View Vacancy - QAT - Senior Commercial Attaché, Transport, Logistics and Infrastructure (HEO)
The British Embassy in Doha is part of a worldwide network that represents political, economic, security and consular interests overseas. We are looking for a Senior Commercial Attaché, Transport, Logistics and Infrastructure, job grade Higher Executive Officer (HEO) under the Department for Business and Trade (DBT).
This is an excellent opportunity for a dynamic, energetic and highly-motivated individual to play a key and impactful role in the Embassy’s Business & Trade team.
The jobholder will work to the (Deputy) Director and will lead on the key transport, logistics and infrastructure sectors in support of UK export activity. You will be part of a motivated and close-knit team which delivers key commercial policy objectives on behalf of the UK in a high-profile setting. The position can be busy and so the ability to deliver under pressure, flex, and adapt to changing demands is essential.
Duties and responsibilities:
The successful applicant will work within the Embassy’s Business and Trade Team, a part of the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and will be responsible for the following areas:
- Develop an in-depth understanding of both UK and Qatari transport, logistics and infrastructure sectors, lead on engagement with key companies and individuals in those sectors and build a strong network of contacts in order to identify market opportunities and relevant market access issues.
- Engage businesses and other stakeholders, while collaborating closely with colleagues across the DBT network (such as analytical and policy colleagues in London) to identify and prioritise opportunities of significant value or strategic importance to the UK.
- Produce succinct reports and briefing, including for senior staff at the Embassy, visiting ministers and officials and UK government departments relating to these issues.
- Lead on relevant visits, including logistic arrangements for UK-Qatar visits in both directions in support of the above activities; Maintain oversight of the Embassy’s project and programme expenditure in support of these activities, including acting as project manager as required for specific projects.
- Work with colleagues in other UK Diplomatic Posts in the GCC and with teams in DBT’s UK headquarters to progress the UK’s trade policy agenda in the sectors of interest in the region, sharing knowledge and best practice, and cooperating where required on specific projects.
- Contribute to corporate activity across the Embassy, including undertaking training for an assigned crisis response role and contributing with all other members of staff to making the Embassy a great place to work.
- Organise key events and activities that support British trade work in Qatar, including webinars, roadshows, trade missions and Ministerial visits. Build upon relationships with key stakeholders whilst proactively seeking out new clients and opportunities to build the sector pipeline(s)
- Deliver against agreed targets, including export wins, OMIS (Overseas Market Introduction Service) revenue generation, export opportunities, and development of case studies/ success stories.
- Promote, where relevant, the financing products offered by UK Export Finance (UKEF), the British government’s Export Credit Agency, to support companies to win contracts.
The above list is not exhaustive, and the jobholder will be required to be flexible as specific responsibilities could change in the future and this would be at the discretion of the line manager or head of section. The job description may be reviewed to meet changes in business needs. The jobholder may also take on other ad hoc tasks as required, including participating in the Embassy’s emergency planning and any other response to a crisis.
Candidates will need to demonstrate the following Key Behaviours and Diversity & Inclusion during the interview:
Key Behaviours
- Delivering at Pace - Take responsibility for delivering timely and quality results with focus and drive.
- Managing a Quality Service - Deliver service objectives with professional excellence, expertise and efficiency, taking account of diverse customer needs.
- Making Effective Decisions - Use evidence and knowledge to support accurate, expert decisions and advice. Carefully consider alternative options, implications and risks of decisions.
- Working Together - Form effective partnerships and relationships with people both internally and externally, from a range of diverse backgrounds, sharing information, resources, and support.
- Communicating and Influencing - Communicate purpose and direction with clarity, integrity and enthusiasm. Respect the needs, responses and opinions of others.
Diversity and Inclusion:
The British Embassy Doha has a zero-tolerance approach to any form of bullying, harassment or discrimination and is fully committed to ensuring a safe and inclusive work environment for all.
