View Vacancy - Trade & Investment Officer, Clean Energy

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 agency charged with securing UK and global prosperity by promoting transatlantic 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; and
  • Support the development of a new trade policy framework for the UK as it leaves the EU.

The Department for International Trade’s Clean Energy Trade & Investment Officer (TIO) role is based at the British Consulate in Houston and covers renewable resources, oil and gas energy transition and clean technologies. The TIO provides account management within their patch, identifies and provides strategic advice and assistance to U.S. Clean Energy companies interested in establishing or expanding operations in the U.K., and conducts research on industry developments, best routes to market and potential U.S. business partners for U.K. Energy exporters looking to enter the U.S. market. The role will focus on a) building a pipeline of potential investors into the UK; and b) developing and delivering US market opportunities to a broad range of UK exporters. The TIO will also occasionally work on other projects that advance UK prosperity and trade policy.

The successful candidate will have the opportunity to be part of two vibrant teams – the Trade and Investment team based in Houston Texas and the Energy, Environment and Infrastructure team (EEI) spread across North America. The role will report to the North America Head of EEI and will work closely with colleagues across Her Majesty’s government in the UK.

The job holder will need to be innovative, strategic and proactive. They will have exceptional relationship management skills, develop a wide network of stakeholders and partners to help them produce results, and be able to analyse emerging market trends in order to respond to new opportunities. They will be responsible for working with clients and delivering DIT initiatives across the states of Texas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and New Mexico. In addition, this role will be the lead for the EEI team on Clean Energy and coordinate initiatives and programs across the US. Once travel and events normalize after the Covid-19 crisis, they will be required to attend official functions outside of office hours, and undertake travel (US and UK) up to 20% of the time.

The successful candidate will need to be a strategic thinker, have strong organisational and effective communication skills, including the ability to work with a large number of remote teams. They will be a self-starter, proactively developing ideas and strategies to deliver the UK Government’s clean energy and climate priorities.

Alongside a competitive salary compared to similar economic development organizations, DIT offers exceptional benefits. These include approximately 3 weeks paid vacation to start (increasing with tenure) plus public holidays, excellent healthcare options, and parental leave. DIT also offers the opportunity to be part of an inclusive and diverse team of people. DIT strives to be a place where people can bring their whole selves to work and to make teams reflective of the cities in which they’re based.

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

  • Forge strong relationships with U.S. and UK business leaders, trade associations and other key partners within the clean energy, renewables and energy transition industries, and highlighting the strengths of the UK’s market offer to potential investors.
  • Provide comprehensive account management to U.S prospects looking to invest in the UK, and support U.S. companies already active in the UK to maintain/grow their footprint.
  • Build and manage a pipeline of high value, knowledge-driven projects.
  • Develop and implement impactful, targeted marketing programs and events in conjunction with partners and stakeholders to build DIT awareness, promote key messages, and showcase UK competitiveness.
  • Track and report up to date market and industry trends, monitoring and analysing US domestic energy, climate change, and low-carbon initiatives, identifying potential Market Access Barriers.
  • Work to support UK prosperity and economic growth, as well as UK trade policy and Net Zero objectives, in collaboration with other UK government agencies. Showcase the benefits of the UK/US economic relationship to external audiences.
  • Facilitate UK export growth by delivering business development activities to support innovative UK companies, including trade missions and campaigns at industry conferences. Develop and host roundtables, VIP visit programs, speak as a panellist and or keynote.
  • Represent DIT and the British Consulate at external functions, including occasional speaking engagements. Undertake regular travel in the U.S. and occasional travel overseas (approximately 20-25% of the time).
  • Proactively contribute to cross-team activities, programs and support a collaborative and transparent workplace.

Resources managed (staff and expenditure):

50% Trade and Investment Associate

Activity and travel budgets vary

  • Bachelor’s degree or relevant experience in a Business or Marketing field is preferred
  • Relevant professional experience, in international business and/or knowledge of Energy or Renewables industries
  • Ability to work effectively with companies and organizations at a senior level, with a record of fostering business relationships and a demonstrated ability to think strategically
  • Strong client management and project management experience
  • Experience/Knowledge of UK business environments
  • Knowledge of US energy and environmental stakeholders
  • Strong networking skills
  • A demonstrable record of meeting challenging targets. Proactive, self-starting approach to work; ability to deliver effectively under limited day-to-day supervision in a deadline sensitive, fast-paced environment
  • 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 and international air travel, including overnight stays
  • A Master’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field
  • Sound knowledge of the UK’s investment proposition, especially with regard to incorporation, tax, employment, R&D, and skills relevant to the energy, environment, and infrastructure industries
19 April 2021
Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
Fixed Term, Full-time, Temporary
40
12 months
Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories
United States
Houston
British Consulate General
1
USD
$78,162
7 June 2021

This is a full-time, fixed-term/temporary role. The contract is for 12 months and will end June 2022.

40 hour work week, Monday through Friday, occasional evenings and weekends. Occasional flexible and remote working is permissible.

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 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.

Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary, eg some non-local national staff and some spouses or partners of UK diplomatic staff, will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.

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.

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.