Trade Officer

OFFICE NOTICE NO: 30/13 – VACANCY – A2(L) TRADE OFFICER

TO:  ALL STAFF, INCLUDING DFID, BRITISH COUNCIL, BPST (EA) & BATUK & OTHER DIPLOMATIC MISSIONS

A vacancy has arisen at the British High Commission for a Temporary Trade Officer (6 month maternity cover) to provide assistance to British businesses looking to trade and invest in Kenya. The position is graded at A2(L) for which the current salary starts at Ksh. 119,915/- per month before deduction of tax. Where the successful candidate is not liable to Kenyan tax, the salary will be abated under HM Treasury regulations to Ksh. 90,068/- per month to take account of the tax they would have paid.

The Role

The successful candidate will be part of the local UK Trade and Investment (UKTI) team and part of the regional network. S/he will be expected to support UK-Kenya trade development, produce quality market data, and provide guidance to British and Kenyan businesses.

Key Responsibilities

UKTI is the United Kingdom Government’s international business development agency. The UKTI team in Kenya is charged with trade development between the UK and Kenya, assisting Kenyan companies looking to set up operations or expand in the UK and alerting and informing British businesses about opportunities in Kenya. The team also contributes to Her Majesty’s Government’s work on the Prosperity agenda through providing high quality advice and analysis regarding the business environment and commercial potential.

This is a great opportunity to work in an exciting and fast-paced and environment on a high profile agenda within the British High Commission. The Trade Officer will be a highly motivated individual, have excellent communication skills, be well organized and able to use his/her own initiative.

The main duties include:-

·         Provide assistance to the Trade Development Managers and Head of UKTI East Africa

·         Act as a focal point of contact for British Businesses, handle initial queries, provide advice on the business environment and company registration procedures

·         Undertake research and marketing activity, help the Trade Development Managers identify potential investors that would be interested in setting up or expanding their operations in Kenya.

·         Write and compile reports on specific topics relating to market developments, best routes to market, and potential Kenyan business partners for UK companies looking to enter the Kenyan market

·         Compile visit programs and organise company meetings for UKTI. Attend meetings where appropriate and assist in management of client relationships

·         Assist with the planning and execution of international trade missions, industry focused seminars and other events to promote the UK

·         Input into and manage a database of key contacts in the industry

·         Provide operational and administrative support by maintaining UKTI Customer Relationship Management (CRM) and project management databases, compiling measurement data and managing project order system

·         Identifying public and private sector tenders and alerting UK companies to the opportunities.

Required skills:

·         Educated to a degree level (or equivalent work experience) preferably in international business or marketing

·         Understanding of international / regional / Kenyan trade and investment issues

·         Excellent research and report writing skills.

• Attention to detail and good follow up discipline
• Ability to produce good quality and accurate work, against tight deadlines
• Ability to excel in a collaborative team environment.
• Ability to prioritise, effectively manage and execute multiple tasks to a high standard

·         Fluency in Swahili and English, written and verbal

·         Strength in MS Office, Excel, Access and Outlook; proven online research skills.

·         Knowledge of UK and Kenyan domestic / foreign affairs is desirable

Key competencies:-

The following core competencies are required in this post:-

• Managing Self, Others And Resources - Organises self and work effectively. Provides guidance and support, either formally or informally, to help others achieve objectives. Makes best use of resources and maintains high work standards.
• Delivering Results - Takes responsibility and uses initiative to deliver high quality work. Handles a variety of tasks, making progress on all fronts. Works with speed and professionalism, recognising that others depend on them.
• Working With Others - Shows consideration for others' needs and motivations, values diversity and inclusion; works effectively and supportively with colleagues and contacts in the immediate and wider teams. Embraces different ways of thinking and acting.
• Communicating - Conveys information accurately and concisely.  Expresses own views and contributes to team debate.
• Problem Solving - Uses information, experience and judgement to solve day to day problems and complete routine tasks. Thinks creatively to solve problems.

Application:

The British High Commission has not appointed any agents to process job applications or arrange interviews for this position and expects no fees to be paid to anyone.

Applicants must have the right to live and work in Kenya.

 

Applications – (CV plus completed application form) clearly marked: - “A2L Trade Officer” should be forwarded to the following address:

The Human Resources Manager

British High Commission, Upper Hill Road

PO Box 30465 – 00100

Nairobi

Or by e-mail to: HR.Recruit@fco.gov.uk    

You can access the job profile and BHC application form by visiting our website www.gov.uk/world/kenya.

Applications should be received on or before 29 July 2013.  Only short-listed applicants will be contacted for interview.

The British High Commission is an equal opportunities employer. Recruitment and staff management is conducted without regard to gender, race, ethnicity, religion or disability provided candidates are able to meet the requirements of the position advertised.