View Vacancy - Trade and Investment Associate - Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing
Main purpose of job:
An opportunity to join a dynamic team focused on fostering transatlantic business relations between the US and its top economic partner in Europe.
The UK’s Department for International Trade (DIT) has overall responsibility for promoting UK trade across the world and attracting foreign investment to our economy. We are a specialised government body with responsibility for negotiating international trade policy, supporting business, as well as delivering an outward-looking trade diplomacy strategy.
DIT USA works closely with DIT headquarters in London, with related agencies in the UK and with representatives of the English Regions and the UK’s Devolved Administrations in the US, to assist US companies looking to invest in the UK. (See www.gov.uk/DIT).
The British Embassy in Washington DC is seeking a qualified Trade and Investment Associate (TIA) for the Advanced Engineering sector. The TIA will be based at the British Embassy in Washington DC, supporting the Defence & Security Head of Sector/Trade & Investment Officer, working as part of the AEM team and part of a US-wide virtual team.
The TIA will actively contribute to the team’s strategy by supporting UK companies who export to the US and identifying and supporting potential new investors into the UK.
Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?:
• Proactively identify Defence and Security companies that would be interested in setting up or expanding their operations in the UK; make initial contact, organize visit programs and schedule company meetings for the Head of Sector/ Trade & Investment Officer. Attend meetings where appropriate and assist in the management of client relationships
• Conduct research and compile reports on industry developments, best routes to market and potential US business partners for UK companies looking to enter the US market.
• Develop, maintain, and disseminate knowledge of developments, trends, and opportunities in the US and the UK.
• Develop a working knowledge of the US Advanced Engineering and Manufacturing market in the mid-Atlantic US.
• Maintain client relationship management records, lists of key industry contacts and other data.
• Provide operational and administrative support to the Trade & Investment Officer, and to the wider team as and when required.
• Ability to use a variety of online and social media tools.
• Support incoming trade missions, networking receptions, visit programs, plan company meetings and introductions and research/produce market reports.
• Support the Trade & Investment Officer in assisting UK companies in developing their market entry strategy and support UK companies already in the US market.
• Liaise with internal teams, and external contacts at an executive level, including cold calls and networking at events.
Essential on arrival:
• A minimum of a bachelor’s degree is required.
• 1-3 years professional experience in international business, defence or other related field.
• Proactive, self-starting approach to work with the ability to deliver effectively under limited day-to-day supervision in a deadline-sensitive, fast-paced environment.
• Strong ability to problem-solve, organize, prioritize and manage tasks.
• Ability to effectively and credibly deal with companies/organizations at a senior level through all forms of communication and a proven track record of fostering business relationships.
• Excellent research and report writing skills – with an ability to identify relevant information and provide clear, concise summaries.
• Strong and enthusiastic networking skills, and the ability to attend early morning and evening events.
• Committed team player, with the ability to build strong connections both within and outside of the Department for International Trade.
• Understanding and knowledge of the business environments in the UK and US.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) is essential; familiarity with data management systems is desirable.
• Ability to undertake travel within the US and the UK.
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.
The candidate will have the ability to avail of internal and external training facilitated and paid for by DIT budget – including a familiarization trip back to the UK (if required).
Flexible working is possible within the British Embassy. Possibilities include earlier or later start times in the morning – followed by leaving earlier or later in the evening or the potential 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 authorization to work remotely).
Any other information (or specific local Post requirements):
- Able to be located in/relocate to the Washington DC area.
- Be willing to undertake occasional travel to the UK and domestically in the US.
- Be willing to represent DIT and the British Embassy at external functions (both during working hours and evenings).
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.
Staff recruited locally are subject to terms and conditions of service in accordance with US, state, and/or local employment law.
Individuals who are not a US taxpaying citizen will be paid a net salary based on a simulated US tax status.
Internal candidates must inform their supervisor before they apply to a different position.
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.
This opportunity is closed to applications.
