Associate – South Korean Industrial & Trade Specialist

Responsibilities

• Act as an “intelligence and narrative bridge”, connecting Korea’s domestic climate and energy transition dynamics – especially power‑sector, grid reform and green industrial policy – with the concrete needs of other countries' desks in trade, diplomacy and campaign framing.
• Develop and maintain trustworthy connections with Korean academics, analysts, clean‑energy industry leaders, corporate voices (e.g. semiconductors, AI/data centres, batteries) and relevant media actors who can inform and co‑shape network strategies.
• Maintain a clear, up‑to‑date overview of priority stakeholders, key relationships and strategic opportunities related to Korea’s transition (policy windows such as the 12th Power Plan, climate law revision, grid and pricing reforms, RE100 industrial complexes), and share this regularly with relevant country desks.
• Co‑develop and edit high‑impact Korea‑related content for network and other platforms that show Korea’s green transition pace to domestic, regional and international audiences, highlighting how Korea’s transition direction affects regional trade, investment, and fossil project viability.
• Respond to ad‑hoc internal requests for Korea context, stakeholder background and narrative advice in a timely way, particularly around fast‑moving energy security or industrial debates.
• Serve as the primary point person in the GSCC network for Korea‑related industrial intelligence, stakeholder context and talking points (e.g. RE100, grid modernization, GX industrial opportunities, regional spillovers).
• Participate actively in GSCC and partner calls, planning spaces and online conversations, ensuring that Korea‑specific insights are integrated into regional and global strategies and key campaign moments – including work with Japan, Australia and other Asia desks on “Korea in Asia / Korea in the world” narratives.

Requirements

• 6–8 years of experience in one or more of the following areas: industrial or policy analysis, journalism, research, communications or campaigning related to South Korea, ideally with exposure to climate, energy or industrial transformation.
• Deep understanding of Korea’s political economy and industrial policy landscape, especially in sectors such as power and grid systems, semiconductors and AI/data infrastructure, batteries, heavy industry, and related value chains.
• Demonstrated ability to interpret Korean‑language policy, media and industrial signals and translate them into clear, actionable insights for non‑Korean audiences (e.g. Asia desks, international media, investor networks).
• Strong track record of producing high‑quality analytical or narrative products (briefings, reports, media pieces or campaign materials) under time pressure, especially on climate, energy or industrial competitiveness topics.
• Existing relationships, or a clear pathway to build them, with relevant Korean academics, think tanks, researchers, journalists or industry leaders.
• Fluency in Korean and strong proficiency in English; excellent written and verbal communication skills in both languages.
• A strategic, systems‑oriented mindset, with strong analytical and problem‑solving skills and the ability to make sound judgements in ambiguous or fast‑moving situations.
• An independent self‑starter, comfortable working remotely, managing their own workload and collaborating across time zones and cultures using online tools.
• A collaborative team player who can support and advise colleagues across countries and functions, and who is comfortable operating in a highly networked, partner‑driven environment.

Core Competencies

Demonstrates expertise in Korea's political economy and industrial policy, with a focus on climate and energy transition. Proficient in producing high-quality analytical content and building strategic relationships within the clean energy sector.