Market Entry Advisor at British High Commission

Type of Position: Fixed Term
Duration of Post: 24 months
Job Category: Department for International Trade roles (DIT)
Job Subcategory: Trade Promotion
Grade: C4 (L)
Start Date: 1st March 2022

Background

• This is an exciting time to join the Department for International Trade (DIT). Our aim is to promote British trade and investment across the world which is vital for the prosperity of the UK.
• DIT brings together policy, promotion and financial expertise to break down barriers to trade and investment in markets across the world to help businesses succeed.
• This is a great opportunity to be part of an international team that contributes to the success of the UK's trade goals.
• The successful candidate will join a team of six, including three other Market Entry Advisors covering North, East and Southern Africa.
• The job holder will report to the Market Entry Team (MET) Director, based in London and will be responsible for delivering advisory services to UK companies exporting to and investing in West Africa.
• Where required, they will refer companies needing additional specialist and professional services not offered by DIT to in-market private sector companies.
• The successful candidate will also be required to deliver within the team as much as possible, collaborating with colleagues across DIT Africa and other UK Departments in Africa, including the Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) when necessary.
• They will also need to actively engage external stakeholders in the private sector.

Roles and Responsibilities
The jobholder will take full responsibility for leading on all Market Entry Team activities in West Africa. You will:

• Increase the value of UK exports by helping our companies gain entry to African markets;
• You will do this by providing tailored advice to UK businesses, helping them identify their route to market, their market entry needs, flagging market barriers, and advising on options for making progress;
• Support UK businesses establish effective export strategies and if needed, assist them in sourcing addition support through a Overseas Referral Network, ensuring regular follow up to remain a key player in their client’s export journey, tracking the service delivery so that the support given is fit for purpose and identify if further help is needed;
• Work with the Operations Team to maintain market intelligence to support dialogue with clients and build collaborative relationships with both British and African business in each region, including with a view to developing and maintaining the Overseas Referral Network;
• Ensure appropriate export account management is followed and businesses are linked in to the International Trade Advisor Network;
• Identify areas of collaboration and leverage personal networks;
• Upload business interactions weekly on to Data Hub and shared spreadsheets;
• Promote the market entry offer to British companies, UK Regions and Devolved Administrations, with a view to increase demand and visibility to SMEs across the UK;
• Maintain a thorough understanding of all of the markets in West Africa working closely with Posts and directing business to opportunities not just in the primary market.

Essential Qualifications, Skills and Experience  

• Fluent written and spoken English
• 5+ years of relevant advisory experience in either the private or public sector, ideally on an international basis;
• Relevant degree and work experience with a track record of delivery through collaboration and partnering in complex environments
• Ability to work well under pressure and to tight deadlines;
• Resourcefulness in solving problems;
• Excellent interpersonal skills and comfortable dealing with senior officials and business people.

Language Requirements:

• Language: English
• Level of language required: Fluent.

Desirable Qualifications, Skills and Experience:

• Private sector experience in a consultancy environment
• Experience of working in a virtual team

Required competencies:

• Collaborating and Partnering, Achieving Commercial Outcomes, Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace.

Salary
NGN879,967.44 Monthly.

Other benefits and conditions of employment:
Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):

• The successful applicant will have access to a range of Learning and Development opportunities within DIT and e-learning, with the potential for overseas training.
• From time to time there will be requirements to assist other teams within the Department, building overall resilience and broader experience.