Trade Officer - Ottawa, Canada - Foreign & Commonwealth Office

Foreign & Commonwealth Office

Verified Company

Ottawa, Canada

3 weeks ago

Posted by:

Sophia Lee

beBee Recruiter

Description

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)

Be part of the Department for Business and Trade's (DBT) mission to drive more trade and investment between North America and the UK.

With a mature, high spending consumer market and an open, liberal economy, world-class talent and a business-friendly regulatory environment, the UK is the leading destination for foreign investment in Europe, and the second highest investment destination in the world.

The UK is also the world's sixth largest exporter and the second largest services exporter.

Based at the British High Commission in Ottawa, the Trade Officer for Defence and Security will support the Senior Trade Officer in her role and working alongside colleagues from the British Defence Liaison Service and others in the High Commission and across the DBT Network to contribute to the delivery and success of the Defence and Security Trade and Investment campaign.

As part of a team which sits in a wider North America Defence Regional Sector Team, you will support UK companies seeking trade opportunities in Canada and Canadian companies seeking to launch into or expand in the UK.

You will also be a valued contributor to the work of the British High Commision in Ottawa and across Canada and will liaise closely with relevant colleagues based in and around the UK.

Roles and responsibilities
As the Trade Officer - Defence & Security, you will:

Identifying and developing Canadian market opportunities for a broad range of UK Defence and Security focussed exporters.
Identify and connect with innovative Canadabased companies in the Defence and Security sectors interested in establishing or expanding operations and R&D opportunities in the UK to build pipeline of ambitious procurement opportunities.
Support positive relationships with Canadian and UK business leaders, trade associations, regional Defence and Security providers and other key buyers/partners within the Defence and Security industries.
Keep pace with market trends, incentives and centres of excellence in North America and the UK to identify commercial opportunities and provide informed advice to clients and stakeholders.
Develop a network of contacts within the Defence and Security sector with a proactive focus on Policing and Security (business, government, and public services).
Provide operational and administrative support to the Senior Trade Officer including budgeting and forecasting.
Support highprofile visits, including UK Ministerial and VIP delegations through scheduling highlevel meetings, organising activities, and preparing briefing materials.
Support Trade group visits, Trade show and High Commision events to foster economic opportunities for the UK.
Maintain client relationship management (CRM) database, lists of key contacts and other project databases.
Consult with clients to manage and coordinate client events. Attend key business and sector events and official functions during and outside of office hours and undertake occasional travel in both North America and the UK.
Other duties as assigned.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

Knowledge and understanding of one or all of (i) Canadian Military (ii) Canadian Defence & Security sector (iii) Canadian Government.
Knowledge and understanding of Government procurement processes for the Defence and Security sectors, prior experience with Government procurement would be advantageous.
Business development experience and knowledge of the Canadian commercial sector.
Experience of coordinating and managing events.
Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
Excellent interpersonal skills with a professional and helpful manner with the ability to interact at all levels of seniority.
Be a proactive selfstarter with the ability to work independently whilst remaining a positive team player.
Ability to undertake research and follow market trends to identify new opportunities.
Excellent organisational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency in Office 365 and Microsoft Teams is essential.
Must be able to attend events outside of office hours and undertake travel within the North America and the UK up to 10% of your time.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

Previous experience working in the Defence and Security Sector.
Degree / Master's or equivalent business qualification in a relevant Defence / Security / Business area of study.
Existing network within the Defence and Security environment
Ability to communicate in French.
Current Security Clearance
Driver's licence.

Required behaviours

Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace, Communicating and Influencing, Working Together Application deadline Application deadline day Application deadline month Application deadline year
7 September 2023

Grade