Sector Director: Finance and Professional Services (Lagos) 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: Sector Director: Finance and Professional Services (FPS) – Department for International Trade

Ref.: 07/21 LOS
Location: Lagos
Grade: C5 (L)
Type of Position: Permanent
Working hours per week: 36
Type of Post: British Deputy High Commission
Job Category: Department for International Trade roles (DIT)
Job Subcategory: DIT
Start Date: 1 June 2021

Overview
The UK Department for International Trade (DIT) operates in 23 of Africa’s nations. As the UK Government Department promoting free trade and open market access, UK exports and UK business overseas investment, we support the development of strong, prosperous and peaceful African nations, through modern, dynamic and long-term trade and investment partnerships delivering mutual benefit for the UK and Africa. 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 lead work in Africa in a very important sector for the UK and for Africa. The UK offer is very strong globally, and is comprehensive, and includes world class capability in banking, insurance, asset management, corporate finance, raising finance, legal and advisory services, with the City of London the centre for international finance, and a strong track record in innovation in areas such as Fintech and green finance.

Your job will be to work with African buyers and UK companies. You will help UK firms to create new, and expand existing business, and build up investments in Africa. This includes identifying the best opportunities, strategies and markets together with UK companies. You will help DIT country teams to understand FPS, and to work effectively in support of UK business interests in their countries. You will work in partnership with leading UK businesses to help facilitate improved business access to the African markets.

You will develop a strong understanding of the current state of FPS in Africa, the greatest opportunities for the UK, identifying the new projects on the horizon. You will understand barriers to trade and investment, and work with colleagues to address these barriers. You will engage UK companies early on opportunities in Africa. You will identify and liaise with key buyers (Government and Private), increase their understanding of UK expertise, and help key buyers to engage with UK companies. You will deliver a small number of very high quality events that reflect the unique quality of the UK offer in FPS, and that advance our interests with key buyers.

The job holder will join a dynamic network of committed trade officers working to support UK business interests and Africa’s economic growth. This is an exciting time to join DIT Africa, as we deliver on our ambition to be Africa’s trade and investment partner of choice.

Roles and Responsibilities

You will lead and deliver DIT Africa’s Sector work in the FPS sector.
You will develop and lead the delivery of a clear sector plan with goals, milestones and deliverables.
You will create greater awareness in the UK, organise focussed sector events, and provide an evidence based view of the key areas for UK business engagement.
You will create a pipeline of key projects and opportunities, and ensure there is appropriate and strong support for UK companies in making progress on these projects. You will lead a pan-Africa virtual sector team working in the sector. You will work together with the DIT UK sector headquarters.
You will do this working through your virtual team across the continent, providing them with direction, helping to upskill them, and ensuring a consistent high standard of delivery and service.
You will develop strong relationships with major UK companies, through a strategic relationship management programme, working to understand their strategy and objectives, delivering support for them which matches their needs.
You will also develop relationships with buyer Governments, and your role will include some occasional travel when conditions permit to African countries and the UK
You will ensure alignment with other HMG work streams where relevant, for example Official Development Assistance (ODA) through the FCDO.
You will also develop strong relationships with the London Stock Exchange Group, the City of London, the Green Finance Institute and other key partners in the financial and professional services sectors.

Resources Managed (Staff and Expenditure):

Team of around 8 advisers, who you will matrix manage in coordination with their Country Directors.
Operational budgets for travel and subsistence, and marketing and communications.

Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience

Undergraduate Degree and other relevant professional qualification or experience.
Knowledge of, and a keen interest in the FPS sectors, at least five, preferably 10 years’ experience working in finance or associated sectors.
Experience of leading teams across Africa.
Experience of working with business at a senior level, with government departments, and similar institutions
Proven track record of cross-team collaboration
A positive, resilient, flexible and adaptable “can-do” attitude that can see a way through challenges.

Desirable Qualification, Skills and Experience:

Knowledge of the UK, and a keen interest in sustainable development.

Required Competencies:

Making Effective Decisions, Leading and Communicating, Collaborating and Partnering, Achieving Commercial Outcomes

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

This role provides excellent opportunities to grow and develop given its pan-Africa leadership role.
You will have access to the full suite of DIT and FCDO learning and development opportunities including the FCDO’s Diplomatic Academy and will be encouraged to join DIT’s trade profession.
We also provide regular in-house learning opportunities and are committed to supporting further academic opportunities.
Our staff who demonstrate great leadership potential are encouraged to apply for the FCDO’s pan-African Emerging Leadership Programme.

Working Patterns:

Flexible working is possible but please note that the role is likely to involve some evening commitments and regular travel to the UK and across Africa, notwithstanding any changes in working practices as a result of the current Covid situation.

Starting Monthly Salary