Department for International Trade roles (DIT)
DIT
Main purpose of job:
The Enhanced International Support Services (EISS) programme is the UK’s Trade
Support services programme, ensuring the delivery of a quality service to up 5,000 small and medium sized businesses looking to export to overseas each year. In Asia Pacific (APAC), there will be an EISS APAC Hub managing enquires who will then work with EISS Market Advisors across the region who would guide local delivery of the service.
EISS Market Advisor – Thailand will ensure local delivery of service to UK companies with export enquiries. You will conduct free market research service for companies, working with them to understand their requirements, undertaking desk research and supplying relevant market information. You will be asked to cover a cross-section of sectors and types of enquiry and will need to be adaptable to this – providing credible advice to a range of companies, whilst not being able to be expert on every sector. As such, you will lead on engagement with UK businesses, analysing their options in the market. You will utilize a wide range of external sources of information and where relevant suggest companies suitable for B2B meetings.
You will, with support from the Hub, manage the local Overseas Referral Network (ORN). The ORN is composed of potential suppliers of follow up advice and support for UK businesses, who can work with companies to get them set up in country. Your role is to source potential suppliers, meet with them, and have an oversight of the services delivered. Though ORN services are delivered outside of DIT, you will monitor customer satisfaction and will be able to add or remove companies from the ORN.
Roles and responsibilities / what will the jobholder be expected to achieve?:
As this is a new role to deliver a new service, roles and responsibilities may evolve and the jobholder will need to be flexible and adaptive. Below is an indication of the likely core aspects of the role:
Account Management and Market Enquiry
- Increase the value of UK exports by being the main point of contact for small and medium sized businesses looking to export to the market, providing advice on the complexities of gaining entry to Thai market. This requires an in-depth review of the market, research and knowledge of the UK businesses looking to export.
- Providing guidance to UK senior executives and stakeholders in identifying their route to market, assessing their market entry needs, and advising on options for making progress. Through technical knowledge and expertise, this role has a direct impact on the EISS programme, raising quality of service and securing good external relationships.
- Work proactively to build demand within the local market, seeking out export opportunities and tenders, and identifying and building relationships with major local businesses and importers.
- Produce, research and keep up to date various ‘off the shelf’ market information products. These may include overviews of key sectors of interest, as well as ‘how to’ guides relating to core aspects of setting up operations in country.
- Ensure export account management processes are followed and businesses are linked in to the International Trade Advisor Network.
- Join EISS, Regional, and Devolved Administration teams’ UK facing promotional opportunities when they occur, and support visibility of market opportunities to SMEs.
- Help UK businesses establish effective export strategies and if needed, recommend additional options from the local Overseas Referral Network, ensuring regular follow up to remain a key player in their client’s export journey, tracking the service delivery to ensure it is fit for purpose and identify if further help is needed
Overseas Referral Network
- Work with the APAC EISS Hub to maintain and increase market intelligence to promote dialogue with clients and build promote relationships with business in each region, including with a view to updating and expanding the Overseas Referral Network
- Maintain a thorough and in-depth knowledge and analysis of all of the markets in the region working closely with UK missions and directing business to opportunities not just in Thailand, but other countries in Asia Pacific.
Other
The British Embassy Bangkok is a large diplomatic mission of around 140 staff delivering a dynamic and rapidly expanding programme of activity in support of the UK’s objectives including on prosperity, trade, security, open societies, consular services and law enforcement. The Embassy is a modern, diverse and inclusive employer where everyone contributes to the Embassy’s CORE Values of Generosity, Ambition and Courage.
In times of peak operation demand, work flexibly within the section and wider Embassy.
The Embassy will offer support to any successful candidate to obtain the relevant work permission for Thailand.
Resources managed (staff and expenditure):
Line Management
- Line Manage one B3 support officer in region, supporting their development of their own market approach, offering guidance on relationship management, and working directly to oversee delivery in some cases.
- Agree and support managed staff in building capacity for themselves and smaller markets as required, and agree with EISS senior management an L&D approach.
Budget Management
- Manage a budget for travel, L&D and EISS promotional activities according to UK Government’s policies and guideline.
