View Vacancy – External Relations & Trade Manager (Welsh Government Team), British Embassy Paris (FRA26.064)
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Other British Government Departments (Partners across Government, including UK Visas)
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The Welsh Government
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Who are we?
The British Embassy in Paris, France is part of a worldwide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. It is also part of the UK’s France Network (including offices in Lyon, Bordeaux and Marseille and representation to international organisations in Paris (OECD and UNESCO) and Strasbourg (CoE) and is now offering an exciting opportunity to join the Welsh Government team as an External Relations & Trade Manager.
Main purpose of the role:
Working with the Welsh Government’s Head of France, the post holder will represent Wales and further Welsh Government interests in all areas of devolved policy. The Team has lead responsibility for strengthening trade & investment links and on promoting cultural, sports, tourism between Wales and various regions in France including Brittany and Pays de la Loire. The team also support links in relation to UNESCO and the OECD. They work closely with Welsh Government colleagues as well as UK Government colleagues across the France network, and in particular the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to progress opportunities for Wales.
This role supports the Welsh Government’s overarching International Strategy, which aims to:
- Raise the profile of Wales overseas;
- Grow the Welsh economy through exports and inward investment, and;
- Establish Wales as a globally responsible nation.
We’re looking for a dynamic, confident, and highly motivated professional with a strong background in trade and investment, and the ability to identify and progress inward investment opportunities for Wales. You will be a skilled communicator and relationship builder, able to engage effectively with senior external stakeholders and foster productive partnerships that deliver tangible results. A self-starter who thrives under limited day-to-day supervision, you’ll combine strategic thinking with the flexibility to adapt to a fast-moving international environment.
The successful candidate must be able to attend events outside of office hours and undertake travel in France and internationally to Wales/UK, up to 25% of their time.
Main responsibilities:
1. Trade and Investment (about 60%):
- Drive efforts to attract inward investment from France into Wales and identify and support export opportunities for Welsh businesses;
- Provide market intelligence, build sector expertise, and manage a pipeline of projects in key areas including Advanced Manufacturing, Renewable Energy, Cybersecurity, Semiconductors, Creative Industries.
2. Strategic Relationship Management and Diaspora Engagement (about 20%):
- Develop and sustain senior-level networks across business, government, and industry to raise Wales’s profile and promote strategic interests;
- Represent Wales at events and conferences;
- Collaborate with UK Government and partners to identify and advance shared priorities;
- Support development of a strong Welsh diaspora network and engage with cultural, academic, and community partners to enhance Wales’s visibility and influence.
3. Support to Head of France (about 10%):
- Support delivery of regional objectives and occasionally deputise for the Head of France for activity where necessary and appropriate;
- Contribute to strategic planning and reporting.
- Provide communications support to promote profile raising activity.
4. Events, Ministerial and Senior Visits (about 10%):
- Coordinate and deliver Ministerial and senior official visits to France. Manage programmes, secure high-level meetings, and prepare briefing materials to ensure successful outcomes and effective engagement;
- Work supporting the Welsh Government’s approach to welcoming the Tour de France in 2027;
- Deliver a program of events including annual Saint David’s Day celebrations in country.
*These percentages are indicative and may shift over time depending on team priorities and organisational needs.
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Essential on arrival:
- Proficiency in French and English (both written and spoken) at a minimum of C1 level for CEFR*;
- A minimum of 3 years of professional experience in international business, preferably with a proven track record of fostering strong business (and other) relationships;
- Experience dealing with companies and organisations at a senior level, with a proven record of fostering business relationships and a demonstrated ability to think strategically;
- Excellent public speaking skills and the ability to present effectively;
- Excellent communication and networking skills;
- Familiarity with current economic, political and cultural context in Wales, the UK and France.
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Nice to have:
- Experience working for a Devolved Government, UK Government or diplomatic mission;
- Appreciation and understanding / familiarity of Wales.
