Coordinator for International Relations (CIR)
Applicants with a high level of written and spoken Japanese (at least JLPT level 2/N2 or equivalent) can apply to work as CIRs, assisting in local government offices with international activities at a local level.
Japanese interest in international exchange has never been greater. Coordinators for International Relations work with their Japanese colleagues to promote and develop exchange activities at a local level. This could mean working on projects to bring Japanese into contact with local foreign residents or developing relations between the contracting town, city, or prefecture and the CIR’s home country. Many towns and cities in Japan are linked with a sister city abroad, and a CIR may work to strengthen links with a sister city.
Japanese Language Requirements
It is not necessary for CIR applicants to hold the JLPT Level 2/N2 certificate as long as they have the required level of Japanese. Please see this link for more information regarding the Japanese Language Proficiency Test (JLPT). CIR interviews are conducted in Japanese and include a thorough evaluation of Japanese language ability.
Pre-assessment is no longer being carried out by the UK JET office, so please think carefully about your Japanese level and consider arranging to meet with your university professors to discuss your ability. Japanese language ability will be assessed by interviewers during the interview, and if your Japanese language ability is not felt to meet the standard required for the role, you may be considered for the Assistant Language Teacher role instead (please indicate that you would be happy to be considered for this in your application).
Duties and Responsibilities
- Receiving guests from abroad
- Supervising, editing, and translating foreign language publications
- Interpreting at locally organised international exchange programmes
- Cooperating and supporting the planning and execution of international exchange programmes, including economic exchange
- Assisting with the English language instruction of government employees and local residents
- Planning and implementing a variety of activities in the local community, from spreading awareness of foreign cultures through school visits to planning activities that support foreign residents
After JET
CIRs come back to the UK with stronger Japanese language skills and valuable experiences from their responsibilities in promoting multiculturalism within local government offices and the surrounding community.
Many CIRs decide to undertake further education in Japanese language and culture and enter academia, as well as pursue scholarship programmes and jobs focusing on UK - Japan relations. Others have also branched out into various other industries, such as finance and the government sector.
