View Vacancy - Temporary Appointment: Trade & Investment Associate, Life Sciences

Main purpose of job

The UK’s Department for International Trade (DIT) is charged with securing UK and global prosperity by promoting and financing international trade and investment, and championing free trade. In the United States, DIT works closely with other UK agencies, including the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), 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,
• support the development of a new trade policy framework for the UK as it leaves the EU.

The post advertised is a temporary appointment (helping to cover a period of parental leave) for a Trade & Investment Associate (TIA) position. The TIA will be based in the British Consulate General in Los Angeles (in Century City), working in the Life Sciences (LS) sector, which includes biotech, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and genomics. The TIA will report to a Trade & Investment Officer (TIO) responsible for the same sector.

The successful candidate will be responsible for working with clients and delivering DIT initiatives on the West Coast, including Los Angeles, Orange County, San Diego, Utah, and Arizona. His/her responsibilities will include: a) supporting and enabling communications with DIT clients; b) event managing DIT initiatives designed to deliver US market opportunities to a broad range of UK exporters; and c) identifying potential investors into the UK. To be successful, the job holder will need to be innovative, detail-oriented, and proactive. S/he will have exceptional organizational skills and be deft at relationship management with both external clients and US/UK government stakeholders. S/he will be required to attend official functions outside of office hours and may undertake occasional travel.

Roles and responsibilities

• Identify relevant U.S. companies interested in establishing or expanding operations in the UK. Make initial contact, organize visit programmes and schedule meetings for the TIO. Attend meetings where appropriate and support the management of client relationships.
• Support strong relationships with U.S. and UK business leaders, trade associations and other key partners.
• Assist with initiatives such as trade missions, seminars, webinars, receptions and other events to promote UK strengths. Provide event management and logistical support where necessary.
• Manage and/or support visits by senior government officials by securing high-level meetings, organizing activities, and preparing briefing materials.
• Provide operational and administrative support to the TIO by maintaining client and project databases, and serving as a point of contact.
• Attend official functions outside of office hours, and undertake occasional travel.

• Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field.
• 1-3 years of relevant professional experience.
• Strong client management experience and/or project management experience.
• Proactive, self-starting approach to work; ability to problem solve, organize, prioritize and manage tasks in a deadline sensitive, fast-paced environment.
• Ability to communicate with companies/organizations effectively and credibly at a senior level, and a proven 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.
• 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 travel, including overnight stays.

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.