View Vacancy - Commercial Attaché (2 vacancies)
The British Embassy, Muscat has two vacancies for the post of Commercial Attaché - DIT, Grade B3 (L).
Oman is part of the newly created Middle East, Afghanistan & Pakistan (MEAP) region within DIT which comprises 12 countries across the Gulf (KSA, UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait), and just beyond (Afghanistan, Pakistan, Lebanon, Jordan, Iraq and Iran). The post holders will be expected to proactively contribute to wider MEAP priorities as defined in the Regional Trade Plan (RTP) and Strategy, and will also be expected to work closely with other MEAP Gulf countries on cross-cutting issues of mutual concern (i.e. market access barriers).
Objective:
The Department for International Trade at the British Embassy in Muscat is looking to recruit two full time Commercial Attachés to join our small team (of six), to start as soon as possible. The primary purpose of these jobs is to support UK Companies looking to secure contracts and business in Oman, with a particular focus on the Energy Sector in one case, and the Logistics & Infrastructure Sector in the other.
For the Energy focussed role, this involves leading on planning and delivery of the Oil & Gas High Value Campaign (HVC) for the Oman market, and playing an active role in the Energy Transition debate – helping to develop commercial opportunities for British companies in new and emerging areas, including Renewables.
For the Logistics & Infrastructure focussed role, this involves leading on identification of commercial opportunities for UK companies in a range of areas, including construction, utilities, transportation (aerospace and rail), logistics (ports and freezones) and telecommunications. The post holder will also act as the primary point of contact within the team for projects and opportunities in Duqm.
NOTE: The team is currently going through a re-structuring process, and there is scope to re-define sectoral responsibilities in line with successful candidates’ experience and skill sets, so the above is not set in stone, although the core duties are unchanged.
Key Duties and Responsibilities:
• Work closely with British companies looking to explore, and secure business/commercial opportunities in Oman, with a particular focus on the Energy Sector, and the Logistics & Infrastructure Sector.
• You will lead work to secure export wins for UK companies, and provide significant and measurable help. This will include identifying specific opportunities, lobbying, providing advice, providing market reports/briefings, finding local partners, managing events (including seminars, receptions and networking events), and other services. The post holders will build and maintain effective and wide network of relationships with both clients and suppliers across their sectors.
• Both post holders will also have secondary responsibilities. For example, the successful candidate for the Energy role will lead on day-to-day liaison with the Trade Envoy Programme team, and will play a starring role when it comes to planning and preparation for our Trade Envoy’s (The Rt Hon Lord Astor of Hever) biannual visits. This includes coordinating the visit programmes, briefing requirement, and ensuring that actions are followed up on. Whilst the successful candidate for the Infrastructure & Logistics role will act as the primary point of contact within the team for projects and opportunities in Duqm, and ‘owns’ key relationships on behalf of the Director with the Special Economic Zone Authority for Duqm (SEZAD)’s senior staff.
• More generally, all team members are expected to spend 25 – 30% of their time:
o Answering generic enquiries on doing business in Oman.
o Undertaking market research.
o Highlighting opportunities through the Export Opportunities portal.
o Preparing visit programmes for individuals/companies visiting from the UK.
o Providing support to Omani officials visiting the UK.
o Supporting broader DIT targets, and working collaboratively with the wider team.
o Helping to organise events.
o Travelling to events outside of Oman in support of DIT objectives (and for personal development).
Competencies:
The candidate will need to demonstrate the following competencies during the interview:
• Leading and Communicating: Effectiveness in this area is about leading from the front and communicating with clarity, conviction and enthusiasm. It’s about supporting principles of fairness of opportunity for all and a dedication to a diverse range of citizens.
• Collaborating and Partnering: Requires working collaboratively, sharing information and building supportive, responsive relationships with colleagues and stakeholders, whilst having the confidence to challenge assumptions.
• Managing a Quality Service: Effectiveness in this area is about being organised to deliver service objectives and striving to improve the quality of service, taking account of diverse customer needs and requirements.
• Delivering at Pace: Effectiveness in this area means focusing on delivering timely performance with energy and taking responsibility and accountability for quality outcomes. For all staff, it’s about working to agreed goals and activities and dealing with challenges in a responsive and constructive way.
• Proficient user of IT, and Microsoft Office.
• Excellent written and oral (English) communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to form collaborative partnerships/relationships and establish trust with others.
• Awareness of DIT structures, processes, and objectives.
• Prepared to travel to the UK and occasionally within the region for events and/or training.
• Experience of undertaking business development activities within an international context.
• Experience of working within DIT.
• Experience of working in Oman.
• Arabic speaker.
Working Conditions and Remuneration:
The Embassy offers an attractive working environment and remuneration package for the role, including: salary of 1,224 Omani Riyals per month inclusive of all allowances; and use of on-site recreational facilities (including a swimming pool and social club). This is a full time, permanent contract.
Normal working hours are 07:30 – 14:30, Sunday to Thursday. You will occasionally be required to attend evening functions (for which Time Off in Lieu is applicable).
There is a holiday entitlement of 30 days per year (pro rated) following successful completion of a 3-month probation period. Holidays that have already been booked will be honoured. There are also national holidays determined annually by the Embassy, which usually total 14 days per year. Training will be provided as necessary.
To Apply:
Interested candidates must attach the following documents when applying online.
1. A covering letter.
2. An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
** (Your application must include examples of when you have demonstrated the competencies outlined above in the cover letter or motivation section in the application form. Applications that do not include this information will be rejected).
All applications must be received before 23:55 (Local Time) on 28 January 2019.
Applications received after the stated deadline will not be considered. Telephone applications and enquiries will not be accepted.
The successful applicant's employment will only be confirmed after the completion of any security clearance/checks. The checks can take several weeks to complete and the applicant will only be employed if the UK security clearance is granted.
The British Embassy Muscat 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 Muscat Employment Law.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
