View Vacancy - Head of Strategic Delivery for DIT Africa,C5
Main purpose of job:
Working in the Africa Trade Hub and reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the job holder will support the Africa Trade Commissioner with the operational delivery of the UK Government’s Africa Trade Team.
The Head of Strategic Delivery will act as the contact person between the Trade Commissioner/COO and the rest of the Africa Trade network. The role will involve coordinating the activities of the Africa Hub. This will include troubleshooting and focussing on the daily needs of the operation, thereby making room for the Trade Commissioner and COO to spend more time on analysis; developing strategy and focusing on improved delivery for UK companies.
Roles and responsibilities:
The Department for International Trade (DIT) in Africa works to increase trade by UK companies exporting to Africa, as well as investments both from the UK into Africa and from Africa into the UK.
The DIT Africa team is looking for an exceptional individual with a well developed understanding of trade and investment in Africa. The Head of Strategic Delivery will work very closely with the UK’s Trade Commissioner for Africa and Chief Operation Officer, both based in Johannesburg. The ideal candidate will be extremely well organised and reliable; very personable; a self starter; and solutions-focused. The job holder will need to be able to spot and create opportunities to grow the business, as well as identify and mitigate risks to delivery and operations. You will be the eyes and ears of the Trade Commissioner and their Deputy, ensuring the smooth running and delivery of the Africa Hub based in Johannesburg.
Proven work experience in a high tempo and high pressure office environment is important. Previous experience of working with or in Government (particularly the UK Government) will be beneficial but not essential.
Responsibilities will include:
Coordination of the Africa Hub, including activities of the Head of Public Engagement and Communications, Senior Operations Officer and the Africa Trade Services Unit, as well as ensuring awareness in the Hub of the COO’s activities.
Supporting the development of a multi-year Pan Africa Trade Plan incorporating the full range of DIT (and wider HMG) trade interests and aspirations. Coordinating yearly business planning process for Africa.
Working with the COO to improve daily management and delivery of DIT Africa.
Advising on senior leadership’s stakeholder management, building the profile of the Trade Commissioner and ensuring stakeholders are managed at the correct level of seniority. Identifying companies and organisations with whom to develop pan-Africa strategic alliances; agree the scope of these partnerships; and working with the Trade Commissioner to manage and maintain the relationships.
Overseeing progress of all Special Projects for DIT Africa, with the expectation that some projects will be delivered by the Head of Strategic Delivery. Identifying and arranging for the delivery of new projects as and when they arise.
Coordinating strategic and targeted activity for Africa’s Prime Ministerial Trade Envoys and senior visitors. Including identifying which VIPs and Ministers we want in which parts of Africa and by when; managing a lobbying campaign to secure visits.
Creating and overseeing a programme for continual learning in the Africa Trade Team, including induction, mentoring, active talent management and a coordinated pan-Africa learning offer.
Reviewing staff surveys, providing a summary of key messages to senior management. Formulating a strategy to address staff concerns to work towards employee satisfaction across DIT Africa.
Secretariat for the monthly Management Boards and quarterly Advisory Boards. Scheduling meetings to ensure maximum attendance, preparing papers and ensuring follow-up is actioned.
- Fluent written and spoken English
- Very strong interpersonal and communication skills, self-motivated and results driven
- Great team player
- Good ability to spot connections and opportunities
- Experience of managing and working closely with senior stakeholders
- Strong IT skills in Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint
- Project management experience and attention to detail
- Experience working in government
- Experience of working in or with the UK or African countries
Learning and development opportunities:
The successful applicant will get an induction, including spending time in London working with colleagues based in the UK. There are also opportunities for continued professional and personal development.
- 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/Embassy will never request any payment or fees to apply for a position.
- Employees recruited locally by the British High Commission in Johannesburg are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in South Africa.
- All candidates must be legally able to work and reside in the country of the vacancy with the correct visa/work permit status or demonstrate eligibility to obtain the relevant permit.
- The responsibility lies on the successful candidate to;
- Obtain the relevant permit
- Pay fees for the permit
- Make arrangements to relocate
- Meet the costs to relocation
The British High Commission do not sponsor visas/work permits except 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: AA=A1, AO=A2, EO=B3, HEO=C4, SEO=C5
- Reference checking and security clearances will be conducted on successful candidates.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
