Main purpose of job:

This is an exciting time to join the Department for Business and Trade’s (DBT) Africa network. DBT brings together sector, policy, promotion and financial expertise to break down barriers to trade and investment in markets across the world to help businesses succeed. We have over 3,000 staff across the globe in over 100 countries.

You will join DBT Africa, a dynamic workforce of around 120 staff in 18 countries, led by John Humphrey, HM Trade Commissioner, who is based in Johannesburg, South Africa. Africa is exciting and energising, with many of the fastest changing and growing markets on earth. The UK has a depth of historical relationships on the continent.

This is a high profile opportunity at the British Embassy Luanda in Angola. This role will lead the DBT team in Angola, overseeing work on UK trade and investment promotion, trade policy, market access and business environment issues and working alongside colleagues from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) to deliver His Majesty’s Government’s prosperity and wider bilateral objectives in Angola.

The British Embassy in Luanda is a dynamic and enjoyable place to work. You will be part of a supportive working environment, led by His Majesty’s Ambassador to Angola, and with access to coaching and development opportunities from the wider DBT Africa Network.

Roles and responsibilities:

You will be the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT) Country Director, reporting to the British Ambassador to Angola and São Tomé & Príncipe, while also working within the wider DBT Africa Network.  Leading the two-person DBT team within the British Embassy, you will steer our trade and investment relationship with Angola.

The primary objective of your role as Country Director is to encourage trade and investment between the UK and Angola, contributing towards the UK’s objectives in Africa and helping Angola to fulfil its economic potential.

You will act as a champion for UK exports and investment in Angola. Building upon the UK’s status as one of Angola’s biggest creditors and economic partners, you will promote opportunities across our priority sectors including mining, energy transition, and renewables.

Your tasks will include:

• Reporting into the British Ambassador in Luanda, you will be part of the senior leadership team within the British Embassy.  You will set strategic direction for DBT activity, in collaboration with colleagues across the Embassy and DBT Africa’s network.
• Leading the DBT team, you will identify and review priority sectors for trade, outward investment, trade policy and market access barriers.
• You will provide a quality service to UK exporters and investors in Angola, by setting clear objectives for your team, and providing expertise on market opportunities and networks.
• You will work to identify market access and other issues faced by existing UK businesses and investors in the Angolan market and work with the regional trade policy team to implement campaigns to solve them.
• You will build and maintain strong relationships with the business community and government institutions in Angola. You will also work closely with the UK-Angola Chamber of Commerce, while championing the Embassy’s objectives.
• You will lead on the organisation and delivery of official visits and trade missions. These may include visits from His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa, the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy, and by delegations of UK companies to Angola.

When required, you will be willing to travel domestically and internationally in order to attend events and to support UK commercial activities. The role will require close teamworking and flexibility, supporting the British Embassy’s wider strategies and undertaking tasks as part of our 1HMG ethos.  

Resources managed:

• 1 trade and investment EO officer
• Budget of approx. £15k

• Fully fluent in English and Portuguese with first class English drafting and presenting skills
• Degree in business, economics, management, finance or related field
• At least 5 years’ experience either in the private sector, ideally working for an international firm, and/or in government supporting private sector companies in doing business
• Knowledge and understanding of Angolan market
• Experience in Angolan trade and investment issues
• Strong international and leadership skills and management experience particularly delivering through others
• A positive, resilient, flexible attitude that can see a way through challenges