About the Embassy

The British Embassy, Berne is part of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s world-wide diplomatic network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas.

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) at the British Embassy in Berne is looking to hire a Senior Trade Officer to lead on promoting British exports to Switzerland & Liechtenstein in the advanced technology and defence sector.

The jobholder will lead business development into the Swiss & Liechtenstein market as well as identify market access barriers. Proven technical know-how and commercial delivery skills are required. Confident and competent interaction with senior decision makers in companies will be essential, along with the ability to achieve impact at public events and deliver effective promotional messages on UK strengths.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Provide competent support and advice to British companies wishing to enter the Swiss market with advanced tech and defence-related products and services;
• Deliver against Department for Business and Trade’s delivery objectives;
• Build strategic relationships with organisations (private and public), that increase British trade by identifying export opportunities and future economic partnerships;
• Lead on the development of effective partnerships and networks with Swiss & Liechtenstein stakeholders such as industry, investors, academia and organisational bodies;
• Collaborate with colleagues from across the UK Government, in particular the Department for Business and Trade, as well as national and regional Swiss and Liechtenstein entities;
• Organise key events and activities which support British trade work in Switzerland & Liechtenstein including webinars, roadshows, trade missions and Ministerial visits;
• Analyse and report sector related as well as economic developments in Switzerland & Liechtenstein.

• Fluent written and spoken English as well as German (minimum level required C1 under the CEFRL* or equivalent);
• Knowledge and understanding of Swiss business (particularly in defence, security or tech sectors);
• Experienced networker with the ability to establish relationships in Switzerland & Liechtenstein;
• Fast learning, self-starter who can demonstrate initiative, resilience, and project management skills;
• Good communicator, written and verbal;
• A team player with a collaborative approach who can work successfully within a geography and ‘virtual team’ to achieve common objectives.