Commercial Assistant at US Embassy

Duties

Commercial Assistant is responsible for representing the United States Department of Commerce (USDOC), United States and Foreign Commercial Service (USFCS) in Nigeria.  Serves as a professional analyst and advisor to the U.S. staff in planning, organizing, and administering programs to facilitate the marketing of U.S. goods and services.  Assists U.S. firms by developing and organizing marketing strategies, including market research and reporting, planning trade promotion events, identifying, and leveraging trade opportunities, and bringing U.S. and host country business representatives together, under the supervision and/or support of Commercial Officers.

Analyzes market trends and evaluates market research involving the sectors for which responsible.  Performs research and prepares complex factual and analytical reports on a variety of matters affecting U.S. exports and trade in assigned industry sectors.  Develops and maintains professional and social relationships and consultative contacts (working-to-mid levels) to gain cooperation on trade and investment matters.  Advise U.S. and host country clients on each other’s regulation as they affect trade and investment opportunities.  Informs host country officials and business organizations about U.S. legislation, regulation and practices pertaining to foreign trade.

Incumbent is responsible for developing and implementing inbound investment promotions events and activities within their sectors of responsibility.  Advocates for U.S. trade interests by implementing projects, identifying appropriate actions, and resolving trade problems.  Investigates trade complaints in assigned industry sectors and makes recommendations for resolution.

The incumbent has responsibility for the complex and emerging industrial sectors representing high potential for U.S. exporters and requiring advocacy and addressing market access issues.  Assigned industry sectors may include franchising, travel/tourism, consulting, and media/entertainment, ICT, fintech, consumer goods, and emerging sectors (renewable energies, environmental technologies, healthcare services).  May be assigned the complex sectors though working together with commercial specialists. May provide guidance to interns and contractors.

Requirements:

EXPERIENCE: 

• Minimum of three (3) years work experience in business, government, or industry association in one or more fields of marketing, international trade, economics, trade promotions, and marketing analysis/research is required.

JOB KNOWLEDGE:  

• Thorough knowledge of the host country’s economy, commercial and industrial structures, business and industry customs and practices, trade and investment laws, regulation, and policies is required.  Working knowledge of international trade (terms and procedures) is required.  Understanding of legislation, rules and regulations affecting trade and investment is required.

Education Requirements:

• A Bachelor’s degree in business management, economics, marketing, international trade or international affairs or host country equivalent is required.  

Note: NYSC Certificate or Exemption document is required.

LANGUAGE:  

• Fluent in speaking/reading/writing of English is required.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:  

Strong interpersonal skills, salesmanship, critical and analytical thinking, problem solving, judgement and proactively assessing obstacles and identifying solutions to ensure programmatic success is essential. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook) to create documents and spreadsheets, maintain and update databases, and develop presentations is required. Good keyboarding skill is required.