- At least 4 years’ experience in a customer facing and/or trade related job
- A proven track record of successful relationship management with high-level stakeholders and international clients
- Excellent communication and influencing skills including in giving presentations to external audiences
- Events and project management skills and experience delivering results against deadlines/targets
- Working with regional and virtual teams
- Ability to adapt and work in a start-up environment
- Strong skills in Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint
- Fluent written and spoken English and Thai
- Evidence of self-motivation, professionalism and the ability to work under minimal supervision
- Evidence of adaptability and ability to prioritise against competing, challenging tasking
- A flexible and creative problem-solver, able to come up with innovative solutions to complex challenges
Language requirements:
Language: Fluency in Thai / English
- Corporate Business Development, Sales or Marketing experience would be highly advantageous;
- Familiarity with the UK is not required, but would be an advantage;
- Local knowledge and network with relevant stakeholders
Changing and Improving, Making Effective Decisions, Leading and Communicating, Managing a Quality Service
18 November 2021
C4 (L)
Fixed Term, Full-time
36
24 months
Asia Pacific
Thailand
Bangkok
British Embassy
1
THB
THB 101,719 per month
15 January 2022
The British Embassy offers a competitive compensation package including a guaranteed 13th month pay, 20 days paid annual leave (calculated on a pro-rata basis if you join after 1 January), extensive medical insurance and access to a guaranteed 5 days of learning opportunities a year.
Job specifications and descriptions within the Embassy may be subject to change in the coming months as the Embassy undergoes wider structural changes.
Learning and development opportunities (and any specific training courses to be completed):
We encourage all staff to develop their capabilities, through both formal training courses and informal opportunities such as job-shadowing, coaching and on-the-job training. All staff are encouraged to share their skills and experience with colleagues, through informal training sessions or coaching/mentoring. We have an active L&D committee who organise a varied programme of learning for all staff.
All staff are eligible for 5 Learning and Development days a year.
Working patterns:
This is a full time role – 36 hours/week, Monday to Friday. We are currently piloting hybrid working (some time working in the office, some time working from home) as we transition back to normal working practices, while ensuring the health and safety of our staff. You will be expected to spend some time out of the office, engaging with partners and stakeholders; some time in the office; and will be able to have the flexibility to work from home. If the context of the pandemic changes, the proportion of time spent at home / in office / in external engagements may change.
The Embassy has a smarter working policy and is committed to offering flexible working patterns balanced with the operational requirements of the role. In crisis/emergency situations you may need to work as required to support the Embassy response, sometimes on a shift pattern working which may result in unsociable hours and/or weekend working.
As an inclusive employer we are happy to discuss alternative working patterns at interview or at the point of any job offer.
Other conditions:
Employment offers are subject to successful clearance of pre-employment and security checks. Staff who are locally recruited by the British Embassy are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law.
No accommodation or relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position. All candidates must be legally able to work and reside in the country of the vacancy with the correct visa/work permit status or demonstrate eligibility to obtain the relevant permit. Any costs related to obtaining or renewing permits and visas are the responsibility of the successful applicant.
Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary may have their salaries reduced by the equivalent local income tax amount.
Please note that your application must be submitted before 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”. Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen.
Incomplete application forms will not be taken into consideration, so please ensure you provide the information requested. Only shortlisted candidates for interview will be contacted. Interviewees will be assessed on the core competencies listed above. Unsuccessful candidates will be notified via the system in due time.
Indicated start date is provisional and subject to successful completion of reference and security checks.
To those applicants not short-listed, we extend our appreciation for considering the British Government as a potential employer.
The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.
British Embassy Bangkok’s Vision and Values:
VISION: What do we want to build?
A better, safer, more prosperous world for Britons and Thais alike.
MISSION: How will we achieve this?
By championing UK values and delivering tangible benefits to individuals, businesses and society: through quality service, effective partnerships and local expertise.
VALUES: that underpin our work
Courage: In our approach to our work: supporting innovation, creativity and taking calculated risks in solving problems; encouraging challenge and welcoming diverse perspectives; honesty in acknowledging and learning from mistakes.
Ambition: In the challenge we set ourselves: Striving to be excellent in the quality of service we deliver; inspiring our teams, colleagues, customers and stakeholders; passionate about our purpose.
Generosity: Of spirit: kindness in our daily actions and conversations; openness to differing cultures, ideas and opinions; understanding of differing styles and honest mistakes to build a culture of support.
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