The British Embassy Riyadh has a vacancy for an International Markets Advisor, job grade Executive Officer (EO) under the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), Export Support Service (ESS) on a fixed term contract of one (1) year, with a possibility of renewal.

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.

IM ESS MEaP is the region’s universal entry point for UK business. In this International Markets Advisor role, you will be based in Saudi Arabia but operate under a regional remit, closely collaborating with DBT MEaP colleagues, and interlinking with the global ESS Ecosystem.

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.

This role is based in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

The setting:

• Food & Drink, Healthcare & Life Sciences, Professional & Financial Services, 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.
• As an International Markets Advisor in MEaP you have a regional remit and will support high potential British exporters access opportunities and help them win business in the region. 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 potential buyers and distributors.
• You will respond to enquiries from UK exporters on market potential, market representation and challenges companies may face in accessing MEaP. The job holder will communicate 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 KSA and DBT MEaP, including campaign and sector leads, as well as wider Embassy colleagues specialising in key areas of interest, and International Trade Advisors in the UK regions.
• In this role, you will be supporting UK companies in markets across the MEaP region.

Roles 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 business.
• 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 business and internal DBT MEaP reporting.
• 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 sectors, and may include attending either virtual or face-to-face briefings, trade missions and / or exhibitions.
• Engage with our network of private sector partners on the Export Support Directory 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 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.

Key behaviours required:

• 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.
• 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.

• Relevant professional or hands-on trade related experience in the MEaP region.
• Experience of market / business data analysis and interpretation.
• At least 2 years’ experience working in a trade-related and investment field or a relevant customer facing role.
• 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 stakeholders.
• Resilient and decisive with a can-do attitude. 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, and Teams).