Trade Adviser – Technology, Education and Creatives at the British High Commission (BHC) Nigeria

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer.  We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.

We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Job Title: Trade Adviser for Technology, Education and Creatives C4 (DIT)

Job ref.: 25/20 LOS
Location: Lagos
Job Category: Department for International Trade roles (DIT)
Job Subcategory: DIT
Grade: C4 (L)
Type of Position: Fixed Term, with possibility of renewal
Start Date: 1st February, 2021
Type of Post: British Deputy High Commission

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)  
Main Purpose of Job:

• Developing new export and business investment markets for UK companies is a top priority for the UK Government. This role is based in the UK Government’s Department for International Trade (DIT) team in the British Deputy High Commission in Lagos to lead work on the technology, education and creatives sectors in Nigeria.
• The aim is to increase the export of UK goods and services to Nigeria, and to expand UK business investment in Nigeria in these sectors.  This includes building relationships with key buyers and the Government in these sectors in Nigeria. The job holder will identify opportunities for UK firms; and help British companies to win contracts and make successful investments.
• The Department for International Trade secures UK prosperity by promoting and financing international trade and investment, and championing free trade. We promote UK businesses overseas and attract foreign investment to our shores.
• We have 3,000 staff across the globe in over 100 countries. Our aspiration is to address some of the challenges facing the UK, by helping British businesses to internationalise and grow overseas.

What will the jobholder be expected to achieve?:

• We are looking for someone with credible private sector experience, an organised person with an ability to take the initiative and work with enterprises and others across the UK Government with limited supervision, a self-starter able to drive work forward creatively, drawing on UK strengths in business and local opportunities and a strong and confident communicator with the ability to quickly establish and build relationships.
• The individual should be a team member who works collaboratively with colleagues and others.

Key Responsibilities

• Identifying and delivering a pipeline of export business opportunities in Nigeria for UK companies in the  technology, education and creatives sectors, in consultation with business and based on an understanding of UK business interests
• Marketing the UK’s capability in  technology, education and creatives to key stakeholders in the Nigerian public and private sectors, to help secure multi-million pound deals / contracts
• Working towards and meeting the set performance targets and results for the year
• Identifying investment opportunities in the Nigerian market and addressing and seeking to resolve any market access barriers faced by UK companies
• You will lead Nigeria’s trade activity in the  technology, education and creatives sectors, working closely with colleagues in Nigeria, building a healthy pipeline of potential deals; and working with British businesses to best position them for success

Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience  

• Have worked within Nigeria’s private sector in business development or similar role for major local or international companies / organisations, for a minimum of 4 years
• Strong oral and written English communication skills
• Ability to work well under pressure and to tight deadlines
• Resourcefulness in solving problems
• Good interpersonal and communication skills and comfortable dealing with senior government officials and business people
• Flexible, adaptable and resilient
• Strong organizational skills and keen attention to detail
• Superior professionalism and judgment
• Strong work ethic

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience:

• 2+ years of relevant experience in technology, education and creatives sectors
• Experience of working on multi-year campaigns on business development

Required Competencies:

• Leading and Communicating, Collaborating and Partnering, Achieving Commercial Outcomes, Managing a Quality Service

Additional Information:
Any other information (or specific local Post requirements):

• This role is Lagos based and reports to the Country Director for the UK Department for International Trade in Nigeria, also based in Lagos.
• There will be travel requirements and opportunities both within Lagos and Nigeria.
• All applicants must be legally able to work in Nigeria with the correct visa/status or work permit.
• Staff members recruited locally by the British High Commission in Lagos are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Nigerian employment law.
• Spouses/registered partners of UK Based Staff, are able to work within the BHC/BCG but their salary will be abated at the appropriate tax rates.
• Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted.

Salary

• NGN 879,967.44 monthly

Other Benefits and Conditions of Employment:
Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):

• The successful applicant will have access to a range of Learning and Development opportunities with in-house and e-learning, with the potential for overseas training. From time to time there will be requirements to assist other teams within the Department, building overall resilience and broader experience.

Application Closing Date
21st January, 2021.