The British Embassy in Doha is part of a worldwide network that represents political, economic, security and consular interests overseas. We are looking for a Senior Commercial Attaché, Investment and Financial Services, job grade Higher Executive Officer (HEO) under the Department for Business and Trade (DBT).

This is an excellent opportunity for a dynamic, energetic and highly motivated individual to play a key and impactful role in the Embassy’s Business & Trade team.

The jobholder will work to the (Deputy) Director and will manage the UK’s investment relationships in Qatar with a view to facilitating greater investment from Qatar’s Sovereign Wealth Fund (SWF) and other private and corporate investors into UK projects and investment opportunities. They will also be responsible for leading work in the Financial and Professional Services Sector.

Duties and responsibilities:

The successful applicant will work within the Embassy’s Business and Trade Team, a part of the UK Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and will be responsible for the following areas:

• Relationship Management of external stakeholders, specifically SWF and associated subsidiaries and entities.
• Delivery of inward investment by key sovereign institutions. Working at Post and with regional and UK colleagues to deliver under the Strategic Investment Partnership. Attracting investment into key projects and opportunities.
• Delivery of inward investment by private and corporate investors. Understanding investment ambition of key investors and matching that with growth capital opportunities in the UK
• Supporting the Ambassador as the primary senior interface with the CEO of the Sovereign Wealth Fund. Ensuring Ambassador is engaging regularly with key funds to develop trusted relationships.
• Develop knowledge of UK investment landscape, especially in the sectors aligned to Qatar’s 2030 National Vision and the UK’s plan for growth and prosperity.
• Deliver for clients, including by supporting the development of UK propositions for the Qatar market.
• Develop knowledge of the Financial & Professional Services sectors in both Qatar and the UK to maximise trade and export opportunities, and to capture any barriers to trade.
• Generate new leads by proactively identifying companies/institutions within the Financial & Professional Services sectors that would be interested in setting up or expanding their operations into the UK. Organise bilateral engagement such as visit programmes and company meetings. Attend meetings where appropriate and lead in the management of client relationships within the sector, to achieve export targets.
• Lead and assist with initiatives such as inward missions to the UK, seminars, receptions, and other events to promote the UK’s value proposition in investment and financial services.
• Attend industry seminars and conferences to build relationships.
• Support Ministerial and VIP visits by organising visit programmes and providing high-quality briefings.
• Maintain records of our contact with customers on our global Customer Relationship Management system.
• Any other duties as required by the Deputy & Country Director for Business and Trade.
• Provide operational support to the wider DIT team and the Embassy as and when required.
• Line Manage one (1) grade AO colleague.

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 or head of section. 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.

Candidates will need to demonstrate the following Key Behaviours and Diversity & Inclusion during the interview:

Key Behaviours

• Seeing the Big 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.
• Delivering at Pace – Take responsibility for delivering timely and quality results with focus and drive.
• Making Effective Decisions – Use evidence and knowledge to support accurate, expert decisions and advice. Carefully consider alternative options, implications and risks of decisions.
• Managing a Quality Service – Deliver service objectives with professional excellence, expertise and efficiency, taking account of diverse customer needs.

Diversity and Inclusion:

The British Embassy Doha has a zero-tolerance approach to any form of bullying, harassment or discrimination and is fully committed to ensuring a safe and inclusive work environment for all.

We are committed to valuing diversity and to equality of opportunity. Our aim is to create and promote an environment in which all staff are treated fairly and with respect and feel able to contribute to the best of their abilities.

• Excellent communication skills in English both verbal and written. Able to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely and ability to write to a high standard for a wide range of audiences.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with confidence to work on own initiative and a proven ability to engage and influence at a senior level internally and with external contacts and collaborate effectively across Embassy teams.
• Excellent organisational skills to respond effectively to tight – and changing – deadlines and priorities. Exceptional analysis skills, able to bring together complex pieces of information and present in a simple format. Strong IT computer skills using Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams) and internet/ web applications.