About the job

Summary

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 as well as 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 me that we have a friendly, supportive culture, where you will quickly get to know everyone on first name terms 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.

Job description

In this fast-paced role, you will work with fellow investigators, analysts, 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 Lead 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.

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;

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.

Working Pattern:

While our base location is Reading, we do offer full time, part time, compressed and flexible working. In common with most businesses, our people are currently working mostly from home while we review and develop our policy on hybrid working. There will be an expectation for you to attend the office and meet with your colleagues.

Responsibilities

We are looking for individuals who are well organised, have a flair for complex data analysis and report drafting and an investigator’s mindset – curious, sceptical and challenging, 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.

Essential Skills:

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.

• Communications and influencing skills, with the ability to establish collaborative relationships;

• Proficiency in data analysis and MS Excel;

• Ability to draft and produce written communications;

• Ability to plan and prioritise tasks;

• Ability to learn new technologies and processes;

• Commitment and aptitude to complete the training and studying required;

Qualifications

Applicants will need a minimum of:

• Two A Levels and three GCSEs or equivalent*, in five separate subjects, including English and Mathematics.

Equivalent* A Levels, Advanced Apprenticeship, NVQ level 3, BTEC Nationals, and International Baccalaureate.

Equivalent* GCSE’s, BTEC firsts, Cambridge Nationals, NVQ’s, and Functional Skills.

Behaviours

We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:

• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace

Technical skills

We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:

• A timed online exercise that will assess your MS Excel and data analysis skills