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, Transport, Logistics and Infrastructure, 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 lead on the key transport, logistics and infrastructure sectors in support of UK export activity. You will be part of a motivated and close-knit team which delivers key commercial policy objectives on behalf of the UK in a high-profile setting. The position can be busy and so the ability to deliver under pressure, flex, and adapt to changing demands is essential.

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:

• Develop an in-depth understanding of both UK and Qatari transport, logistics and infrastructure sectors, lead on engagement with key companies and individuals in those sectors and build a strong network of contacts in order to identify market opportunities and relevant market access issues.
• Engage businesses and other stakeholders, while collaborating closely with colleagues across the DBT network (such as analytical and policy colleagues in London) to identify and prioritise opportunities of significant value or strategic importance to the UK.
• Produce succinct reports and briefing, including for senior staff at the Embassy, visiting ministers and officials and UK government departments relating to these issues.
• Lead on relevant visits, including logistic arrangements for UK-Qatar visits in both directions in support of the above activities; Maintain oversight of the Embassy’s project and programme expenditure in support of these activities, including acting as project manager as required for specific projects.
• Work with colleagues in other UK Diplomatic Posts in the GCC and with teams in DBT’s UK headquarters to progress the UK’s trade policy agenda in the sectors of interest in the region, sharing knowledge and best practice, and cooperating where required on specific projects.
• Contribute to corporate activity across the Embassy, including undertaking training for an assigned crisis response role and contributing with all other members of staff to making the Embassy a great place to work.
• Organise key events and activities that support British trade work in Qatar, including webinars, roadshows, trade missions and Ministerial visits. Build upon relationships with key stakeholders whilst proactively seeking out new clients and opportunities to build the sector pipeline(s)
• Deliver against agreed targets, including export wins, OMIS (Overseas Market Introduction Service) revenue generation, export opportunities, and development of case studies/ success stories.
• Promote, where relevant, the financing products offered by UK Export Finance (UKEF), the British government’s Export Credit Agency, to support companies to win contracts.

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

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

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.