View Vacancy - Specialist Trade Adviser (Mining) (DIT) C4(L) (09/18 ACC)

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Department for International Trade roles (DIT)
Department for International Trade (DIT)

Main purpose of job:

To build on existing knowledge of, develop demand for, and deliver exporting success for British business in Ghana and West Africa;  to work closely with British companies exploring their exporting options in the region; to provide market insight and sector-specific analysis according to their needs; to lead on the work of the DIT Ghana High Value Campaign (HVC) on Mining and related infrastructure to maximise the exports of British goods and services to the sector as part of a structured project and to achieve challenging export targets as set out in the project plan (metrics).  The HVC is part of a pan-Africa project which includes foremost Ghana and Guinea, but also a number of other markets.

Roles and responsibilities:

West Africa is a growing and diverse region with opportunities across a range of sectors that the UK has expertise in. It has significant long-term economic potential with vast natural resources and a young and growing population. As a result West Africa offers a wide array of business opportunities, especially in mining but also increasingly in areas such as renewable energy, infrastructure and agriculture. Current trade figures are good but we want to do better. 

As part of the British Government’s ambitious commitment to increasing UK exports worldwide, the UK’s trade team in West Africa, with offices in Lagos, Abuja, Accra, Cameroon, Cote d’Ivoire, Guinea, and Senegal is developing a trade strategy to identify and better tap into this vast potential and increase trade between the UK and West Africa.  While the West Africa DIT team is consolidating a regional approach, working with trade colleagues across the region to maximise the trading relationship with the UK across West Africa, it is also part of a full pan-Africa focus working with colleagues in North, West, East and Southern Africa.  

We are looking for a highly organised, self-starter with a strategic approach to developing business links and strong attention to detail.  Candidates must have a good knowledge of the mining sector and an understanding of the related infrastructure requirements. The ability to work with limited supervision on multiple tasks simultaneously while meeting deadlines is essential.  Candidates will be strong team players who can work collaboratively on multiple projects including with virtual teams. The candidate will be required to deputise for the Head of Trade and support as necessary. 

Key Responsibilities:

  • To work as a member of the British Embassy Accra to identify opportunities for UK business in Ghana’s and Guinea’s large and expanding mining sectors and related areas, and to develop further the BHC’s network of contacts in the public and private sector. To further develop the BHC’s contacts with UK companies and monitor/record follow up activity.
  • To work with the Head of Trade and with the team based in Accra to identify opportunities and monitor sector developments for UK business both new and existing in Ghana and West Africa. Work closely with the new mining officer in Guinea and support the development of regional mining colleagues’ expertise, drawing on your experience in the sector, build and develop a network of key contacts across government and private sector, providing information, monitoring procurement websites and proactively bringing opportunities to the attention of relevant British mining supply chain businesses, ensuring a good quality service is provided to our UK customers.
  • To develop and execute a pipeline of opportunities for the DIT’s Mining HVC with particular focus on Ghana and Guinea in consultation with specialists in DIT London/UK; delivering on agreed KPIs and metrics including value of  export wins.
  • Engage directly with British companies who have expressed an interest in exploring exporting opportunities in Ghana, Guinea, West Africa and across Africa.  Utilise DIT’s charged services to where appropriate to provide reports providing market insights and sector- or product-specific information and analysis which meet agreed requirements and deadlines.
  • Full participation in delivery of DIT objectives; to support companies to seize opportunities for trade and investment work across Government to maintain the attractiveness of the UK as an investment destination and support for trade policy agendas and prosperity agendas.
  • Identify and upload export opportunities onto the UK Department for International Trade’s customised database, ensuring that export opportunity targets are met throughout the year.
  • Act as a regional coordinator, leading on inputs from colleagues in the region and feeding into the pan-Africa mining and infrastructure campaign.

