International Business Development Officer at The High Commission of Canada

Job Ref: 3150
Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Vacancy type: Indeterminate
Term Details: This position is a LES (Locally Engaged Staff) position, subject to the Terms and Conditions of Employment for LES in Lagos, Nigeria.
Classification: LE-08
Level: Officer

Summary of position

• Reporting to the Deputy High Commissioner, the International Business Development (IBD) Officer contributes to the delivery of the trade promotion program at mission.
• The IBD Officer will proactively assist and promote Canadian companies in the identification and pursuit of commercial opportunities in Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and São Tomé and Príncipe through a variety of activities, including the conduct of targeted meetings with local contacts, the organization of trade missions, and the timely distribution of commercial intelligence.

Job Requirements
Essential qualifications:

• Candidates will initially be screened against the Essential Qualifications relating to education, experience and language.
• Candidates must clearly demonstrate in their cover letter and CV how they meet each of these essential qualifications.

Education:

• Bachelor's degree from a recognized university with a major in a discipline related to the job requirements (e.g. Business Administration, Economics, or a similar field) or an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience (without a completed Bachelor’s degree, six years of experience required).

Language:

• Fluency in English (oral & written).

Experience:

• Minimum of 3 years' recent experience working, advising and facilitating information services to clients in the area in business and market development and/or trade policy in Nigeria.
• Recent is defined as within the last 5 years

Rated Requirements

• The Rated Requirements relating to knowledge, abilities and competencies will also be assessed. Methods of assessment may include, but are not limited to: a written examination, an oral interview, role-play, practical tests, presentations, references and/or psychometric assessment.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of the business environment in Nigeria;
• Knowledge of key stakeholders involved in Nigeria’s commercial and economic situation (including non-governmental organisations, government institutions, international organizations, domestic/international companies, and investors);
• Knowledge of international business practices.

Abilities:

• Ability to plan and organize workflow and coordinate information;
• Ability to work under pressure and prioritize accordingly;
• Ability to identify and analyze client needs;
• Ability to network and develop contacts and relationships, both internal and external, to facilitate trade priorities or to gain support/cooperation.

Competencies:

• Initiative and sound judgement;
• Interpersonal skills;
• Flexibility and adaptability;
• Analytical skills;
• Integrity and discretion;
• Visioning/alignment;
• Organizational/environmental awareness;
• Results orientation;
• People/team leadership;
• Effective interactive communication – oral and written.

Asset Qualifications:

• Preference may be given to candidates who meet the Asset Qualifications. Where applicable, candidates must clearly demonstrate how they meet any asset qualifications in their cover letter and CV.

Language:

• Working knowledge of French (oral & written).

Experience:

• Experience working in a diplomatic mission, international non-governmental organization, a multi-lateral organization, private company, or government environment doing international business development;
• Experience dealing with government ministries/departments, NGOs;
• Network of contacts relevant to international business development in Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and São Tomé and Príncipe;
• Experience promoting Nigeria’s outward foreign investment;
• Master’s degree in relevant field of study.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of business environment in Equatorial Guinea and São Tomé and Príncipe;
• Knowledge of the information and communications technologies sector and the creative industries sector.

Organizational Needs
Operational Requirements:

• Ability and willingness to work overtime when required;
• Ability to attend offsite meetings as required;
• Willing to travel domestically and internationally as required;

Condition(s) of Employment:

• Any job offer is subject to receipt of satisfactory references and the ability to obtain and maintain an Enhanced Reliability security screening (security clearance).
• Candidates must have a valid work authorization covering the entire employment period. If the employment is indeterminate, the work authorization should be permanent or itself lead to a permanent work authorization.

Normal work-week is 37.5 hours: Monday to Thursday 7h30 to 16h00 (30 minutes unpaid lunch break); Fridays 7h30 to 13h00. Area of selection:

• This position is open to individuals who are eligible to live and work in Nigeria who meet all of the essential requirements stated below, and whose applications are received by the closing date.
• Please note that the Deputy High Commission of Canada in Lagos does not sponsor work authorizations directly or indirectly.
• The Government of Canada is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from diverse sections of the community.
• Candidates will be considered on merit regardless of ethnic origin, religious belief, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability or any other irrelevant factor.

Salary
NGN 11,752,935 per annum.