Trade Commissioner, Canadian Technology Accelerator at the High Commission of Canada in Singapore.

4484

Trade Commissioner, Canadian Technology Accelerator

93,544 (SGD) per annum, plus benefits

Fixed term

This position is a Locally Engaged Staff (LES) specified term position with 6 months’ duration (approx. July, 2021 – January 2022), subject to the Terms and Conditions of Employment for LES at the High Commission of Canada in Singapore.
Department: International

Officer

LEO2

High Commission of Canada in Singapore

17-05-2021 at 23:59 UTC+1 / GMT+1

The High Commission of Canada in Singapore is seeking a dynamic, highly motivated self-starter with a strong entrepreneurial mindset to join the Trade Commissioner team in Singapore. We are looking for a team player with strong organizational skills and relevant experience working with entrepreneurs in an international business environment. This individual is also adept at building and maintaining client relationships and managing multiple stakeholders and priorities. The Trade Commissioner will facilitate business opportunities and export growth for Canadian companies who will participate in the new Canadian Technology Accelerator (CTA) Programs in Singapore.

The CTA initiative in Singapore is an intensive 4-6 month immersion programming for high growth, high potential Canadian technology firms to help them unlock export growth opportunities in the ASEAN region. The CTA Program is operated by the Government of Canada, under the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) at the High Commission of Canada in Singapore. Through the incumbent Trade Commissioner, the CTA will help qualified companies pursue growth objectives either through acquisition of key clients, accessing financing, competitive intelligence, and/or strategic partners as well as provide a soft landing for setting up a local business development office.

Working in the international business development team of the High Commission of Canada in Singapore, under the general direction of the Senior Trade Commissioner, the incumbent is a Trade Commissioner acting as the focal point responsible for managing the Canadian Technology Accelerator (CTA) and liaising with its participating companies and local stakeholders.

The CTA Trade Commissioner will:
• Develop, plan and implement the CTA program, including managing budgets, tracking and reporting of results;
• Develop and implement customized curriculum for each CTA companies; moreover to plan and deliver workshops and events;
• Strengthen and establish relationships with Canadian stakeholders and partners to support program recruitment;
• Deliver strategic and high-touch services to Canadian clients;
• Work in close relationship with sector Trade Commissioners at the High Commission of Canada in Singapore, headquarters and other CTA programs around the world;
• Build and maintain a strong network of diverse local contacts to support program objectives; including identifying mentors, subject matter experts and potential clients;
• Identify and implement opportunities and strategies for continuous improvement; and
• Draft communications for social media, website and other marketing/promotional material.

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:
• Minimum of a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in a field related to the position, including but not limited to: commerce, finance, and economics.

Language:
• Fluency in English (oral and written).

Experience:
• A minimum of five (5) years of recent and direct experience in commercial business development and/or working with or advising start-ups;
• Experience in recruiting clients, managing client and stakeholder relationships.
• Experience in providing expert advice and client support to customers/clients, and in managing and responding to customers/clients feedback;
• Experience in project management and in performance measurement;
• Experience in working for a start-up, an investment or venture capital firm, technology sector, or a business or technology accelerator; and
• Experience in providing strategic advice, briefings, and written reports to management and/or clients on business issues.

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 the role of the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service, especially as it applies to programming to support the export of innovative Canadian technologies;
• Knowledge of the challenges faced by growing, small innovative Canadian businesses;
• Knowledge of the Singapore innovation ecosystem in one or more of these areas: 1) Cleantech and Agtech 2) Digital transformation (e.g. Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain) 3) Life Sciences /Health
• Knowledge of current trends, practices and frameworks in business, entrepreneurship, and technology commercialization; and
• Knowledge of event management and promotional techniques.
Abilities:
• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing;
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines;
• Ability to build and sustain a network of contacts;
• Ability to analyze business information and provide strategic and expert advice; and
• Ability to generate new business opportunities using marketing tools, databases, and innovative platforms.

Competencies:
• Adaptability and Flexibility;
• Strong Interpersonal Skills;
• Effective Interactive Communication;
• Sound Judgement and Integrity;
• Client-focus orientation;
• Teamwork and Cooperation; and
• Initiative.

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.
• A graduate degree (e.g. MBA) from a recognized university would be an asset.
• Ability to work in French and/or Chinese is an asset.

n/a

• Must be able to work overtime on short notice on occasion;
• Must be available for occasional duties outside normal working hours (i.e., evenings and weekends);
• Hours of work: Normal hours of work for this position are in accordance with Locally-Engaged Staff regulations of 37.5 hours per week. The successful candidate must be willing to work evenings, holiday events and overtime as required.
• Travel: The position will also require occasional business travel in Asia, as well as to Canada.

• Be able to work legally in Singapore at the time of application. Please note that the High Commission of Canada in Singapore does not sponsor any Employment or Work Pass applications to the Ministry of Manpower.
• Eligibility for a Government of Canada Reliability Status;
• Proof of legal status to live and work in Singapore; and
• Must be admissible for travel to Canada and within Asia.

This position is open to Individuals residing and who are eligible to work in Singapore, who meet all of the conditions of employment and essential requirements stated below, and whose applications are received by the closing date and time. 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.