View Vacancy - Sector Director: Mining (04/21 JHB)

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Department for International Trade roles (DIT)
DIT

Overview

The UK Department for International Trade (DIT) operates in 23 of Africa’s nations. As the UK Government Department promoting free trade and open market access, UK exports and UK business overseas investment, we support the development of strong, prosperous and peaceful African nations, through modern, dynamic and long-term trade and investment partnerships delivering mutual benefit for the UK and Africa. DIT brings together policy, promotion, and financial expertise to break down barriers to trade and investment in markets across the world, to help businesses succeed.

This is a great opportunity to lead work in Africa in a key sector for the UK and for Africa. The UK offer in the mining sector is strong and comprehensive, and includes investment capability at the major and junior mining company level, UK expertise and support for projects in engineering consulting, in mining law, and access to finance through the City of London, and UK export capability in essential services and goods.

Your job will be to work with African buyers and UK mining companies, to help them to expand existing business, and develop new business and investments in Africa. This includes identifying the best opportunities, strategies and markets together with UK companies. You will help DIT country teams to understand mining, and to work effectively in support of UK business interests in their countries. You will work in partnership with leading UK businesses. You will develop a strong understanding of the current state of mining in Africa, the greatest opportunities for the UK, identifying the new projects on the horizon. You will understand barriers to trade and investment, and work with colleagues to address these barriers. You will provide reporting on developments in mining in Africa, linking in to interests in ensuring trade in essential commodities is maintained and grown. You will engage UK companies early on opportunities in Africa. You will liaise with key buyers, increase their understanding of UK expertise, and help key buyers to engage with UK companies.

The jobholder will join a dynamic network of committed trade officers working to support UK business interests and Africa’s economic growth. This is an exciting time to join DIT Africa, as we deliver on our ambition to be Africa’s trade and investment partner of choice.

Roles and responsibilities:

You will lead and deliver DIT Africa’s Sector work in the mining sector.

You will develop and lead the delivery of a clear sector plan with goals, milestones and deliverables. You will create greater awareness in the UK, organise focussed sector events, and provide an evidence based view of the key areas for UK business engagement. You will create a pipeline of key projects and opportunities, and ensure there is appropriate and strong support for UK companies in making progress on these projects. You will lead a pan-Africa virtual sector team working in the sector. You will work together with UK.

You will do this working through your virtual team across the continent, providing them with direction, helping to upskill them, and ensuring a consistent high standard of delivery and service.

You will develop strong relationships with major UK companies, working to understand their strategy and objectives, delivering support for them which matches their needs. You will also develop relationships with buyer Governments, and your role will include some occasional travel when conditions permit to African countries.

You will ensure alignment with other HMG work streams where relevant, for example Official Development Assistance (ODA) programmes focused on mining through the FCDO.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

-Team of around 5 advisers, who you will matrix manage in coordination with their Country Directors.

-Operational budgets for travel and subsistence, and marketing and communications.

  • Undergraduate degree and other relevant professional qualification or experience.
  • Knowledge of, and a keen interest in the mining sector, at least three years’ experience working on mining projects, or in sectors such as financial services where you have worked on mining business.
  • Experience of leading teams across Africa.
  • Experience of working with business at a senior level, with government departments, and similar institutions
  • Proven track record of cross-team collaboration
  • A positive, resilient, flexible and adaptable “can-do” attitude that can see way through challenges.

Language requirements:

Language: Fluent English.

  • Knowledge of the UK, and a keen interest in sustainable development.
18 March 2021
Senior Executive Officer (SEO)
Permanent
Africa
South Africa
Johannesburg
British High Commission
R 57,998.06
3 May 2021

Learning and development opportunities:

This role provides excellent opportunities to grow and develop given its pan-Africa leadership role.

You will have access to the full suite of DIT and FCDO learning and development opportunities including the FCDO’s Diplomatic Academy and will be encouraged to join DIT’s trade profession. We also provide regular in-house learning opportunities and are committed to supporting further academic opportunities. Our staff who demonstrate great leadership potential are encouraged to apply for the FCDO’s pan-African Emerging Leadership Programme.

The British High Commission pays in full for the Key Care Plus option on Discovery Health for staff including spouses/partners and dependants.

  • Once you have successfully completed your probation the British High Commission will contribute 9% of your monthly salary to a Provident Fund.
  • Annual leave entitlement of 25 days
  • Working hours per week of 36.5

Working patterns:

Flexible working is possible but please note that the role is likely to involve some evening commitments and regular travel to the UK and across Africa, notwithstanding any changes in working practices as a result of the current Covid situation.

  • 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 will never request any payment or fees to apply for a position.
  • Employees recruited locally by the British High Commission in Pretoria 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.
  • Please log into your profile on the application system on a regular basis to review the status of your application.
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This opportunity is closed to applications.