EDC Senior Regional Specialist

SUMMARY OF DUTIES

The Embassy of Canada to Japan is seeking to hire a Senior Regional Specialist (LE‑S2) within the Export Development Canada (EDC) representation. EDC is Canada’s export credit agency and a Crown corporation wholly owned by the Government of Canada, providing knowledge‑driven and innovative financial and commercial solutions to help Canadian exporters and investors succeed internationally. Each year, EDC supports more than 10,000 Canadian companies and their global customers in up to 200 markets worldwide, with approximately 80 per cent of its clients being small and medium‑sized enterprises. Headquartered in Ottawa with a strong global presence, EDC is financially self‑sustaining and recognized as a leader in financial reporting and economic analysis. Under the leadership of the Regional Vice‑President, East Asia and Oceania, the Senior Regional Specialist plays a pivotal role in leading and co‑leading EDC’s business development efforts in Japan. As a key contributor to Canada’s economic growth, this role sits at the forefront of international business—working closely with leading Canadian companies and influential Japanese partners to deliver strategic insights, develop innovative solutions, build strong relationships, and unlock new business opportunities in this dynamic market.

 

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

 

• Provides insights to Senior EDC Management on emerging trends and opportunities of the Japan market and develop innovative solutions to meet country specific and regional business needs.
• Provides expert advice and recommendations to Canadian businesses on investment and business opportunities, guiding them through complex international markets and empowering them to succeed, while ensuring team members’ approach is aligned with EDC strategy and philosophies.
• Provides oversight and leadership of the development and implementation of sales and client engagement initiatives in Japan.
• Additionally, as the EDC Japan representation evolves over time, this position may be required to provide guidance, performance management and leadership to direct reports.
• Pro-actively manage accounts of key buyers, borrowers, partners and market intermediaries, and contribute to the systematic management of EDC’s Canadian accounts active or interested in the Japan market.
• The Senior Regional Specialist is also responsible for elevating EDC’s brand reputation in Japan, positioning EDC as a trusted partner and thought leader in the market and managing the Corporation’s relationship with the Canadian Government, in respect to Japan.

 
AREA OF SELECTION

 
This position is open to individuals who are eligible to work without restrictions in Japan, who demonstrate how they meet all qualifications as outlined in the Statement of Merit Criteria below, and whose applications are received before the closing date, including Embassy employees, spouse and dependents of Canada-based staff. Candidates must be available to participate in any tests and/or interviews at the Embassy of Canada to Japan, in Tokyo, during the competitive process.

Please note that the Embassy of Canada to Japan does not sponsor work authorizations directly or indirectly.

 

The Government of Canada is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from diverse sections of the community.  Candidates will be considered based on merit regardless of ethnic origin, religious belief, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability or other factor. Our organization offers an inclusive workplace where respect, teamwork, and collaboration are part of our culture. Canada’s missions abroad are committed to promoting and supporting an environment free from harassment and discrimination, as well as encouraging and supporting employees to learn and develop their skills and competencies

 

 

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

 
Candidates will initially be screened against the Essential Qualifications relating to education, language* and experience. Candidates must clearly demonstrate when applying to the position how they meet each of these essential qualifications.

 

Education

Candidates will be required to provide proof of the completion of their education.

 

• Bachelor’s degree from accredited college or university or an acceptable combination* of education, training and work experience related to the duties and specific areas of competence required by the position, including but not limited to business or economics.

 

* An acceptable combination is defined as a diploma or degree requiring a minimum of 2 years of full-time study combined with a minimum of 5 years of relevant experience.

 

Language

• Advanced proficiency in English (writing, reading, and speaking).
• Advanced proficiency in Japanese (writing, reading, and speaking).

 

 

Experience

• Minimum of 7 years of relevant experience in a strategic relationship management role with capital providers or financial intermediaries with experience in commercial/corporate lending and/or structured project finance deal structuring;
• Demonstrated experience in working with large corporates, or Government or state-owned enterprises within Japan across a spectrum of industry sectors on new financing opportunities;
• Relevant professional experience in using influencing, negotiating, relationship management skills, presentation skills, and public speaking;
• A proven track record of developing and managing strategic relationships.

 

RATED REQUIREMENTS

 
The Rated Requirements are part of the essential qualifications and are relating to knowledge, abilities and competencies. Methods of assessment for rated requirements may include, but are not limited to, a written examination, an oral interview (online prerecorded/live or in-person), role-play, practical tests, presentations and/or psychometric assessment.

 

Competencies

• Organizational and Contextual:

o   Solid knowledge of local business culture, Japanese corporate finance practices, and banking and financial institutions environments

o   Solid knowledge of the Canadian export and investment opportunities in Japan 

• Theoretical: Solid knowledge of international capital markets with a focus on international trade financing.
• Technical: Solid knowledge of risk-based approaches including financial and non-financial risks.
• Procedural and Legislative: Strong knowledge and insights on company capabilities, financial structures, regulatory environments, and how Canadian expertise and solutions can support client growth and international objectives.
• Working with Others and Horizontal Leadership
• Client Orientation
• Innovation and Change Management
• Strategic Thinking and Decision Making, including providing authoritative market insights, advice, and recommendations to Canada‑based deal teams on in‑market opportunities and technical capabilities.
• Networking and Alliance Building, including the ability to engage senior leaders, connect Canadian companies with local partners, and support trade‑creating opportunities.

