Senior Trade Officer

Position description

The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service of Global Affairs Canada is a worldwide network of professionals in international business development, with preferred access to business knowledge and contacts who are committed to advancing Canadian interests abroad. In Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands, these efforts are led by the Consulate General of Canada in Miami.

WHO YOU ARE

We are looking for someone exceptionally creative and ambitious, with strong problem-solving, critical thinking and networking skills, and above all committed to success and prosperity of client companies in their sectors. For this role, the ideal candidate will have a broad knowledge and strong local networks in the Clean Technology, Infrastructure and Energy communities, with a solid grasp of the issues and opportunities in these and/or related sectors.

WHAT WILL YOU DO?

Reporting to the Consul and Senior Trade Commissioner, the Senior Trade Officer supports clients – Canadian companies that are seeking to grow their business in the Clean Tech, Infrastructure and Energy sectors in Florida, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands – while working with a deep local network of potential customers, investors and partners. The Senior Trade Officer will lead a set of initiatives in the above sectors geared at supporting Canadian exporters and identifying potential local partners and investors.

HOW WILL YOU DO IT?

• Develop, plan and implement business development program objectives, including securing and managing budgets, tracking and reporting of results, planning and delivering events, supporting official visits, and identifying and implementing opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Conduct outcalls to local contacts, clients and decision-makers with a view to identifying business leads for Canadian clients.
• Strengthen and establish relationships with Canadian stakeholders and partners to support program recruitment.
• Build and maintain a strong network of diverse local contacts to support program objectives; including identifying subject matter experts, partners and potential clients.
• Work in close relationship with Consulate colleagues, headquarters, and other Canadian missions in the United States and around the world.
• Monitor, analyze and report on local economic issues that have an effect on Canada-United States relations.
• Engage stakeholders in order to advance advocacy and outreach opportunities.
   

Area of Selection:

Open to all interested candidates who are legally authorized to work and reside in the United States, having independent work authorization and status in accordance with U.S. protocol directives for employment in a foreign mission, who will be residing in country at the time of appointment, who meet all of the essential requirements stated below and whose applications are received by the closing date. 

Please note that the Consulate General of Canada in Miami does not sponsor work authorizations directly or indirectly.

The Government of Canada is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from diverse sections of the community. Candidates will be considered based on merit. 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.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates will initially be screened against the Essential Qualifications relating to education, language* and experience.

Candidates must clearly demonstrate when applying to the position how they meet each of these essential qualifications.

*Language will be assessed further during the process. 

Education:

Candidates will be required to provide proof of the completion of their education.

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in a related field, including but not limited to business, economics, engineering, law, and/or international relations; 
  OR
• An acceptable combination of education, training, and work experience in a related field, including but not limited to business/marketing, economics, engineering, law, and/or international relations.
   

Language:

• An advanced proficiency level in English (written and oral)

Experience:

• A minimum of three (3) years of direct recent* experience in an advisory role (e.g. business development, marketing, event planning, operations, etc.) with external clients, preferably in the Clean Technology and Sustainability and/or Energy and/or Infrastructure (or related fields).
• Recent experience* in developing relationships with clients and stakeholders, and in conducting meetings with private sector clients (e.g., business-to-business meetings, sales meetings, cold calls, etc.) and government.
• Recent experience* with serving clients and meeting performance indicators (for example client satisfaction or business facilitated).
• Recent experience* in project management (including strategic planning, reporting results and budget management).

*Recent experience is defined as within the last seven (7) years.

RATED REQUIREMENTS

The Rated Requirements are part of the essential qualifications and are relating to knowledge, abilities and competencies. Methods of assessment for rated requirements may include, but are not limited to, a written examination, an oral interview (online pre-recorded/live or in-person), role-play, practical tests, presentations and/or psychometric assessment.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of business practices in the U.S., including regulations (cross-border issues, imports and distribution regulations etc.) related to foreign firms considering expanding into the U.S. market
• General knowledge of marketing concepts and/or investment attraction
• Knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite
   

Competencies:

• Adaptability and Flexibility
• Initiative and Action Orientation
• Team Cooperation/Horizontal Leadership
• Judgement
• Integrity
• Client focus
   

Abilities: 

• Ability to communicate effectively in English, both orally and in writing
• Ability to manage budgets and contracts; demonstrating good planning skills
• Ability to build and sustain a network of diverse contacts
• Ability to analyze information and provide strategic advice
• Ability to manage multiple priorities with tight deadlines
   

Asset Qualifications:

Preference may be given to candidates who meet the Asset Qualifications. Where applicable, candidates must clearly demonstrate how they meet any asset qualifications.

• Knowledge of trends and recent developments in the Canadian and the United States trade/economic relationship (in particular in the Southeast, Florida and Puerto Rico) preferably for sectors mentioned above
• Fluency in French and/or Spanish (oral and written).
   

Operational Requirements:

• Normal hours of work for this position are in accordance with Locally-Engaged Staff regulations of 37.5 hours per week.
• Overtime, including evenings and weekends, may be required with advance notice.
• Our current hybrid work model (subject to change or modification) requires employees to work a minimum of 4 days per week in the office (in Miami).
• The position will require some business travel within the United States as well as possible trips to Canada.
   

Conditions of Employment:

Conditions of employment must be met or complied with before being appointed to a particular position, and are to be maintained throughout the employment while being the incumbent of this position.

• Valid work authorization: Ability to obtain and hold a valid work authorization covering the entire employment period.
• Security screening: Obtain and maintain a Reliability Status (security level) which includes a criminal and credit background check from the Government of Canada covering the entire employment period.

Application instructions

Please be sure to indicate you saw this position on tendersglobal.net