View Vacancy - Senior Trade Adviser
The British Embassy, Kuwait has a vacancy for the post of a Locally Engaged 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) 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. The role provides excellent developmental opportunities in terms of line and resource management. 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 lead on the Education Campaign by focussing on opportunities and pipeline of projects within the Ministry of Education (MoE), Civil Service Commission (CSC), Supreme Council of Planning & Development (SCPD) and private sector institutions and corporations while working closely with colleagues in DIT HQ and in the GCC region. You will champion opportunities for UK companies in key sectors and projects from Kuwait’s National Development Plan and Vision for 2035. It would be helpful to possess a reasonable understanding of the tendering and procurement processes in Kuwait and various public entities and their operations. You will also need to engage with and support the Kuwait British Business Centre (KBBC) which is collocated in the British Embassy and whose focus is to support UK SME’s.
Duties and responsibilities:
• Deliver a Regional Education Campaign:
- Focus on developing relationships within relevant public and private stakeholders 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;
- Build a positive working relationship with Education leads in the region and the DIT HQ sector team; identify export opportunities.
• Sector Champion:
- Lead on key sectors and projects highlighted in Kuwait’s National Development Plan with a view to gaining access to commercial opportunities for UK plc and contributing to team targets;
- Build a network of contacts in the sectors and continuously engage with sector leads in DIT HQ and the region.
- Liaise and coordinate with the Science & Innovation lead based in Dubai on events, funding, resources and key activities.
• Delivery partners:
- Work closely with the Kuwait British Business Centre (KBBC) to support UK Business, sharing of information and meeting companies when required.
• Line Management:
- Line Management of one A2(L) Trade Adviser by encouraging new ideas and innovative and efficient ways of working
- Assist in resolving any work-related problems.
- Sign off overtime, sick leave and annual leave.
- Discuss performance, development and training needs; assisting in sourcing training; conduct annual appraisals including mid-term reviews within Embassy guidelines and timetable.
• Representational duties:
- 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
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. For all staff, it’s about working to agreed goals and activities and dealing with challenges in a responsive and constructive way.
• 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 being organised to deliver service objectives and striving to improve the quality of service, taking account of diverse customer needs and requirements.
• Making Effective Decisions - Effectiveness in this area is about being objective; using sound judgment, evidence and knowledge to provide accurate, expert and professional advice.
Essential:
• Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English.
• Strong oral, written, interpersonal and analytical skills
• Degree level education
• Knowledge of local business customs, practices and procedures as well as commercial regulations and restrictions
• At least 2 years of relevant work experience in a similar field
• 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.
• Knowledge of Kuwait Ministries and Government Entities
Working Conditions and Remuneration:
The position is full-time, at 38 hours a week with considerations of flexibility depending on circumstances.
The Embassy offers an attractive working environment and remuneration package for the role, including starting salary of KD 887.250 per month inclusive of all allowances 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 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 when applying online:
1. Please provide a Motivation Letter answering the below two questions:
• What strategy would you adopt to engage with clients to source time sensitive information?
• Can you briefly summarise Kuwait’s ambitious vision in their National Development Plan? Which of the sectors and/or projects in your opinion would offer the most commercially viable opportunities for UK businesses?
2. An updated Curriculum Vitae (CV).
** (Your application must include the above attachments and should include the answers to the mentioned questions. Applications that do not include this information will be rejected).
The closing date for applications is 16 August 2017.
Applications received after the stated deadline will not be considered. Due to the large amount of applications we receive only those shortlisted for assessment will be contacted.
The successful applicant's employment will only be confirmed after the completion of any security clearance/checks. The appointment will also only be confirmed after a successful 3-months probation period.
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.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
