals who are well organised, have a flair for complex data analysis and report drafting, have an investigator’s mindset – curious, sceptical and questioning, with an ability to remain composed in complex, high-profile situations. In addition, we’re looking for people who have a natural ability to engage, communicate, collaborate and influence, working as part of a team to achieve team goals.

You will need to establish mutual respect and trust, building relationships with internal and external stakeholders. Due to the nature of investigative work, you need to be able to self-manage and prioritise your workload whilst creating complete and accurate records in accordance with requirements, striking a balance between applying creativity and following established process. You will be flexible and versatile and able to adapt to variations in work and environment, not allowing your effectiveness to be affected by change.

The following skills are essential for the post. The sift and interview stages will focus on assessing candidates’ experience relevant to these skills as well as their aptitude to enhance or develop them at pace. 

• Proficiency in data analysis and MS Excel
• Ability to scrutinise and critically evaluate data and evidence to support evidence-based conclusions, following best practice in quality assurance
• Ability to provide effective and appropriate written and oral communication to stakeholders from different backgrounds
• Ability to plan and prioritise tasks
• Ability to learn new technologies and processes
• Communications and influencing skills, with the ability to establish collaborative relationships with a range of internal and external stakeholders
• Commitment and aptitude to complete the training and studying required

Benefits

Alongside your salary of £34,565, Trade Remedies Authority contributes £9,333 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Find out what benefits a Civil Service Pension provides.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Strengths, Ability, Experience and Technical skills.

After submission of the first stage of your application you will be invited to complete a Civil Service Verbal Test and a Civil Service Numerical Test,  If you successfully pass the test, you will be invited to complete the final stage of the application. 

Please complete the online tests as soon as possible (within 24-48 hours is recommended), the closing date for the tests is 23:55 on 15 January 2024. If you fail to complete the online test before the deadline your application will be withdrawn. Guidance for the test will be available when you are invited to take the test. The tests are administered online and accessed via the CS Jobs website.

If successful in both online tests you will then be invited to complete a 2-page CV and 750-word personal statement explaining how you meet the person specification and essential skills assessment criteria. 

The interview assessment will consist of two parts. These will be held on the same day. 

1. A strength and behavioural based interview including a short presentation which will assess the essential skills, experience, and behaviours required for the role. The behaviours you will be assessed against are Making effective decisions, Communicating and influencing, Working together and Delivering at pace.
2. A timed exercise that will assess your MS Excel and data analysis skills.  

Further details will be provided to shortlisted candidates in advance of the interviews.  

Working Pattern: Part time may be available, but please be aware that the role may involve travel, including international travel, of up to three weeks during which period it would not be possible to work part time.

Expected timeline:

Application closes   15 January 2024

Shortlist                   w/c 16 January 2024

Interviews                w/c 29 January 2024

Offers                       w/c 12 February 2024

Further Information

A reserve list may be held for a period of 12 months from which further appointments can be made.

Any move to Trade Remedies Authority from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk

Reasonable Adjustment

If a person with disabilities is put at a substantial disadvantage compared to a non-disabled person, we have a duty to make reasonable changes to our processes. 

If you need a change to be made so that you can make your application, you should: 

Contact Government Recruitment Service via trarecruitment.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk as soon as possible before the closing date to discuss your needs. 

Complete the ‘Assistance required’ section in the ‘Additional requirements’ page of your application form to tell us what changes or help you might need further on in the recruitment process. For instance, you may need wheelchair access at interview, or if you’re deaf, a Language Service Professional.

New entrants are expected to join on the minimum of the pay band.

If successful and transferring from another Government Department a criminal record check may be carried out. 

In order to process applications without delay, we will be sending a Criminal Record Check to Disclosure and Barring Service on your behalf.

However, we recognise in exceptional circumstances some candidates will want to send their completed forms direct. If you will be doing this, please advise Government Recruitment Service of your intention by emailing Pre-EmploymentChecks.grs@cabinetoffice.gov.uk stating the job reference number in the subject heading. 

If you are experiencing accessibility problems with any attachments on this advert, please contact the email address in the 'Contact point for applicants' section.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.