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Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Making Effective Decisions, Working Together
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5 March 2026
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Higher Executive Officer (HEO)
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Full-time, Permanent
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35
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Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia
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France
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Paris
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British Embassy
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1
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EUR
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5,883.00€ gross
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monthly
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4 May 2026
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This is a full time, permanent contract. The position is based on a 35/h week. The monthly salary is 5,883.00€ (gross). In addition, staff receive meal contribution.
All appointments are subject to professional background check satisfactory security clearance. The successful applicant will be required to provide a copy of his/her passport or national identity card for all nationalities held, an up-to-date criminal record (casier judiciaire) for recent countries of residence (which can be obtained online at https://www.cjn.justice.gouv.fr/cjn/b3/eje20), two written proofs of address (utility invoices and/or bank statements) and two references.
Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy in Paris, France are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local French employment law and FCO guidance for Local Staff. The posts we offer are not an entry point into the UK’s Diplomatic Service.
Your application will only be considered if you follow the guidance below:
- Your application must be sent in English only.
- Your application must clearly indicate all nationalities you hold.
The successful candidates will be subject to professional background checks and security clearance.
The start date mentioned in the advert is just an expected start date. The appointment can start earlier or later depending on several factors.
Visa/work permit requirements: Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in France and be prepared to ensure that right remains throughout the scope of the contract.
Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal requirements to live and work in this country.
Learning and Development opportunities: The France Network puts a very strong emphasis on L&D and the jobholder will be able to benefit from opportunities offered by the Diplomatic Academy and civil service learning, as well as informal opportunities within the Embassy on topics.
The successful applicant will be encouraged to be actively involved in the corporate life of the British Embassy, contributing to the wider objectives of the British Government’s through the France network and supporting the British Embassy’s positive working environment.
Working Pattern: The position is based on a 35-hour working week.
This is a full-time position. Our team works flexibly, including some time working remotely. However, in line with current policy, the job holder will be expected to be in the office at least 60% of the week – and more often when required e.g. during events or when filming is required.
For this position, the successful candidate must be able to attend events outside of office hours and undertake travel in France and internationally to Wales/UK, up to 25% of their time.
Equal employment
We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability or gender identity. We particularly encourage applications from candidates with protected characteristics. The FCDO France Network want to maximise the potential of everyone who chooses to work for us, regardless of their background.
Further information
Our recruitment process is underpinned by the principle of appointment on the basis of fair and open competition and appointment on merit, as outlined in the Civil Service Commissioners’ Recruitment Principles.
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Please note that the deadline for applications is 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”.
We advise you to allow enough time to complete and submit your full application, since only applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered.
Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen.
Please be advised that the British Diplomatic Missions will not be able to meet the travel costs incurred when travelling to the interview, nor the costs connected with relocation if offered a job.
*Please note for more information on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment levels please click on the following link CEFR. Please bear in mind in case you are invited for an interview your language skill is going to be assessed.
The British Embassy Paris wants to create a diverse, inclusive and friendly environment in which people can perform at their best because they feel supported; are able to be themselves in the workplace; and have opportunities to develop and grow. We want all our colleagues, regardless of grade, background or experience, to share our strong sense of purpose and ambition to deliver the best possible outcomes.
We know that diversity of background, experience and thought will help us achieve our goals. We actively encourage applications from colleagues from Minority Ethnic and underrepresented backgrounds and from groups with protected characteristics.
Please ensure that your application is authentically written based on your own experiences. If AI tools are used, their usage must only be limited to specific tasks such as ensuring formatting consistency and keyword relevance. The core content, personal narratives, and responses to behaviour and skill-based questions must genuinely reflect your professional journey, experiences, and achievements. We place great importance on originality and individual effort throughout the application process. Any form of plagiarism will result in immediate disqualification.
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To apply please copy and paste this link: https://fco.tal.net/vx/appcentre-ext/candidate/jobboard/vacancy/1/adv/
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