View Vacancy – Trade & Investment Associate – Clean Energy & Infrastructure Department for International Trade British Consulate General, Los Angeles

Main purpose of job:

The Department for International Trade (DIT) is the UK Government agency charged with growing UK and global prosperity by promoting transatlantic trade and investment and championing free trade. In the United States, DIT works closely with other UK agencies, including the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), to:

·       promote UK trade and investment across the world;

·       build the global appetite for UK goods and services;

·       break down barriers to trade and investment in order to help businesses succeed; and

·       support the delivery of the UK’s trade policy objectives and priorities.

The post advertised is for a Trade & Investment Associate (TIA) based at the British Consulate in Los Angeles (in Century City), working with the Clean Energy and Infrastructure (CEI) sector. The TIA will focus on a) identifying and managing relationships with potential investors into the UK; b) developing US market opportunities for a broad range of UK exporters; and c) project managing initiatives designed to achieve trade and investment results, including trade missions and activities at trade shows. S/he may also work on other projects to advance UK prosperity and trade policy. The TIA reports to the Trade & Investment Officer for CEI, also based in Los Angeles.

To be successful, the job holder must be innovative, strategic and proactive. S/he will have exceptional organisational skills, be deft at relationship management with both external clients and UK government stakeholders, and be able to analyse emerging market trends in order to respond to new opportunities. S/he will work with clients and deliver DIT initiatives on the West Coast, including all of California, Washington, Oregon, Utah, and Arizona. Once circumstances permit it, s/he may be required to attend official functions outside of office hours and undertake occasional travel.

Alongside a competitive salary compared to similar economic development organizations, DIT offers exceptional benefits. These include approximately 3 weeks paid vacation to start plus public holidays and excellent healthcare options. DIT also offers the opportunity to be part of an inclusive and diverse team of people. DIT strives to be a place where people can bring their whole selves to work and to build teams that are reflective of the cities in which they’re based.

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

•                Support strong relationships with U.S. and UK business leaders, trade associations, and other key partners within the CEI industries.

•                Proactively identify U.S. companies interested in establishing or expanding operations in the UK. Make initial contact, organize visit programmes, and schedule meetings for the TIO. Attend meetings where appropriate and support the management of client relationships.

•                Assist with initiatives such as trade missions, seminars, webinars, receptions, and other events to promote UK strengths. Provide event management and logistical support where necessary.

•                Support UK prosperity, economic growth, and UK trade policy objectives, in collaboration with other UK government agencies. Showcase the benefits of the UK/US economic relationship to external audiences.

•                Manage and/or support visits by senior UK government officials by securing high-level meetings, organizing activities, and preparing briefing materials.

•                Maintain current knowledge of market trends, incentives, and centres of excellence in both the U.S. and the UK to identify commercial opportunities and provide informed advice to clients.

•                Conduct research and compile occasional reports on industry developments, best routes to market, and potential US business partners for UK companies looking to enter the U.S. market.

•                Maintain client relationship management records, lists of key industry contacts and other data.

•                Provide operational and administrative support to the TIO.

•                Attend official functions outside of office hours. Undertake occasional travel, if/when circumstances permit.

Essential on arrival:

•                Minimum of a Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in a relevant field.

•                1-3 years of relevant professional experience.

•                Strong project management and client management experience.

•                Proactive, self-starting approach to work with the ability to deliver effectively under limited day-to-day supervision; ability to problem solve, organize, prioritize and manage tasks in a deadline sensitive, fast-paced environment.

•                Ability to communicate with companies/organizations effectively and credibly at a senior level through all forms of communication, and a track record of fostering business relationships.

•                Excellent research and writing skills, with an ability to provide clear, concise summaries and to respond to ad hoc requests at short notice.

•                Understanding of the business environments in the UK and US, and the factors companies consider when expanding internationally.

•                Strong networking skills.

•                Proficiency in standard Microsoft applications and client relationship management software.

•                Valid driver’s license and passport; the ability to attend official functions outside of office hours; and the ability to undertake occasional travel, including overnight stays.