View Vacancy - Trade Advisor - Department for International Trade, Panama City

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DIT

Main purpose of job:

The Department for International Trade (DIT) in Panama City is looking for a Trade Advisor to join the team. The candidate will engage in strategic account management, trade promotion and market access activities whilst reporting directly to the Head of Trade & Investment. 
The role includes supporting the delivery of the team’s trade & investment strategy, facilitating exports and supporting British investors in Panama and Central America. This is an exciting opportunity for a professional with experience in international trade, business and economic diplomacy. 
Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?:

The Department for International Trade (DIT) is the UK Government organisation that helps UK companies succeed in overseas markets. The main purpose of the job is to assist UK companies in their commercial activities in Panama, Central America and the Spanish Speaking Caribbean.

The Trade Advisor will work closely with UK’s private sector, government officials in both the sub-region and the UK, while assisting exporters and key British investors in Central America and the Spanish Speaking Caribbean. Under the direct supervision of the Head of Trade & Investment, you will contribute to the team’s trade targets, but also to the implementation of UK’s trade policy agenda.  The trade advisor will also assist the Head of Trade and Investment in the financial and administrative management of DIT’s sub-regional budget.

You will be part of fast-pace team. We are looking for a candidate with refined organisational skills, a high degree of motivation and with the ability to deliver under pressure. 

Main duties and responsibilities:

•    To perform as local ‘account manager’ for a key group of British investors in Panama and Central America, providing regular support in trade-related matters, adding value to their operations and developing mutually beneficial relationships.
•    To lead DIT’s engagement in multiple commercial sectors, amongst them Security, Food & Drink and Technology.
•    To develop and maintain a pipeline of commercial opportunities in key sectors, engaging with UK exporters and local stakeholder. 
•    Collaborate in the implementation of policy objectives with regard to market access barriers. 
•    To lead on trade-related events such as policy conferences, trade missions and networking events.
•    To support the Head of Trade and Investment on forecasting, reporting and monitoring the team’s budget.

Working patterns:

If the job is suitable for flexible working patterns, please provide details:  

Office hours in the embassy are 8am – 5pm Monday to Thursday and from 8am – 1pm on Fridays, although there is scope for flexible working arrangements, which can be agreed with the Line Manager; personal circumstances will be taken into account.

This job involves flexible working, sometimes working late nights when there are official events. 
Some travel abroad will be required.

Language requirements: 

Language: English and Spanish

Level of language required: Proficient and Fluent 

Other skills / experience / qualifications: 

Essential on arrival:
• A minimum of two years of previous commercial or related professional experience
• University degree, preferably in international trade, finance, economics, business or international relations
• Excellent level of English and Spanish (both oral and written)
• IT proficiency and ability to work across multiple IT platforms and databases as well as Microsoft office (Word, Excel, Power Point)
• Financial and budgeting skills
• Politically aware and familiar with international trade matters

Desirable: 
• An English-taught Master’s degree from a recognised university is a plus
• Experience in business development and client relationship/account management

Learning and development opportunities:

The Embassy is committed to learning and development and there is a range of training on offer for the successful applicant.  This will include training courses delivered remotely through the Foreign Offices’ Diplomatic Academy, as well as the potential to travel for training courses delivered regionally and/or the UK with the Department of International Trade.                          

Changing and Improving, Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace, Communicating and Influencing, Working Together
13 December 2022
Executive Officer (EO)
Full-time, Permanent
37
Latin America and Spanish speaking Caribbean
Panama
Panama City
British Embassy
1
USD
$2,232.79/ monthly
30 January 2023

The successful candidate must be Panamanian, or have a valid and current Work Permit through Ministry of Labour, and be able to provide it when requested by Embassy. The British Embassy – Panama City does not sponsor work permits. Please note that all applicants must be fluent in both English and Spanish. Office hours in the embassy are 8am-5pm Monday to Thursday and 8am-1pm on Fridays, though there is scope for flexible working arrangements, which can be agreed with the Line Manager. Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary, eg some non-local national staff and some spouses or partners of UK diplomatic staff, will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.

The British Embassy Network offers a strong benefits package. This package includes generous vacation and leave time, flexible working patterns, and an enriching learning and development opportunities.

The British Embassy is an equal opportunities employer that seeks to promote diversity amongst the workforce by operating, merit based and non-discriminatory policies in recruitment, pay and benefits to ensure a positive working environment for all staff.
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.