The British Embassy Dubai has a vacancy for a Senior Trade Specialist – Applied Technologies and Data with Scottish Development International (SDI), job grade HEO on a fixed-term contract for three (3) years.

Scotland is shaping the future of space and data and we are looking for a new colleague to help us to develop further our space economy and related technologies.  If you enjoy aligning technology with economic opportunity, then this maybe is the right opening for you.

Scotland is Europe’s leading manufacturer of small satellites; its spaceports will be major launch hubs for Europe and its data infrastructure means Scotland is fast becoming Europe’s data-driven capital especially regarding earth observation capabilities. However, space is just one part of the applied technologies portfolio, you will also work with many companies in other key areas such as climate technologies and photonics.

Based at the British Embassy Dubai the successful candidate will also be responsible for strengthening innovation partnerships with UAE stakeholders that help Scottish companies internationalise – an ability to build collaborative ecosystems is a key part of the role.

The British Embassy Dubai is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. SDI works in collaboration with the UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) as well as leading on the Scottish Government’s international trade strategies. 

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:

• To provide expert support and advice to Scottish companies wishing to enter the UAE markets within applied technologies (space, climate, photonics, data).
• To build strategic relationships with UAE organisations, private / public, that increase Scottish trade by identifying export opportunities.
• To deliver against Scottish Government trade strategies, export targets and advance Scotland as a centre for technology innovation.
• To lead on the development of innovation partnerships and networks with UAE stakeholders such as incubators, clusters, academia and industry bodies.
• To collaborate with colleagues from across the UK Government as well as UAE governmental departments and agencies.
• To facilitate key events and activities which support Scottish trade work in the UAE including webinars, conferences, roadshows, trade missions, Ministerial visits, virtual or otherwise.
• To leverage the relationships / networks built during COP28 and build new relationships with UAE organisations that increase Scottish trade by identifying export opportunities and economic partnership.
• To support Scottish Government activity in the region as well as Scottish Ministerial visits.

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:
• Managing a Quality Service – Deliver service objectives with professional excellence, expertise, and efficiency, taking account of diverse customer needs.
• Seeing the bigger picture – Understand how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives. Recognise the wider Civil Service priorities and ensure work is in the national interest.
• 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.

• Knowledge of Scottish and UAE science and technology ecosystems.
• An understanding of the work and approach of Scottish Enterprise and SDI
• An experienced networker with an understanding of how to do business in UAE.
• A fast learner who can demonstrate initiative and adaptability.
• A team player who can collaborate within a geography and ‘virtual team’ to achieve objectives.
• Excellent communication skills in English, both written and verbal.
• Strong IT skills and literacy in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams).