Commercial Officer (Ontario) at the Consulate General of Canada in Chicago, USA

4342

Commercial Officer (Ontario)

75,178.00 USD plus benefits

Fixed term

One Year Specified Term. There is one (1) term position available, having a specified period of employment of one (1) year, with the possibility of a term extension or a change in status to indeterminate based on operational needs. This position is an LES (Locally Engaged Staff) position, subject to the Terms and Conditions of Employment for LES in Chicago, United States

Officer

LE-07

Chicago, United States

15-02-2021 at 23:59 UTC/GMT

The Ontario Government has a network of representational offices, Ontario International – Trade and Investment Offices (TIOs), in cities around the world. They are co-located in Canadian diplomatic missions, composed of a Canadian Diplomat – (Head of the TIO) and a locally engaged team. Measured by quantitative results, TIOs are mandated to build commercial relations between Ontario and the host country in 3 ways: 1) Export Promotion; 2) Foreign Direct Investment Attraction; and 3) Partnership Development.

The Commercial Officer (Ontario) is a local employee of the Government of Canada but works with and reports to the Head of the TIO. Under the general direction of the Head of Program, the Commercial Officer (Ontario) contributes to the commercial success of Ontario companies in the territory covered by the Trade and Investment Office. This includes support to exporters, but also innovation, Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into Ontario as well as advocacy.

Some responsibilities include but are not limited to: • Providing advice and/or responding to requests for information from clients on foreign direct investment, trade, business environment, opportunities and challenges as required • Serving, in collaboration with the Head of Program, as a key point of contact with Ontario-based clients to pro-actively advise them on opportunities and reputable local networks to help them implement their commercial strategies.

Candidates will initially be screened against the Essential Qualifications relating to education, experience and language. Candidates must clearly demonstrate in their cover letter and CV how they meet each of these essential qualifications.

Education
Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in business, economics, or a field related to the duties of the position.

Language
Fluency in English (oral and written).

Experience
• At least 2 years of recent experience working in business development or program management, ideally in a trade & investment promotion environment;
• Recent experience in managing client and key stakeholder relationships, and in obtaining, preparing for, and conducting meetings with private sector clients (i.e., business to business meetings, sales meetings, cold calls);
• Recent experience in project management (including strategic planning, tracking/reporting results and budget management);
• Recent experience conducting research and analysis and providing strategic advice, briefings and written reports to senior management and/or clients on business issues;
• Recent experience working in teams and achieving results to meet team objectives.
*Recent experience is defined as work experience in the last 5 years.

Rated Requirements

The Rated Requirements relating to knowledge, abilities and competencies will also be assessed. Methods of assessment may include, but are not limited to, a written examination, an oral interview, role-play, practical tests, presentations and/or psychometric assessment.

Knowledge
Basic knowledge of key Ontario and local market interests (e.g. business and economic interests, local customs/business practices)

Abilities/Competencies
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing;
• Ability to work independently;
• Ability to develop and maintain a network of Canadian clients, local contacts and influencers; and,
• Strong organization skills and attention to detail with the ability to prioritize and organize workload, multi-task, be flexible, and work effectively under pressure

Preference may be given to candidates who meet the Asset Qualifications. Where applicable, candidates must clearly demonstrate how they meet any asset qualifications in their cover letter and CV.
• The ability to work in French would be an asset.
• Knowledge of and interest in Canada and/or Ontario’s economic and trade interests.
• Knowledge of current US and Canadian political events and issues.

There is one (1) term position available, having a specified period of employment of one (1) year, with the possibility of a term extension or a change in status to indeterminate based on operational needs.

Hours of work: Normal hours of work for this position are in accordance with the Locally Engaged Staff (LES) regulations of 37.5 hours per week. The successful candidate must be able to work overtime on short notice and to be available for occasional duties outside normal working hours, i.e., evenings, weekends, and some holiday events. Travel: The position will also require some business travel within the office’s territory (Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio and Wisconsin). Additionally, he/she must be admissible for travel to Canada.

• The successful candidate will be required to obtain Government of Canada Reliability Status (RS) security verification.
• Have independent work authorization in the U.S. and status in accordance with U.S. protocol directives for foreign missions. The Consulate General of Canada does not sponsor work permit applications on behalf of candidates

Open to internal and external applicants who are legal residents or citizens of United States, who meet all of the essential requirements stated below, and whose applications are received by the closing date. Please note that the Consulate General of Canada in Chicago, USA does not sponsor work authorizations directly or indirectly. The Government of Canada is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from diverse sections of the community. Candidates will be considered on merit regardless of ethnic origin, religious belief, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability or any other irrelevant factor.

How to apply:
• Candidates are required to upload a cover letter and CV in English or French. Applications which do not include the requested documents or information in the CV or cover letter will be rejected. Any additional information must be included as part of these two attachments.
• Candidates who are unable to submit their application due to technical difficulties must report these to: [email protected] prior to the closing date. Failure to so will result in the application being rejected

Important Notes:
• Please do not use a tablet or cell phone to submit your application, as mobile browsers are not supported by our on-line portal. Candidates should only apply using a laptop or desktop computer.
• Only applications submitted in one of the official languages of Canada will be accepted (English or French). Candidates are entitled to participate in the recruitment process in the official language of their choice and to indicate their preferred official language in their application.
• Communication for this process will be sent via email. It is the responsibility of the candidates to ensure accurate contact information is provided and updated as required.
• Candidates who apply to this vacancy should include an email address that accepts email from unknown users and regularly check their email, including spam folder.
• Reference checks will be sought for candidates that reach interview stage and may form part of the selection process.
• The Consulate General of Canada in Chicago, USA does not reimburse any travel costs to and from interviews/exams nor does it reimburse any relocation costs.
• Candidates requiring any special assistance in attending exams or interviews are requested to inform us.
• The results of this recruitment process may also be used to establish an eligibility list of qualified candidates for similar openings at the Consulate General of Canada in Chicago, USA which might arise in the 12 months following the completion of this recruitment process.
• Our organization offers an inclusive workplace where respect, teamwork, and collaboration are part of our culture.
• Canada’s missions abroad are committed to promoting and supporting an environment free from harassment and discrimination, as well as encouraging and supporting employees to learn and develop their skills and competencies.