The British Embassy in Abu Dhabi has a vacancy for an Inward Investment Officer under the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), job grade Administrative Officer (AO) on a fixed-term contract for three (3) years.

The jobholder will promote, attract, retain, and increase investments into the UK. This position is an exciting opportunity for an outgoing, proactive and creative individual. Given the client-facing opportunities for this role, strong organisational and communication skills are key requirements.

The Inward Investment Officer is responsible for supporting the investment team to secure investment into the UK from Foreign Direct Investors (FDI) and supporting engagement with venture capital investors. This will include working with family offices, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), venture capital funds, free zones, accelerators and UAE companies looking to expand their business into the UK. The jobholder is also responsible for promoting the UK as a wider inward investment destination.

The successful candidate will be an integral member of a three-person investment team, reporting to the UAE Investment Advisor and supporting the day-to-day work of the Office for Investment Regional Director.

The jobholder will also work closely with investment team members across 11 countries in the Middle East and Pakistan (MEaP) region, though most closely with teams in the GCC, as well as a range of local partners and stakeholders. The jobholder will also form a strong network with DBT’s London-based Investment Services Team (IST), Venture Capital and Capital Investment Teams, and other key UK government departments, including the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO), as well as the economic development agencies from the Devolved Administrative regions (Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland).

To help land investment wins, the jobholder will be responsible for the account management of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) plus all related business development work. They will react to investor interests by proactively supporting FDI projects to land in the UK and by conducting market research by attending events, conferences and representing DBT at major exhibitions.

Whilst the job will be based in Abu Dhabi, the jobholder will be expected to travel between the two Embassies in Abu Dhabi and Dubai as work demands.

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 promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Support the regional investment director on the planning and delivery of the MEaP Investment Strategy and Regional Trade Plan, which comprises large and venture capital investment and FDI projects, with a core focus on market research and strategic delivery of FDI projects.
• Support the Investment Adviser in achieving the Embassy’s investment targets. This includes business development work with UAE investors on the FDI and venture capital sectors.
• Increase the profile and understanding of UK capital investment propositions sharing High Potential Opportunities (HPO) by sectors and specific sector highlights.
• Take responsibility for managing new and existing accounts and act as the first point of contact for all FDI and capital investment from those clients.
• Build-up knowledge and understanding of the UK’s FDI sectors, policy messages, the UK capability, and UK/ MEaP business environment, as well as the business models of MEaP target companies, investor profiles, MEaP’s growth sectors and government support.
• Record and report in a timely manner on Data Hub (the UK government’s database for all trade and investment work) and update the IST and growth capital teams of any new project leads. Update the central contact database and update the master FDI file.
• Open new venture capital investors and engage with UAE’s free zones to highlight funding opportunities for UK start-ups.
• Monitor daily news on major newspapers on UAE investors and share with relevant colleagues.
• Support delivering events and visits by delivering the logistics plans and contributing to briefing materials.
• Provide monthly reports on MEaP investment team performance, and report on outcomes of key events and marketing activities in the region on an ongoing basis.
• Take part in meetings and attend relevant trade missions, trade fairs, and events which will also require out-of-hours working (evenings/ weekends).
• Administrative support to regional and UAE investment lead.

The above list is not exhaustive, and the jobholder will be required to be flexible and take on other ad hoc tasks as required.

Key behaviours required:

• Delivering at Pace – Take responsibility for delivering timely and quality results with focus and drive.
• Managing a Quality Service – Deliver service objectives with professional excellence, expertise, and efficiency, taking account of diverse customer needs.
• Working Together – Form effective partnerships and relationships with people both internally and externally, from a range of diverse backgrounds, sharing information, resources, and support.
• Communicating and Influencing – Communicate purpose and direction with clarity, integrity, and enthusiasm. Respect the needs, responses, and opinions of others.

• Successful track record and experience in lead generation, business development, and sales (including market research, analysis, client relationship and account management, and delivery).
• Strong track record of teamwork and collaboration experience leading to commercial outcomes.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both verbal and spoken, and networking/ relationship building skills. Able to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely.
• Proven organisational, planning, and presentation experience.
• Ability to work at pace, prioritise tasks, and work independently to deliver high quality outcomes while meeting deadlines.
• Possess a proactive, agile and can-do approach.
• Strong IT skills with advanced MS Office skills, particularly in the use of Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams.