Main Purpose of Job:

The Welsh Government team has an exciting opportunity for a dynamic and driven individual to join us as Deputy Head of Canada for Welsh Government. The post will be based in the British Consulate in Montreal.

The primary purpose of the role is to deliver the overarching objectives of the Welsh Government’s International Strategy: to raise the profile of Wales overseas, to grow the Welsh economy through exports and inward investment, and to establish Wales as a globally responsible nation.

Working to the Welsh Government’s Head of Canada, the post holder will represent Wales and further Welsh Government interests in all areas of devolved policy, including academic collaboration, trade and invest, strengthening governmental ties between Wales and Canada, and other profile-raising initiatives across Canada.

The Deputy Head of Canada will also deputise for the Head of Canada on all aspects of the Welsh Governments’ interest in-market and assist the Head of Canada in delivering all the objectives outlined in the Welsh Government International Strategy.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in trade and invest, and be comfortable identifying and progressing inward investment opportunities from Canada into Wales. They will work closely with Welsh Government colleagues and UK Government colleagues across the network, and in particular from the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), and Science & Innovation (SIN) in order to progress opportunities. They should also be a confident communicator and networker, with the ability to interact skilfully with external contacts at all levels, and a proven record of fostering successful business relationships.  

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Support the Head of Canada to deliver the Welsh Government International Strategy, including deputising for the Head of Canada when necessary and appropriate.
• Lead on building and managing a pipeline of inward investment projects that have the potential to bring high-value jobs to Wales.  Identify, develop and deliver new and secondary quality inward investment projects across all investment sectors of interest.
• Provide appropriate business intelligence on sector specific developments and regional opportunities for Wales, through knowledge and understanding of key industries. Industry sectors for particular focus include Advanced Materials and Manufacturing, Life Sciences, Creative Industries, Tech, Renewable Energy and Environment.
• Assist high-growth Welsh businesses, including identification of regional export opportunities, advice on local trading conditions and market entry strategies. This includes developing and supporting Welsh Government trade missions to Canada.
• Develop and maintain high-level, influential networks across the region to help build the profile of Wales and deliver the International Strategy. This includes working with the UK Government and external networks in the region and promoting Welsh interests.
• Represent Wales at external events, including conferences and trade shows, to deliver key messages aligned with the International Strategy.
• Work closely with the Head of Canada on Ministerial visits and visits by senior government officials by securing high-level meetings, organizing activities, and preparing briefing materials. Support Ministerial visits when they take place, including substantial direct engagement with Ministers and provision of advice for Ministers, e.g. by contributing to Ministerial meetings with external stakeholders
• Support the Head of Canada on the development and nurturing of a robust and active Welsh diaspora network in the region.

• Extensive years directly-related professional experience, including significant experience in Government, preferably in an international setting.
• A track record of working collaboratively with colleagues across different locations and with considerable autonomy.
• Experience dealing with companies and organizations at a senior level, with a proven record of fostering business relationships and a demonstrated ability to think strategically.
• A solid understanding of both the Canadian and UK business environments, in addition to public versus private sector operations.
• Excellent communication and networking skills.
• Candidate should hold the legal right to live and work in Canada.
• Bilingual in English and French