 

Additional Asset Qualifications

Preference may be given to candidates who meet the Asset Qualifications. Where applicable, candidates must clearly demonstrate how they meet any asset qualifications.

• Knowledge of underwriting practices, familiarity with common financing structures.
• An intermediate level of proficiency in French (written, oral and comprehension)

Operational Requirements

• Hours of work: Normal hours of work for this position are in accordance with Locally-Engaged Staff regulations of 37.5 hours per week.
• Location of work: The Embassy of Canada in Japan.
• Travel Requirements: Ability to travel domestically and to Ottawa if and when required
• Work outside regular business hours when required and work in virtual teams.

 

Conditions of Employment:
Conditions of employment must be met or complied with before being appointed to a particular position, and are to be maintained throughout the employment while being the incumbent of this position
 

• Valid work authorisation: Ability to obtain and hold a valid work authorization covering the entire employment period, without any impediments or limitations. Must be a resident of Japan at time of hire.
• Security screening: Obtain and maintain a Reliability Status (security level) which includes a criminal and credit background check from the Government of Canada covering the entire employment period.
• Health assessment may be requested at the discretion of the Head of Mission

 

Special Request from Mission / Additional Comments: 

• Commuting assistance is available (up to a monthly limit of JPY 18,300).
• Depending on the approval of management and job type, remote work may be available for up to one day per week.
• The Canadian Embassy is enrolled in Japan’s labor insurance (worker’s compensation insurance and employment insurance).

 

HOW TO APPLY

Follow the below instructions to ensure your application can be considered. 

• You must submit your application using the "Apply online" function. Only applications submitted via VidCruiter will be considered, unless a valid reason is presented and accepted prior to the closing date.
• Do not include personal data such as; age, date of birth, gender, marital status, family status, religion or a picture in your application form, CV nor cover letter (as required). Only include information relevant to the vacancy as requested in the above job poster.
• You must clearly demonstrate in answering the screening questions how you meet the qualifications of the vacancy. You must provide concrete and detailed examples that clearly explain where, when, and how you gained the qualification in each question box. Global Affairs Canada cannot make any assumptions about your studies nor experience. No additional information will be sought beyond what you submit in your online application.
• Candidates may be required to upload a CV and/or a cover letter in English or French. These documents may (or may not) be used as a secondary source to validate the answers to the screening questions.
• Applications which do not include all the requested documents or information and/or which are not received by the closing date will be rejected.
• Candidates who are unable to submit their application due to technical difficulties must report these to CSDPIP.Candidates-CandidatesetCandidats.PPSCIP@international.gc.ca prior to the closing date. Failure to do so will result in the application being rejected.
• *If you are in a partially or fully qualified pool for a similar position with our mission, please include the process number and all relevant details in your application.

 

IMPORTANT NOTES

Carefully review the following:

• Employees of the Embassy of Canada to Japan are paid in Japanese Yen and must have a domestic Japanese bank account for the duration of their employment. Salary payments to overseas bank accounts will not be made under any circumstances. 
• Please note that the Embassy of Canada to Japan does not sponsor work authorizations directly or indirectly.
• Only applications submitted in one of the official languages of Canada will be accepted (English or French).
• Communication for this process will be sent via email. It is the responsibility of the candidates to ensure accurate contact information is provided and updated as required.
• Candidates must provide an email address that accepts email from unknown users and regularly check their email, including spam folder.
• Reference checks may be sought for candidates.
• Please note that the Embassy of Canada to Japan does not reimburse any travel costs to and from interviews/exams nor does it reimburse any relocation costs.
• Before an offer of employment can be made, successful candidates must provide a local residence address as proof of residence in the specified area of selection. This information is necessary to issue a letter of offer.
• We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated (during any phase of the evaluation process, please contact us at CSDPIP.Candidates-CandidatesetCandidats.PPSCIP@international.gc.ca to request specialized accommodation (a modification made to the standard assessment conditions, allowing individuals with disabilities to demonstrate their abilities on an assessment by removing barriers related to their specific needs). All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.
• The results of this selection process may also be used to establish one or more pools of fully or partially qualified candidates for similar term, indeterminate, part-time or full-time openings at the Embassy of Canada to Japan,  which might arise following the completion of this selection process.
• For Canadian citizens/residents and Canadian dual nationals, please note that it is your responsibility to enquire with the Canadian Revenue Agency about any possible taxation implications linked to an employment with the Government of Canada.
• The Government of Canada has established a multiple step salary scale as well as Terms and Conditions tailored to each country’s local labour environment. The Government of Canada does not negotiate salaries. Competitive benefits in line with local practices for each country are also provided in the gross compensation package.