View Vacancy - Trade and Investment Executive – Aid Funded Business (Washington DC/DIT)
Main purpose of job
The UK’s Department of International Trade (DIT) is the government’s international business development agency and aims to foster transatlantic business relations between the UK and the world.
DIT USA promotes bilateral British Trade and Investment between the UK & US and works closely with DIT headquarters in London, representatives of the English Regions and the UK’s Devolved Administrations in the US, to assist US investors and UK exporters.
This position is part of the DIT team at the British Embassy and will be responsible for the Multi-Lateral Development Portfolio and UK Export Finance advisory services for the US network.
The Trade Investment Executive’s focus is to generate and deliver trade contracts for British companies looking to do business in the developing world through International Finance Institutions, such as The World Bank Group, the Millennium Challenge Corporation and the Inter-American Development Bank, and to feed opportunities, trends and intelligence in this area to DIT stakeholders. Responsibilities include coordinating company meetings, visit programs and liaising between the IFIs and UK exporters. This position will work closely with the Trade & Investment Officer, who is responsible for owning UK commercial relationships with the Multi-Lateral Development Banks in Washington DC.
Public procurement knowledge, client relationship management (CRM), and market access capture are core aspects of the position. Occasional evening commitments and overnight travel is required.
Roles and responsibilities
You Will:
- Assist UK companies in developing their market entry strategy and support UK companies already active in Aid-Funded Business in the US market.
- Facilitate and successfully manage incoming trade missions, networking receptions, visit programs, plan company meetings and introductions and research/produce market reports.
- Match & track procurement opportunities with the World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, Millennium Challenge Corporation & USAID. Assist in their partnering & consortia formation.
- Advise DIT sector teams on the use of export credit guarantee products and capture UK Export Finance applications in conjunction with a deal origination team in London.
- Co-ordinate as necessary with DIT’s internal network and partners, Local Enterprise Partnerships and Devolved Administrations in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
- Research priority sectors/countries of interest to DIT and prepare reports for dissemination to DIT in London and associates and stakeholders in the UK.
- Maintain database of UK companies and projects of interest. Review and distribute documents to UK companies and British Missions globally.
- Arrange schedules, flights and related logistical support for external meetings, visits, teleconference calls and event participation.
- Provide support by responding to general information requests and inquiries, including sharing administrative and operational responsibilities.
- Represent DIT at regional networking functions, including public speaking engagements.
- Engage in regular networking that strengthens the Aid Funded business portfolio by generating new opportunities with existing and potential partners
- Gather intelligence about upcoming procurements for which the UK commercial sector might be well suited to compete
- Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred.
- Background in working with the World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, and other multi-lateral institutions strongly preferred. More than 3 year’s relevant work experience desired.
- Ability and credibility to deal with companies/organizations at a senior level in person and over the phone, with a proven track record of fostering business relationships.
- Ability to provide clear, concise summaries and to respond to ad hoc requests at short notice using databases and other information sources.
- A self-starter - able to work independently and show initiative with limited day-to-day supervision while operating as part of a wider US/UK team with wide-ranging objectives.
- Strong research, reading comprehension, writing, and communication skills; attention to detail is essential.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) is essential.
- Excellent organizational skills; proactive approach to work.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced team and often under tight deadlines.
- Knowledge of public procurement
- More than 3 years of experience in a relationship building role converting leads into paid projects, programs or transactions
- At least 3 years of experience at a corporate firm with exposure to cutting edge information systems and communication processes
- Experience directly servicing B2G clients.
- Prior experience with a multilateral organization is a plus but not required.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal.
Under US State Department requirements, the UK Government in the US may only employ, as non-diplomatic staff, persons who are US citizens, US Permanent Residents or A visa holders with EAD cards*. If you hold a visa other than an A visa you are not currently eligible to work at our office. Please refer to our website for information on exceptions to this policy at www.gov.uk/government/world/usa. All selected candidates are subject to background checks and will require a security clearance prior to starting work.
*A visas are acceptable at the Embassy and Consulates. The UK Mission to the UN (UKMIS) accepts G visas, and British Defense Staff (BDS) outposts accept A or NATO visas.
- Able to be located in/relocate to, Washington D.C.
- Be willing to undertake occasional travel.
- Be willing to represent DIT and the British Consulate at external functions (both during working hours and evenings).
Working patterns
Flexible working is possible within the DIT in Washington DC. Possibilities include earlier or later start times in the morning – followed by leaving earlier or later in the evening. After 3 months, DIT Washington allows employees the potential to work remotely, one a week, depending on schedule. (Note: this is not always possible during busy periods, or when there are mandatory staff meetings. Each week is taken on a case-by-case basis, with clear communication around what’s required to be in the office for, vs. the authorization to work remotely)
Due to COVID-19 we are unable to confirm any start date of employment at this time. We will continue to monitor progress and developments and will be in touch as soon as there is an update.
The UK Government operating in the US offers a substantial benefits package including generous leave, a choice of medical insurance, 401(k) matching up to 7%, extensive learning opportunities and a great work/life balance.
Staff recruited locally are subject to terms and conditions of service in accordance with US, state, and/or local employment law.
Individuals who are not a US taxpaying citizen will be paid a net salary based on a simulated US tax status.
Internal candidates must inform their supervisor before they apply to a different position.
Only successful candidates will be contacted. Please no phone calls. Due to the high volume of resumes we receive, we cannot guarantee consideration of your application if the submission instructions are not properly followed.
The British Embassy is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and to creating a diverse working environment, free from discrimination, where everyone is included and treated fairly, based on merit alone. We are an equal opportunity employer, making all employment decisions without regard to race, gender, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation or any other criterion protected by law.
This opportunity is closed to applications.