View Vacancy - Trade & Investment Associate – Life Sciences

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer.  We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.
Department for International Trade roles (DIT)
DIT

Main purpose of job:

The Department for International Trade (DIT) is the UK Government agency charged with growing UK and global prosperity by promoting transatlantic trade and investment and championing free trade. In the United States, DIT works closely with other UK agencies, including the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), to:

  • promote British trade and investment across the world;
  • build the global appetite for British goods and services;
  • break down barriers to trade and investment in order to help businesses succeed; and
  • support the development of a new independent trade policy framework for the UK.

The post advertised is for a Trade & Investment Associate (TIA) based at the British Consulate in San Francisco. Reporting to the Vice Consul for Life Sciences, the Trade & Investment Associate will work as part of a team with a US-wide responsibility for trade and investment work in the Biotechnology, Pharmaceutical, Healthcare, and Med tech sectors. The focus will be to a) identify and support projects with innovative companies throughout the Pacific Northwest (including Northern California, Oregon, Washington, Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, and Alaska) looking for market access or expansion support and R&D opportunities in the UK; b) develop US market opportunities for a broad range of UK exporters; c) project manage trade missions and trade shows engagements, and; d) support high profile visits, such as Ministerial and VIP delegations. S/he/they will also work on other projects to advance UK prosperity and trade policy.

To be successful, the job holder will need to be innovative, strategic and proactive. S/he/they will have exceptional organisational skills, be deft at relationship management with both external clients and UK government stakeholders, and be able to analyse emerging market trends in order to respond to new opportunities. Once shelter-in-place is lifted and circumstances permit it, s/he/they will be required to attend official functions outside of office hours and undertake travel (US and UK) up to 10% of the time.

Alongside a competitive salary compared to similar economic development organizations, DIT offers exceptional benefits. These include approximately 3 weeks paid vacation to start (increasing with tenure) plus public holidays, excellent healthcare options, and a generous parental leave policy. DIT also offers the opportunity to be part of an inclusive and diverse team of people. DIT strives to be a place where people can bring their whole selves to work and to build teams that are reflective of the cities in which they’re based.

Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?

  • Support strong relationships with U.S. and UK business leaders, trade associations and other key partners within the life sciences industries.
  • Proactively research and identify U.S. companies interested in establishing or expanding operations in the UK. Make initial contact, schedule meetings, and set up visit programmes where appropriate. Attend meetings and support the management of client relationships.
  • Develop relationships with regional healthcare providers and other potential buyers/partners for UK exporters.
  • Assist with initiatives such as trade missions, seminars, webinars, receptions and other promotional events.
  • Support UK prosperity, economic growth, and UK trade policy objectives, in collaboration with other UK government agencies. Showcase the benefits of the UK/US economic relationship to external audiences.
  • Manage and/or support visits by senior UK government officials by securing high-level meetings, organizing activities, and preparing briefing materials.
  • Keep up with market trends, incentives, and centres of excellence in both the U.S. and the UK to identify commercial opportunities and provide informed advice to clients.
  • Provide operational and administrative support by maintaining client and project databases and serving as a point of contact.
  • Attend official functions outside of office hours. Undertake regular travel in the U.S. and occasional travel overseas (up to 10% of the time) once shelter-in-place has been lifted and circumstances permit it. 
  • Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field - Life sciences, healthcare, med tech, international trade or marketing/communications is preferred.
  • At least 3 years of relevant professional experience.
  • Strong project management and some client management experience.
  • Proactive, self-starting approach to work; ability to organize, prioritize and manage tasks in a deadline sensitive environment.
  • Ability to communicate with companies/organizations effectively and credibly at a senior level, and a track record of fostering business relationships.
  • Excellent research and writing skills, with an ability to provide clear, concise summaries and to respond to ad hoc requests at short notice.
  • Strong networking skills.
  • Proficiency in standard Microsoft applications and client relationship management software.
  • Valid driver’s license and passport; the ability to attend official functions outside of office hours; and the ability to undertake domestic and international air travel, including overnight stays, once shelter-in-place is lifted and health/safety circumstances are considered.
  • 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.
  • Knowledge of the life sciences landscape in the US and/or UK.
  • A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field.
  • Professional experience in international business.
1 November 2020
Executive Officer (EO)
Full-time, Permanent
40
Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories
United States
San Francisco
British Consulate General
1
USD
$28.28
7 December 2020

Learning and development opportunities:

We actively encourage learning & development, and will develop a specific plan in collaboration with the successful candidate.

Working patterns: 40 hour work week, Monday through Friday.

DIT SF employees are temporarily working remotely under the health and safety guidance from the state of California. However, flexible working has typically been permissible within DIT San Francisco, and a variety of working patterns will be open for discussion once office repopulation is phased back in.

Any other information (or specific local Post requirements):

  • Able to be located in/relocate to, the San Francisco Bay area.
  • Be willing to undertake occasional travel to the UK once health/safety measures allow.
  • Be willing to represent DIT and the British Consulate at external functions (both during working hours and evenings).

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.

Due to COVID-19 we are unable to confirm any start date of employment but will continue to monitor progress and developments, and will advise applicants of any significant changes throughout the recruitment campaign.

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.