Planning Officer for the Visit to Japan of UK HCSC

Main Purpose of Job:To lead planning and execution of the visit to Japan of the UK Higher Command and Staff College (HCSC) in April 2026. HCSC is a UK Defence course consisting of senior military officers drawn mostly from the UK but also other countries. Around 60 such students, accompanied by staff, will travel to Japan in April 2026 for a study tour aiming to build their understanding of Japan’s Defence architecture, including the Japan Self-Defence Forces, US Forces Japan, and other elements of national resilience. The successful applicant will spend around two-and-a-half months planning and preparing for the visit, working within the Embassy Defence Section (who have recent experience of delivering similar projects) and then deliver the visit in April 2026.What the Jobholder will be Expected to Achieve:Lead on the HCSC study tour programme to include JSDF, US Forces Japan, and other Defence-related venues for a week-long study tour.Liaise with relevant locations to ensure hosting of the study tour.Deliver all administration and logistics of the tour including hotel and transport bookings.Work with the British Embassy Defence Section and brief the Defence Attache regularly regarding progress.Participate in wider administrative functions within the Defence Section where possible as capacity permits. This may include covering for leave for the PA, assisting with general scheduling, etc. These additional duties will only occur if and when the Defence Attache is satisfied that there is no risk to the HCSC tour.Resources Managed (staff and expenditure):The successful candidate will manage a budget for booking of hotels, transport, etc.[Application deadline is Monday 24 November 2025.Please apply through the British Embassy recruitment website (https://fco.tal.net/).■ BenefitsBasic salary (462,200 yen per month)Commuting allowance (up to 35,000 yen per month)Social insurance (employment insurance, workers' compensation insurance, health insurance, welfare pension insurance)[Notes] Monthly basic salary1/14 of annual basic salaryAdditional payment months are June and December (calculated pro rata according to length of employment)■ QualificationsEssential qualifications, skills and experience:・Project Management/similar visit programmes experience・Knowledge of Japan’s Defence architecture in order to understand the strategic relevance of programme elements・Ability to initiate work and see it through to completion, able to seek advice and assistance when necessary; co-operative and collegiate approach to working with colleagues in other teams・Able to communicate with a range of contacts from a diverse range of sectors and government ministries・Willing to travel throughout Japan for planning and accompanying the group during the tour・Strong IT skills, particularly Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)Language Requirements:・Business communication skills in English and Japanese, able to work with internal and external stakeholders, speak and write in both Japanese and English・TOEIC score 800 (or equivalent level for English)・Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT) level N1 (native level preferred)Desirable Qualifications, Skills And ExperienceIdeally experience working in the Defence sectorRequired behavioursMaking Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service, Seeing the Big Picture■ Minimum Language RequirementsEnglish Level: Business Conversation LevelJapanese Level: Fluent