Responsibilities:

  • Develop and execute a pipeline of opportunities for the DIT Ghana and Guinea Mining HVC in support of the DIT Head of Trade, Accra and UK Ambassador to Guinea and in consultation with DIT Regional Director, Lagos, specialists in DIT London;  Develop strategies to support UK business to successfully compete for HVC opportunities
  • Assessment of progress on HVC, providing sound analysis and recommendations on risks and any mitigations for the DIT Head of Trade based in Ghana, DIT senior managers in London and Ministers.
  • Engagement with a multitude of  Government Departments, agencies, companies and other organisations, at all levels, to ensure maximum co-operation and understanding of their current needs and aspirations engaging credibly to build strong and meaningful relationships with stakeholders and clients in the UK and Ghana;
  • Building on existing relationships create a strong personal and institutional presence in Ghana, such that the UK is well positioned to access trade and investment opportunities in the region.
  • Collaborate with the Regional Director, Lagos, in support of DIT strategy to develop future sectors and opportunities in West Africa.  This work is still being developed and there may be changes to align with the final strategic outlook for the region.
  • Working with colleagues across government to maximise a whole of government approach to trade and acting as a coordinator leading on inputs from colleagues in the region and feeding into the pan-Africa mining and infrastructure campaign.
  • Responsibility for the smooth running of trade missions comprising British businesses to Ghana, including all preparation, from arrival to departure, and follow up to the mission.
  • Regularly input data regarding activity into DIT Databases and spreadsheets to support ongoing monitoring of performance.
  • Use the various DIT databases to ensure UK companies are kept fully up to speed on Export Opportunities to the region.
  • Work with colleagues across the UK regional network to maximise opportunities, increase the impact of inward missions and other visits from the UK. 
  • Prepare trade briefings, trade statistics, and update the pipeline of opportunities on Ghana and support the mining related work in Guinea to include in annual business planning.
  • Support the Head of Trade, Ghana, on VIP visits including responsibility for programme and logistics;  
  • Ensure timely and accurate reporting on economic and sector developments in Ghana relevant to trade, working closely with partners in the BHC to identify barriers to business.
  • Attending out of hours networking events, such as receptions at which many senior contacts will be present. 
  • Previous experience in in the extractive or infrastructure sectors.
  • Strong oral and written English communication skills.
  • University (Bachelors) degree in a sector related discipline or Economics, Business Studies, or another related field.            
  • Excellent IT skills with ability in MS Office suite applications e.g. Outlook, Excel, Word and PowerPoint.
  • Numerical and budget management abilities.
  • Ability to work effectively under tight deadlines.
  • Resourcefulness in solving problems.
  • Good interpersonal skills and comfortable dealing with high level officials.
  • Flexibility.
  • Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
  • Superior professionalism and judgment.
  • Strong work ethic.
  • 3+ years of relevant experience especially in large, complex environments.
  • Proven analysis and reporting skills.
  • French language skills would be useful.
28 September 2018
Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Permanent
Africa
Ghana
Accra
British High Commission
1
GHS equivalent to USD2 244
1 November 2018

Learning and development opportunities:

  • The position offers much opportunity for learning and development on the job, including through attendance at seminars, workshops and building relationships with relevant contacts. 
  • Visits to the UK, or elsewhere in Africa for investment conferences or for training courses are likely. 
  • Training will be provided both on the job in Accra, and may also be through courses delivered by the Regional L&D centre.
  • On-line learning will always be accessible and time will be available for this.

Other Conditions:

  • This is a full time position. As this is a small team in a busy High Commission we need staff to be consistently present to build and strengthen the team.
  • This role is critical in providing leadership as a senior member of local staff.
  • Please complete the application form in full as the information provided is used during screening.
  • Please check your application carefully before you submit, as no changes can be made once submitted.
  • The British High Commission will never request any payment or fees to apply for a position.
  • Employees recruited locally by the British High Commission in Accra are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in Ghana.
  • All candidates must be legally able to work and reside in the Ghana with the correct visa/work permit status or demostrate eligebility to obtain the relevant permit. 
  • The British High Commission does not sponsor visas/work permits expect where it may be local practice to do so.
  • Employees who are not eligible to pay local income tax: e.g. certain third-country nationals and spouses/partners of UK diplomats will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.
  • Information about the Foreign and Commonwealth Office Competency Framework can be found on this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/civil-service-competency-framework Please note: Job grade AA=A1, AO=A2, EO=B3, HEO=C4, SEO=C5
  • Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted on successful candidates.
  • Please log into your profile on the application system on a regular basis to review the status of your application.
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This opportunity is closed to applications.