The British Embassy Amman has a vacancy for International Markets Advisor, job grade Executive Officer (EO), under the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). This is for a fixed term contract for two (2) years.

About DBT

The UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is responsible for designing and implementing our future trading arrangements with other countries and fostering growth among UK businesses. We secure UK and global prosperity by promoting and financing international trade and investment and championing free trade.

DBT divides the world into nine (9) regions, each led by His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC). The Middle East and Pakistan (MEaP) region is led from Dubai and represents 11 markets with a team of some 120 staff.

The role of International Markets Advisor is part of DBT’s International Markets (IM), which in turn is part of our Export Support Service (ESS).

About the role

Consumer goods, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Food & Drink, you name it: UK companies and products are highly regarded and sought after across MEaP for their quality and innovation. With the support of DBT, thousands of UK companies discover new markets and opportunities every year. We are looking for a motivated team member to support these companies across MEaP.

IM ESS MEaP is the region’s universal entry point for UK business. In this International Markets Advisor role, you will be based in Jordan but will operate with a regional remit, providing support to colleagues in DBT in Jordan, the MEaP International Markets Hub in the UAE, and colleagues in the wider MEaP region, whilst working with International Trade Advisors in the UK. Most importantly, you will support our clients: Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) looking to export and do business overseas. The main purpose of the role is to help these SMEs access and enter MEaP markets and win business.

A core element of the role will be to deliver comprehensive practical support to UK companies. This will include researching market and sector information, identifying partners who can provide in-market representation, and identifying clients. As an International Markets Advisor, you will respond to enquiries from UK exporters on market potential, market representation, and challenges companies may face in accessing MEaP. You will high value opportunities to UK exporters and will be expected to provide administrative support to the MEaP Enquiry Hub.

You will also seek to expand networks of commercial partners (e.g., agents, distributors, and clients) in MEaP as well as private sector providers of commercial services. As with all DBT positions, there will be a focus on working collaboratively with colleagues across DBT Jordan and DBT MEaP, including sector leads, as well as wider Embassy colleagues specialising in key areas of interest and International Trade Advisors in the UK regions.

This role is part of a wider that that supports UK companies in 11 markets across the MEaP region. Your geographic location offers an opportunity to develop knowledge and conduct specific research in function of the facilitation of market-entry for SMEs in the markets of Jordan, Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, and Pakistan, and you will be expected to share knowledge with the wider IM ESS MEaP team. 

Duties and responsibilities:

• Working with the Regional Head of ESS in MEaP and the wider MEaP International Markets Team, support the day-to-day running of the IM ESS MEaP Regional Enquiry Hub.
• Review and respond to regional enquiries from UK businesses sent to the MEaP Hub, adopting an effective, consultative relationship management approach for UK SMEs.
• Record, allocate, track and report SME support; facilitate consultative client discussions engaging with DBT MEaP colleagues and other key stakeholders where required, and manage follow-up actions.
• Conduct market research by sector, country, or region and prepare documentation and data to support SME business and internal DBT MEaP reporting, including devising metrics and compiling reports.
• Working with colleagues at Post and across the region, lead on various defined tasks in support of UK companies currently in-market or looking to enter the market, helping them to spot opportunities as well as navigate challenges. This may include local stakeholder engagement in key SME sectors, and may include attending either virtual or face-to-face briefings, trade missions and/ or exhibitions in Jordan.
• Engage with our Jordan based network of private sector partners and identify opportunities to optimise and expand the network.
• Work with the DBT MEaP Marketing and Communications Team to develop materials to inform business on market entry and to promote MEaP International Markets and the Export Support Service.
• Act as an advocate for the MEaP International Markets Team externally and internally, and support embedding the Hub into the wider MEaP way of working.
• Provide ad hoc administrative support to the Head of IM ESS MEaP as required.

The above list is not exhaustive, and the jobholder will be required to be flexible as specific responsibilities could change in the future and this would be at the discretion of the line manager/ senior management and agreed with the jobholder. The job description may be reviewed to meet changes in business needs. The jobholder may also take on other ad hoc tasks as required, including participating in the Embassy’s emergency planning and any other response to a crisis.

Key behaviours required:

• Managing a Quality Service – Deliver service objectives with professional excellence, expertise, and efficiency, taking account of diverse customer needs.
• Delivering at Pace – Take responsibility for delivering timely and quality results with focus and drive.
• Working Together – Form effective partnerships and relationships with people both internally and externally, from a range of diverse backgrounds, sharing information, resources, and support.
• Making Effective Decisions – Use evidence and knowledge to support accurate, expert decisions and advice. Carefully consider alternative options, implications, and risks of decisions.

In addition, we are looking for someone who can demonstrate the Civil Service values of:

• Integrity
• Honesty
• Objectivity
• Impartiality

Eligibility:

If you are selected for this position, we will be able to employ you as long as:

• You have the right to live and work in Jordan; and
• You receive the appropriate level of security clearance.

• Experience working in a trade-related and investment field or a relevant customer facing role, ideally for at least two (2) years.
• Relevant professional or hands-on trade related experience in the MEaP region.
• Experience of market/ business data analysis and interpretation.
• Track record of delivery through collaboration and partnering in complex environments.
• Ability to prioritise own workload and meet deadlines without compromising the quality of the work.
• Ability to multi-task and respond quickly and flexibly to meet multiple and changing priorities.
• Strong interpersonal skills. Confident and comfortable dealing with senior officials and businesspeople.
• Resilient, decisive with a can-do attitude, and calm under pressure and with a proactive approach to problem solving.
• Team player who can work on their own initiative as well as with others, including in a fast-paced and changing environment.
• Excellent communication skills in English. Able to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely, both orally and in written communication.
• Strong IT skills and well-versed in the use of Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).