View Vacancy - Defence Trade Advisor

Main purpose of job:

As part of the Defence Trade Office within the British Defence Staff (BDS), the overarching objective is to promote the UK Prosperity Agenda as it relates to the defence sector in the US. In delivering this objective the Defence Trade Advisor job will be the focal point on US Congress and the trade aspects of defence legislation, advise BDS staff on US procurement policy, support UK objectives under the National Technology and Industrial Base and support wider Defence Trade activities.

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

-    Be the focal point on US Congress and the trade aspects of defence legislation; monitor relevant legislation at all stages of the legislative process to identify barriers to market access, support senior British Defence Staff (BDS) colleagues on interventions with Congress on key policy issues in support of UK industry

-    Support UK objectives under the National Technology and Industrial Base (NTIB) including coordination between the BDS and the US Administration and other NTIB partners. In addition, coordinate and feedback progress with stakeholders in the UK including the UK’s Principal.

-    Lead the market analysis and UK supplier function; capture and assess open source data, combined with insights from wider UK Government footprint in the US, to generate an understanding of US defence requirements and capability demand for products and technologies for which UK industry could compete.

-    Advise BDS staff on US procurement policy, processes and organisations (Department of Defence and components, wider Administration, Congress); regulatory and legislative issues (Buy American, Berry Amendment, etc); and US defence industry trends, players and competitive profile.

-    Coordinate with various organisations across HMG and the UK defence industry to assess opportunities for improved access to the US market for UK industry and impacts on US legislative and policy changes.

-    Support wider Defence Trade activities by providing support to the team on Defence Trade activities including but not limited to attendance and coordination of trade events, facilitating visits for senior UK and US representatives, analysis of emerging markets and how UK industry might access them.

-    Working with the Embassy communications team, identify and coordinate Defence Trade comms and social media opportunities to showcase UK industry and build the UK’s reputation in the US.

-    Build and maintain strong working relationships with key partners, including:

• DIT Defence and Security Organisation in London
• UK defence trade and industry organisations
• The Embassy’s Global and Economic Policy Group on matters of trade policy
• US defence community and Congressional staff in key Member’s offices and relevant committees

Essential on arrival:

• Qualitative and quantitative analysis
• Strong written, oral and interpersonal skills, communicating effectively with stakeholders
• Knowledge of the US defence market with an understanding of DoD processes (requirements, acquisition budgets, programs); regulations (Buy American, Berry Amendment, Acquisition Regulations, etc.).
• A detailed understanding of Congress and the various influence points within the legislative process and key Congressional defence committees (Members and staff).
• Proficient with Microsoft windows tools