View Vacancy - Trade and Investment Associate (Management and Energy) - Houston

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’s international business development agency.  DIT USA, working closely with DIT and other agencies in the United Kingdom, is charged with transatlantic trade development between the UK and the US; and with assisting US companies looking to invest in the UK. See www.gov.uk/DIT for further information.

Reporting to the Regional Director, South Central US based in Houston, the position presents a unique opportunity to join a dynamic team comprised of 10 trade and investment professionals focused on knowledge-based sectors including: energy, infrastructure, life sciences, capital investment, creative & digital media and technology.

This position is unique in that it supports the Regional Director to deliver the key objectives within the South Central region and the Trade and Investment Officer (TIO) for Energy, working as part of the larger Energy, Environment, and Infrastructure team.

Roles and responsibilities:

  • Research delegated sectors aligned with the UK’s four grand challenges (Artificial Intelligence data, Ageing society, Clean growth, Future of mobility).
  • Compile reports on key industry developments, based on assigned sectors.
  • Assist the Energy TIO to forge strong relationships with business leaders, trade associations, and multipliers in both the UK and the US (within AR, OK,NM, TX and LA).
  • Proactively identify Energy companies that would be interested in setting up or expanding their operations in the UK; make initial contact, organise visit programmes and schedule company meetings for the TIO.  Attend meetings where appropriate and assist in the management of client relationships. 
  • Develop a working knowledge of the Energy market in the South Central US.  
  • Facilitate trade clients exporting from the UK to the US.
  • Build and maintain accurate client relationship management system and lists of key industry contacts.
  • Provide operational and administrational support to the RD and Energy TIO to deliver operational excellence.
  • Successful in the use of a variety of online and social media tools (e.g. LinkedIn, Twitter).
  • Liaise with internal teams, C-suite external contacts and stakeholders.
  • Engage and influence stakeholders by utilising multiple methods: cold calls, emails, networking at events and online, social media etc.
  • Participate in the reconciliation of the post budget.
  • Provide support for incoming trade missions, networking receptions, and visit programs. 
  • Set company meetings introductions.  Provide meeting briefing and meeting notes.
  • Provide support to British Nationals when the Consulate is in crisis mode in circumstances such as, but not limited to hurricanes, floods, pandemics and other unexpected events.

  • Bachelor’s degree or experience in a relevant field.
  • Proactive approach to work, with the ability to deliver effectively under limited day-to-day supervision in, at times, deadline-sensitive, fast-paced environment.  Talent to assess a problem, identify solutions and execute.
  • Ability to to organise and prioritise tasks.
  • Enjoys researching and concisely summarising findings.
  • Personable with diplomatic and clear communication skills, as part of a wider team with shared goals and wide-ranging objectives.
  • Natural networking skills, and the ability to attend early morning and evening events.
  • Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams).
  • Possess a valid driving license.
  • Willingness to undertake occasional travel, which may include overnight stays.
  • Must be based in the Houston area.
  • Able to undertake occasional travel to the UK.
  • Able to represent DIT and the British Consulate at external functions (both during working hours and evenings).
  • Some familiarity with CRM, data management systems and team working. 
30 August 2020
Executive Officer (EO)
Full-time, Permanent
40
Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories
United States
Houston
British Consulate General
1
USD
24.01
19 October 2020

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: www.gov.uk/government/world/usa. 

All selected candidates are subject to background checks and will require a security clearance prior to starting work.

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.

Learning and development opportunities

  • The candidate will have the ability to avail of internal and external training facilitated and paid for by DIT budget – including a familiarisation trip back to the UK (if required).

Working patterns:

  • Flexible working is possible within DIT Houston.  Possibilities include earlier or later start times in the morning – followed by leaving earlier or later in the evening.  DIT Houston allows employees to work remotely, one-to-two days a week, depending on schedule. (Note: this is not always possible during busy periods, or when there are mandatory staff meetings.  Each week is taken on a case-by-case basis, with clear communication around what’s required to be in the office for, vs. the authorisation to work remotely). During COVID-19 all employees are working remotely until further notice.

Staff recruited locally are subject to terms and conditions of service in accordance with US, state, and/or local employment law.

Internal candidates must inform their supervisor before they apply for a different position.

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.

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.

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.