Regional Market Entry Advisor – Department for International Trade at British High Commission (BHC) Nigeria – 4 Openings

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: Regional Market Entry Advisor – Department for International Trade

Location: Lagos

Department: International Trade
Grade: C4 (L)
Type of Position: Fixed Term, Fixed term, with the possibility of renewal
Working Hours per week: 36 (Monday – Thursday 7:30-3:30, Friday 7:30-1:30)
Duration of Post: 24 months
Start Date: 2nd October, 2020
Slot: 4

Background and Purpose of the Job
This is an exciting time to join the Department for International Trade (DIT). Our aim is to promote British trade and investment across the world which is vital for the prosperity of the UK. DIT brings together policy, promotion and financial expertise to break down barriers to trade and investment in markets across the world to help businesses succeed. This is a great opportunity to be part of an international team that contributes to the success of the UK’s trade goals.

DIT is recruiting for four roles in the Trade Services Unit (TSU) team, to be based in Cairo, Lagos, Nairobi and Johannesburg but each covering the wider North, East, South and West African regions. The jobholders will report to the TSU Director, based in London, and will be repsonsible for delivering advisory services to UK companies interested in exporting to and investing in Africa. This advice will centre on route to market (market entry) options. Where required, TSU Advisors will also be in a position to refer companies needing additional specialist and professional services not offered by DIT to in-market vetted private sector companies. TSU Advisors will also be responsible for the relationship with these in market providers, ensuring they provide the service envisaged to our companies, and tracking whether our companies progress to win business.

You will join the Department for International Trade’s Africa network providing cricual expertise as part of our offer to UK businesses exporting into the continent. You will be networked closely with colleagues from across DIT Africa and other UK Departments, including the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office when necessary. You will also need to actively engage with external stakeholders in the private sector.

Roles and Responsibilities
The jobholder will take full responsibility for leading on all TSU activities in their respective regions. They will:

• Increase the value of UK exports by helping our companies gain entry to African markets;
• They will do this by providing tailored advice to UK businesses, helping them identify their route to market, their market entry needs, flagging market barriers, and advising on options for making progress;
• Support UK businesses establish effective export strategies and if needed, assist them in sourcing addition support through an Overseas Referral Network, ensuring regular follow up to remain a key player in their client’s export journey, tracking the service delivery so that the support given is fit for purpose and identify if further help is needed;
• Work with the Operations Team to maintain market intelligence to support dialogue with clients and build collaborative relationships with both British and African business in each region, including with a view to updating and expanding the Overseas Referral Network;
• Ensure appropriate export account management is followed and businesses are linked in to the International Trade Advisor Network;
• Upload business interactions weekly on to Data Hub and shared spreadsheets;
• Promote the market entry offer to British companies, UK Regions and Devolved Administrations, with a view to increase demand and visibility to SMEs across the UK;
• Maintain a thorough understanding of all of the markets in their region working closely with Posts and directing business to opportunities not just in the primary market.

Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience

• Fluent written and spoken English
• 5+ years of relevant advisory experience in either the private or public sector, ideally on an international basis;
• Relevant Degree and work experience with a track record of delivery through collaboration and partnering in complex environments
• Ability to work well under pressure and to tight deadlines;
• Resourcefulness in solving problems;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and comfortable dealing with senior officials and business people.

Desirable Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• Private sector experience in a consultancy environment
• Experience of working in a virtual team.

Required Competencies:

• Collaborating and Partnering, Achieving Commercial Outcomes, Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace.

Starting Monthly Salary

• NGN827,892.98

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 within DIT 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
7th September, 2020.