View Vacancy – KWT – DBT – International Trade Advisor (AO)

The British Embassy in Kuwait is seeking a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual for the position of International Trade Advisor, job grade Administrative Officer (AO) under the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). 

DBT is the UK Government’s department for economic growth. We promote British trade and investment across the world, support UK business overseas, and attract foreign investment to our shores. We have over 3,000 staff across the globe in over 100 countries.  

DBT divides the world into nine (9) regions, each led by His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC). The Middle East and Pakistan (MEaP) region is led from Dubai and represents 11 markets with a team of some 110 staff.  

We are looking for a highly capable individual to deliver a high standard of trade and investment support to British companies looking to enter or expand their presence in the Kuwait market. The jobholder will be the Department for Business and Trade, International Trade Advisor for Kuwait. 

This is a key role in the team and this position will see you exposed to Ministers and CEOs of large companies and therefore strong communication skills and a high level of resilience and persistence are essential, alongside excellent drafting skills and the ability to turn round work quickly and under pressure. The role also involves working closely with senior managers to ensure that the DBT team provides first class support to UK companies looking to work and trade in Kuwait.

Roles and responsibilities: 

• Develop knowledge of a sector in country, building expertise through on the job training, team shadowing, networking and market research.
• Help plan, organise, and participate in trade and investment-promotion events, including seminars, conferences, and networking sessions that showcase the benefits of exporting from and investing into the UK to companies and trading families in Kuwait.
• Conduct as necessary and as directed by the Director and Deputy Director comprehensive market research to identify new companies with the potential to expand in Kuwait. Conduct research for the team including policy reports, analysis of trends and background for meetings, and market access trade barriers. Build strong relationships with the relevant teams across DBT.
• Provide administrative support to the Country Director and Deputy Director in relation to trade and investment work, including knowledge management, tracking interactions, and monitoring KPIs.
• Support the wider work of DBT Kuwait team and other Embassy sections when required, including regional engagement, internal coordination and planning, events, analysis and briefing, and contribute to the corporate objectives of the British Embassy in Kuwait, as well as supporting the trade team’s external engagement: mapping stakeholders and tracking meetings by drafting policy and biography briefings for meetings.
• Collaboration with other Embassy colleagues covering trade and economic policy, climate change and science and innovation, identifying synergies and contributing to shared goals across the Mission as well as positioning UK companies for future commercial opportunities.
• GREAT Campaign Champion and Marketing Liaison for post. Despatch monthly highlights/Visual Highlights/ update Forward Plan and remain brand compliant. Take a lead on social media handle for DBT Kuwait.
• Aid during high level visits and trade missions.
• Attend out of hours social networking functions, supporting Director DBT and wider Embassy in developing and maintaining relationship with wider local commercial contacts.
• Map and attend relevant trade fairs and exhibitions in Kuwait and overseas promoting opportunities in Kuwait market to UK companies as and when necessary.

Wider Embassy activities 

• Contribute towards wider Embassy activities and crisis preparedness. 
• Assist the Embassy team in making arrangements for VIP and VVIP visits as required.

The above list is not exhaustive and the jobholder will be required to be flexible and take on other ad hoc tasks as required, including participating in the Embassy’s emergency planning and any response to a crisis.  

Key behaviours required for the job: 

• Working Together – Form effective partnerships and relationships with people both internally and externally, from a range of diverse backgrounds, sharing information, resources, and support.
• Delivering at Pace: Take responsibility for delivering timely and quality results with focus and drive.
• Seeing the bigger picture – Understand how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives. Recognise the wider Civil Service priorities and ensure work is in the national interest.

Eligibility:

If you are selected for this position, we will be able to employ you as long as you: 

• Are legally resident in Kuwait (Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal requirements to live and work in this country); and
• Complete and successfully pass all local and UK security checks, including professional background checks.

• Excellent written and spoken communication skills in English.
• Strong oral, written, interpersonal and analytical skills.
• Knowledge and/or an understanding of local business customs, practices and procedures as well as commercial regulations and restrictions.
• At least 1 year of relevant work experience in a customer facing environment.
• Excellent IT skills: use of word processing, email and calendar management (eg, knowledge of Microsoft Office programmes such as Word, Excel and Outlook). Internet-based research skills.
• Ability to multitask and work in a fast-paced environment.