We are committed to valuing diversity and to equality of opportunity. Our aim is to create and promote an environment in which all staff are treated fairly and with respect and feel able to contribute to the best of their abilities.
- Excellent communication skills in English both verbal and written. Able to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely and ability to write to a high standard for a wide range of audiences.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, with confidence to work on own initiative and a proven ability to engage and influence at a senior level internally and with external contacts and collaborate effectively across Embassy teams.
- Excellent organisational skills to respond effectively to tight – and changing – deadlines and priorities. Exceptional analysis skills, able to bring together complex pieces of information and present in a simple format. Strong IT computer skills using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams) and internet/ web applications.
- Three (3) years business development experience, ideally in Transport Sector.
- Existing Knowledge of the UK or Qatar economy, ideally both, with demonstrated ability to rapidly master a wide range of economic and trade issues.
- Understanding of UK export capabilities, preferably in the specified sector.
Eligibility:
Applicants must already reside in Qatar and hold the right to live and work there, including those either under spouse sponsorship or be able to transfer an existing sponsorship to the British Embassy. If sponsorship transfer is required, all sponsorship incurred fees shall be borne by the successful applicant. The Embassy cannot guarantee how much cost or time it may take for the process to complete.
Working Hours and Remuneration:
The British Embassy offers a competitive remuneration package, including non-negotiable salary of QR 24,998 per calendar month and transportation allowance of QR 800 per calendar month, paid in arrears. No accommodation and relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position.
This position is for a full-time employment, on a fixed-term basis for two (2) years, subject to six (6) months’ probationary period.
Conditioned working hours is 38 hours per week. Embassy working hours are 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. from Sundays to Wednesdays and 7:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Thursdays. Due to the nature of the work, some out of hours’ work, including evenings and weekends, may be required from time to time to support events, conferences, and other business engagement.
Travel to the UK and within the Gulf region (and possibly further afield) may be required for business, events, training, and logistical purposes.
The Embassy supports flexible working including working from home for some part of the working week and is committed to helping its staff maintain a healthy work life balance.
The Embassy has an active Continuous Professional Development Committee, and the whole of Post is committed to providing the time and resources for staff to develop professionally. The 70/20/10 learning, and development model is applied flexibility, with both internal and formal opportunities readily available. In addition, DBT provides opportunity for management and leadership training, and sector specific ‘developing skills & knowledge’ training to increase understanding of the UK market. There will likely be an expectation of undertaking training specific to crisis response / management this year.
The successful candidate will need to commence security clearance procedures through the Embassy and will be required to have or obtain the appropriate security clearance before employment commences and maintain this clearance throughout the period of employment.
How to apply:
Interested candidates must include 1) an updated Curriculum Vitae (CV) 2) motivation essay, in the relevant sections of the online application form, stating how you meet the requirements of the role; and 3) examples, in the relevant sections of the online application form, of how you meet the key behaviours and skills required.
Applications that do not include this information will not be considered.
Closing date of receiving applications is before 23:55 (Local Time) on 18 June 2024.
Applications received after the stated deadline will not be considered.
Internal candidates (i.e., those who are currently employed by the British Embassy Doha) applying for this position should consider informing their current line managers upon submission of their application.
Process:
The recruitment process, including security clearance, is expected to take around 2-3 months. The security clearance process includes checks available in country and with UK, dependant on the security level required for the role and the candidate’s profile and UK footprint. You may experience some delay in the progress of this recruitment campaign, and we are working hard to minimise any disruption.
Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful at interview may be placed on a ‘reserve list’. If during the reserve period of six (6) months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.
The start date mentioned in the job advert is a tentative start date and the successful candidate will be required to undergo security-vetting procedures. Any offer of employment will be subject to the candidate achieving suitable clearances, medical clearance, and reference checks.
The British Embassy Doha is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference. Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy are subject to Terms and Conditions of service according to local Qatari employment law.
This opportunity is closed to applications.