This is an exciting time to join the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). Our aim is to promote British trade and investment across the world which is vital for the prosperity of the UK. DBT 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.

DBT is recruiting for the role of an International Market Advisor within the Export Support Service, to be based in Johannesburg, covering the wider Southern African region. The jobholder will report to the Head of International Markets; Africa, and will be responsible for delivering advisory services to UK companies interested in exporting to and investing in Africa.

This advice will centre on route to market (market entry) options. Where required, the Advisor will also be in a position to refer companies needing additional specialist and professional services not offered by DIT to in-market vetted private sector companies. The Advisor will also be responsible for the relationship with these in market providers, ensuring they provide the service envisaged to our companies, and tracking whether our companies progress to win business.

The Advisor will join the Department for International Trade’s Africa network providing crucial expertise as part of our offer to UK businesses exporting into the continent. The Advisor will be networked closely with colleagues from across DBT Africa and other UK Departments, including the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office when necessary. The Advisor will also need to actively engage with external stakeholders in the private sector.

Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?:

• Increase the value of UK exports by helping our companies gain entry to African markets
  They 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 an 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 updating and expanding the Overseas Referral Network
• Ensure appropriate export account management is followed and businesses are linked in to the International Trade Advisor Network
• 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 their region working closely with Posts and directing business to opportunities not just in the primary market
• This list is not exhaustive and you may be required to carry out additional duties according to business needs.

  Essential qualifications, skills and experience

• 5+ years of either relevant advisory experience in the private or public sector, ideally on an international basis
• Relevant degree and/or 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
• Strong IT skills and literacy in Microsoft Office applications (MS teams, Excel, Word, PowerPoint and Outlook)
• Fluent written and spoken English

  Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

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