View Vacancy - Senior Trade Adviser

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

The British Embassy, Kuwait has a vacancy for the post of a Locally Staff Senior Trade Adviser, Grade – B3 (L).

 

Purpose of the job:

Based in the British Embassy Kuwait, the successful candidate will work in the Department for International Trade (DIT) team and support the Director DIT and Ambassador in promoting the UK’s trade agenda.

As a member of the DIT team, he/she will work alongside the Director, Deputy Director and Colleagues to deliver on DIT’s targets, to support UK companies wishing to export and those already in Kuwait win more business. It is important that the candidate possess good communication skills including report writing, summaries and briefs. There will be a requirement from time to time to work outside of normal working hours and travel overseas for training, briefing and representing the DIT team in Kuwait at exhibitions, trade fairs and seminars. There will be occasions where public speaking is required.

The successful candidate will focus on the country’s National Development plan which include projects like the the new T2 airport terminal, Kuwait University, new cities etc. He/she will champion opportunities for UK companies in Kuwait while also identifying potential leads on future projects. You will also need to work closely with the Infrastructure team in the region, sector colleagues in DIT HQ and in the GCC. You would be required to possess a good understanding of the tendering and procurement processes in the Ministries / CAPT and their operations. You will also need to engage with and support UK SME’s looking to enter the Kuwait market.

 

Duties and responsibilities:

Deliver a Regional Infrastructure Campaign: (45%)

• Focus on the projects highlighted in Kuwait’s 2035 Vision with a view to gaining access to commercial opportunities for UK plc and contributing to team targets;

• Focus on developing relationships within relevant public and private stakeholders including the key trading families of Kuwait with an aim of securing timely market intelligence;

• Spend time meeting and researching public entities and organizations and prepare a stakeholder map giving Director and Deputy Director an insight into the procurement opportunities and processes;

• Develop an understanding of the procurement process within the Ministries, the roles of local and British consultancies operating in Kuwait.

• Possess a strong understaning of  the approved vendors list including registering British companies on the Vendors list at the Ministries – especially the Minsitry of Public Works;

• Build a positive working relationship with sector leads (Aviation / Construction) in the region and the DIT HQ sector team; identify export opportunities.

 

Sector Lead: Construction (45%)

• Lead on the various construction projects including Airports, Kuwait University, New Cities, Roads, schools etc;

• Build a network of contacts in the sectors and continuously engage with sector leads in DIT HQ and the region.

• Liaise and coordinate with HQ and regional colleagues on events, funding, resources and key activities.

• Organise market visits and conduct market research by identifying opportunities and scope for UK companies interested in exporting their good and services to Kuwait in your lead sectors.

 

Representational duties: (10%)

• On occasion attend out of hours social networking functions; supporting Director DIT and wider Embassy in developing and maintaining relationship with wider local commercial contacts.

• Attend relevant trade fairs and exhibitions in Kuwait and overseas promoting opportunities in Kuwait market to UK companies.

• Support Director DIT on VIP visit programmes; trade missions; etc.,

 

Key Competences Required for the Job:

• Delivering at Pace: Effectiveness in this area means focusing on delivering timely performance with energy and taking responsibility and accountability for quality outcomes.

• Seeing the Big Picture: Seeing the big picture is about having an in-depth understanding and knowledge of how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives and the wider public needs.

• Managing a Quality Service: Effectiveness in this area is about valuing and modelling professional excellence and expertise to deliver service objectives and striving to improve the quality of service, taking account of diverse customer needs and requirements.

• Achieving Commercial Outcomes: Being effective in this area is about maintaining an economic, long-term focus in all activities. For all, it’s about having a commercial, financial and sustainable mindset to ensure all activities and services are delivering added value and working to stimulate economic growth.

Essential:
• Excellent communication skills in English (both spoken and written)
• Strong interpersonal and analytical  skills
• Degree level education 
• Minimum 5 years of work experience in business development
• Knowledge of local business customs, practices and procedures as well as commercial regulations and restrictions
• Knowledge of the public tendering process in Kuwait
• Knowledge of commercial sectors and markets in jobholders areas of responsibility
• Good general IT skills: use of word processing, email and calendar management (eg, knowledge of Microsoft Office programmes such as Word, Excel and Outlook). Internet-based research skills.

Desirable:
• Arabic language skills (written and spoken) whilst not essential, are an advantage.

31 March 2018
Executive Officer (EO)
Fixed Term, Full-time
35.5
12 months
Middle East & North Africa
Kuwait
Kuwait
British Embassy
1
KWD
913.860
1 May 2018

Working Conditions and Remuneration:

The position is full-time, at 35.5 hours a week with considerations of flexibility depending on circumstances. The successful candidate will be expected to start work as soon as possible depending on the outcome of the security clearance.

Pay is on the Embassy B3 (L) scale, at KD 913.860 per month depending on candidate’s skills and experience. The package also includes a good level of health insurance and an engaging working environment.

We offer opportunities to develop professional skills through our Learning & Development offer. Leave entitlement is 25 days (pro rated) plus 14 public holidays.

 

Eligibility:

If you are selected for this position, we will be able to employ you as along as you:

• Are legally resident in Kuwait;

• Complete local security checks.

To Apply:

Interested candidates must attach the following documents along with the completed online application form:

1. An updated Curriculum Vita (CV)

2. Please provide a Motivation/Cover Letter (max. 600 words) answering the below questions:

• How would you go about attracting UK SME’s and Mid Sized companies to do business in Kuwait?

• What are your views of the current construction sector / market trends in Kuwait?

** (Your application must include the above attachments and should include the answers to the mentioned question. Applications that do not include this information will be rejected).

 

All applications must be received before 23:55 (Local Time) on 31 March 2018.

 

Applications received after the stated deadline will not be considered.

The successful candidate will be subject to a 90 day probationary period.

Due to the large amount of applications we receive only those shortlisted for assessment/interview will be contacted.

The start date mentioned in the advert is an assumed start date and the successful candidate will be required to undergo security vetting procedures.  Any offer of employment will be subject to the candidate achieving suitable clearances and reference checks.

 

The British Embassy Kuwait is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference.  Staffs recruited locally by the British Embassy are subject to Terms and Conditions of service according to local Kuwaiti employment law.

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.