View Vacancy - Market Access & Trade Policy Lead

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Department for Business and Trade roles (DBT)
Department for Business and Trade (DBT)

Main purpose of job:

This is an exciting and demanding position for an exceptional individual to take up the role of Market Access & Trade Policy Lead for Colombia under the fast-paced environment of the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). We seek a talented lead with the drive to open up markets, build a business-friendly regulatory environment and improve international trading standards.

Based at the British Embassy in Colombia, the Market Access and Trade Policy Lead will manage the trade policy agenda between Colombia and the UK, as well as proactively identify and solve Market Access and regulatory barriers that British Companies face across all sectors in Colombia and the wider Andean sub region. Working with sectorial officers, the Market Access & Trade Policy Lead will be responsible for designing strategies and action plans to address such obstacles and open the market for UK companies.

Working closely with key external stakeholders from both the public and the private sector, the Market Access and Trade Policy Lead will contribute to build the outreach strategy of the commitments, benefits and opportunities arising from the UK-Andean Countries Agreement.

The successful applicant will also be expected to lead on the trade dialogues UK-Colombia, as well as to contribute to the preparation and development of the technical subcommittees and Trade Committee under the UK-Andean Countries Agreement.

The Market Access & Trade Policy Lead will be part of the LATAC Regional Trade Policy and Market Access Team, working closely with colleagues from around Latin America, the Caribbean and the UK.

 

Roles and responsibilities:

 

1.     Market Access (40%)

  • Proactively identify and report Market Access Barriers affecting UK exports (goods and services) to Colombia. Determine the policy background and channels to accurately address each barrier.
  • Working with the DBT team and wider economic teams across the British Embassy in Colombia and in London, drawing on qualitative and quantitative data to identify issues in priority/high growth sectors;
  • Identify key decision makers in government, public bodies, civil society, academia and business. Create strategic alliances and engagement with relevant authorities and commercial entities.
  • Monitor those market access barriers and assess their functional impact in priority/high growth sectors;
  • Develop and implement an action plan to tackle the identified market access barriers on all sectors, through ongoing activities, lobbying and high-level interventions:
  • Coordinate key engagements with relevant stakeholders.
  • Establish commitments and actions, which result in long-term solutions, influencing foreign trade in terms of transparency and inclusivity.
  • Provide evidence-based policy recommendations to senior management in DBT and the wider Embassy. 

2.     Trade Policy (30%)

  • Follow-up on the implementation and compliance of international commitments and obligations arising from the UK-Andean Countries Agreement.
  • Contribute to the identification of issues of interest and preparation of sub-committees and trade committees under the UK-Andean Countries Agreement.
  • Contribute to the construction of the agenda and preparation of the subcommittees and trade committee under the UK-Andean Countries Agreement.
  • Lead the development of the UK-Colombia Trade Dialogues, through the identification of opportunities for joint work and alternatives to increase trade and investment flows between UK and Colombia.
  • Monitor Colombia's public policies, regulatory developments and business environment, scan for potential barriers to trade and determine their impact on British industry.
  • Support Trade Policy teams with any requests that may arise in the context of the UK's participation in multilateral organizations such as the WTO, WCO and OECD, among others.

3.     Reporting and Knowledge Transfer (15%)

  • Lead on briefings, presentations and other reporting/analysis in the area of market access;
  • Support the development of market access capacity within  DBT and wider Embassy teams, delivering training or information sessions as required.
  • Be the key reference point for senior Embassy management, including the Ambassador, for market access and trade policy issues relating to Colombia.

4.     Budget Management and Administration (15%)

  • Manage DBT financial resources, which includes monitoring budget allocated to projects and ensuring that all delegated funds are spent by the relevant deadlines;
  • Manage personal administrative tasks, such as activity and expense recording;
  • Play an active part in corporate life at the Embassy to maximise the overall well-being of staff, and to contribute positively to the Embassy’s working environment.

Perform other reasonable tasks as requested.


• Bachelor’s Degree (or equivalent) in Public Policy, Law, Economics, International Relations, International Business or related subjects

• Five or more years of professional experience in trade policy, international economic law, customs regulations or government affairs.

• Knowledge of Colombia’s government structure, as well as trade and market access policy institutional framework.

Strong track record of interpersonal and relationship building, ideally with senior business and/or public officials.

• Evidence of delivering positive results through collaboration and networks.

Must have the legal status to live and work in Colombia.

 


  • Evidence of effective decision-making.
  • Master Degree in public policy, trade, or any other related discipline
  • Experience of both the UK and Colombian business environments and cultures.
  • Some knowledge of commercial barriers in the wider Latin America and Caribbean region.
  • Knowledge of UK policy and business landscape.
  • Experience of project or programme management.
  • Understanding of key drivers of public and private sector decision-making.
  • Proficient user of MS Office.
Seeing the Big Picture, Changing and Improving, Making Effective Decisions, Working Together
11 June 2023
Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Full-time, Permanent
35
Latin America and Spanish speaking Caribbean
Colombia
Bogota
British Embassy
1
COP
COP 11,207,195
24 July 2023
Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary, eg some non-local national staff and some spouses or partners of UK diplomatic staff, will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount. If during the reserve period of 6-12 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.
The British Embassy Network offers a strong benefits package. This package includes generous vacation and leave time, flexible working patterns, and enriching learning and development opportunities.
Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.

This opportunity is closed to applications.