View Vacancy - Prosperity Officer

Main purpose of job:

To deliver the UK’s prosperity agenda in Panama, reporting directly to the   Regional Director for Economic Affairs, to:

a)      Lead a number of embassy Prosperity campaigns, including in financial services, education and infrastructure.

b)      Develop and oversee Prosperity projects in Panama, supported by the embassy’s projects officer.

c)      Build partnerships with Panama’s government to promote economic reform and sustainability; and promote the UK’s economic and business reputation.

d)     Seek and develop medium- to long-term commercial  opportunities for the UK in Panama and raise awareness of the opportunities  to government colleagues and UK businesses.

Roles and Responsibilities

This is a great opportunity to engage closely with government, the private sector and other stakeholders to work towards economic growth and development in both Panama and the UK. The UK’s Prosperity Agenda is focussed on unlocking growth in developing countries, and increasing trade and investment between them and the UK. The role will put the successful applicant right at the centre of this work in Panama, leading on a number of campaigns  and delivering outcomes that benefit both countries.

The   job holder will lead on financial services, education and infrastructure. This will involve supporting government development plans, helping to remove   barriers to growth and development in these sectors, and ensuring that UK   companies are well placed to get involved in commercial opportunities that   this creates. While the job holder   will focus on these areas, there will be a wide range of wider economic  diplomacy issues that will come up which the job holder will need to respond  to; the job will suit an active self starter who can work independently and identify and take advantage of opportunities as they arise.

The   role also includes responsibility for bidding for and administering the Embassy’s GREAT fund; the UK’s international marketing campaign promoting both the commercial and soft-power offer of the UK. This will require an ability to think creatively and generate new ideas to help promote the UK in Panama, as well as construct and develop a business case.

To support the delivery of these objectives the role also involves line management responsibilities of the Embassy’s Project Manager, giving them support and direction and ensuring they are able to manage the delivery of the embassy’s projects

The successful applicant will need to prove that they have good judgement, a solid track record in delivering results and can work independently to achieve well defined goals. The successful applicant will also need to possess strong interpersonal and stakeholder management skills to create collaborative partnerships that advance UK objectives. The role requires flexibility, resilience and the ability to learn quickly to adapt to changing priorities and requirements.

Essential on arrival:

• Permanent and valid Panamanian work Permit
• Knowledge of local politics
• Communications skills, both written and oral
• Strong networker

Language   requirements:

 Language: English and Spanish

 Level of language required: Fluent in both,   oral and written