Introduction 

On behalf of UK Export Finance (UKEF), the British Consulate General in Istanbul is seeking a Country Head for Turkey, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, to be based in Istanbul. 

The UK Government is adding to its international network to continue deepening the UK’s commercial relationship with the Eastern Europe and Central Asia region in a mutually beneficial manner.  Finance is a critical part of promoting more trade between the UK and our overseas partners. This role provides an opportunity to help shape the long-term UK partnership for prosperity and stability with Turkey and the wider region building on strong foundations. 

Main purpose of job:

The jobholder will be responsible for promoting UKEF’s export finance capabilities and developing opportunities in Turkey, Eastern Europe and Central Asia, working closely with the UKEF network.  The jobholder will be UKEF’s most senior representative in Eastern Europe and Central Asia based at the British Diplomatic Post in Istanbul, supported by a Deputy Head in Istanbul and Tashkent, Uzbekistan. The role has a regional remit with the purpose to promote export growth through finance by building relationships and partnerships with government, business and other stakeholders. You will work closely with a wider team across British Government Departments including local DBT and FCDO leads, and have significant access to Ambassadors and Trade Commissioners.

You will also work closely with UKEF representatives across regions, including on third country collaboration opportunities with Turkish contractors, and report into UKEF London HQ.

Main tasks and responsibilities 

The jobholder will support His Majesty’s Ambassadors and Trade officials in the region to deliver HMG’s trade and investment objectives by delivering the UKEF offer. They will work with the DBT, FCDO and UKEF management teams to do so. The jobholder will help build UKEF’s business pipeline of bankable projects by focussing on five (5) areas of activity: 

 1) Create and deliver strategic plans to build, expand and progress new business opportunities for UKEF 

• Develop regional strategies for promotion of UKEF products in Eastern Europe and Central Asia each year, working closely with the London team. Conduct regular reviews and tailor objectives as market conditions change.
• Support wider trade strategic planning aligned to UKEF organisational objectives, supporting export campaigns where ‘leading with finance’ could be an important driver.
• Build and manage a diversified pipeline of deal opportunities for UKEF across Turkey and Central Asia    

2) Progress business development opportunities 

• Lead the local coordination of UKEF campaign activities.
• Lead UKEF collaboration with the local trade team to develop innovative export solutions for UK companies.
• Coordinate and support visits from UKEF management.
• Demonstrate a strong command of the UK supply chain in key areas such as energy and infrastructure.
• Engage in early-stage structuring and bankability assessments of new transactions, working in close coordination with UKEF’s London team to enhance the prospects of UKEF involvement in overseas projects.

3) Build awareness of UKEF capabilities, especially across Central Asia 

• Raise the profile of UKEF regionally through engagement with the local business community, government bodies, and other stakeholder organisations.
• Represent UKEF on panels and through interviews in local and international media, ensuring that messages are appropriate to the audience.
• Develop and implement promotion activities that educate the local/ regional business community on UKEF products.
• Build UKEF knowledge base within the DBT network.
• Maintain UKEF’s reputation in Turkey by being a credible, visible leader.
• Coordinate and support visits from UKEF management as well as those from senior officials and ministers, as required           

4) Build and share market knowledge 

• Develop knowledge and insight of public and private sector organisations, including their strategic business planning and development objectives. Implement findings into UKEF strategic plans.
• Understand and interpret host government development plans, priority sectors, and projects.
• Act as the lead source of UKEF advice to local DBT and FCDO teams, including integration of UKEF objectives in priority campaigns (including inter alia Clean Energy, Infrastructure, Defence and Healthcare).
• Regularly share insight with London/HQ teams to inform product and policy development
• Feed into briefings for senior officials and ministers

5) Establish and maintain stakeholder relationships 

• Use existing knowledge and experience to build business networks and enhance the profile of UKEF, leverage UKEF’s existing relationship base and identifying potential new customers
• Maintain and develop regular contacts with local senior sponsors, banks, public sector organisations, government bodies, and UK businesses to identify export opportunities that could benefit from UKEF support.
• Engage with UKEF’s global network to identify opportunities of mutual interest in third markets with international sponsors and contractors
• Build and maintain relationships with other countries’ export finance bodies to learn lessons.
• Take a client coverage approach to relationship management, putting the customer first in engagements and leveraging senior support from London/HQ and the wider British mission.

• Fluent communication skills in English (both spoken and written, C1 advanced level). 
• Degree and/or equivalent professional financial or accounting experience.
• At least eight  years professional experience.
• Banking and financial sector career experience.
• Commercial skills, well versed in how companies contract and structure projects.
• Prior experience of business origination/ business development.
• Proven experience of structured finance / trade finance.
• Network of contacts in business and financial world in country.
• Proven ability to take the initiative pursuing the objectives in the job description.
• Proven competence in leading strategy development and business planning.
• Proven advisory and negotiation skills at senior levels –able to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely, both orally and in written communication.
• Ability to translate technical issues for generalist audiences.
• Experience working with exporters and project developers.
• Competent in Microsoft Office applications.
• Confident public speaking and networking skills.
• Recognition of the importance of developing a  strong business network.
• Able to fulfil the travel requirements of the role and work outside normal office hours as required.