The British Embassy Riyadh has a vacancy for Trade Advisor for the Defence and Security Exports (DSE) sector under the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), job grade Administrative Officer (AO), on a fixed-term contract for one (1) year.

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is the British Government’s trade and investment development organisation. Its aim is to enhance the competitiveness of companies in the UK through overseas trade and investments and attract a continuing high-level of quality foreign direct investment into the UK. We work with UK based businesses to ensure their success in international markets and encourage overseas companies to bring their high-quality investment to the UK. DBT has a network of trade teams in Saudi Arabia (in Riyadh and Jeddah) that work closely together to deliver services to our customers.

The main purpose of the role is to support UK companies that are seeking to develop their business through trade with Saudi Arabia. The jobholder will be required to support the UKDSE First Secretary Defence and Security (FSDS) with the delivery of the UKDSE strategies for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. The jobholder will support the FSDS and work alongside the Senior Trade Advisors in delivering wider support to UKDSE in KSA. 

Duties and responsibilities:

• Support the FSDS as required for internal and external meetings. Lead delivery of programmes for inward visits from ministers, DSE officers, and trade missions. Maintain an up to date contact database and written briefing packs for defence and security companies in KSA as well as information days.
• Liaison in support of FSDS with Saudi businesses, Saudi Government/ Military, UK based companies, and UK Government/ Military.
• Assist the FSDS in the writing of market research, correspondence, and intelligence for companies interested in the Saudi market, identifying, where appropriate, opportunities to collaborate to form consortia to pursue High Value Opportunities (HVOs). Proactively encouraging UK companies and intermediaries to visit the market by working with DSE in the UK and attending trade exhibitions. Responding to enquiries from UK companies and briefing them on services offered by UKDSE.
• Support in the organisation of inward and outward trade missions.
• Providing diary, travel, and back office support to the FSDS and Senior Trade Advisors.

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:

• 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.
• 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.
• Communicating and Influencing – Communicate purpose and direction with clarity, integrity, and enthusiasm. Respect the needs, responses, and opinions of others.

Eligibility:

• The successful candidate must be able to secure a local residence and work permit in Saudi (iqama) OR already have the right to work and reside in Saudi.
• The British Embassy provides visa sponsorship. The successful candidate will be required to transfer their visa under the Embassy’s sponsorship.

• Ability to multi-task and have good organisational skills. Ability to prioritise own workload and meet deadlines, and respond quickly and flexibly to meet multiple and changing priorities
• Excellent interpersonal skills and able to influence and network confidently with industry leaders, government officials, and senior business people; and collaborate effectively across Embassy teams.
• Collaborative approach to colleague and stakeholder partnerships. Ability to develop and maintain a range of contacts to build effective working relationships.
• Resourcefulness in solving problems and demonstrates good judgement.
• Team player who is capable of working on their own initiative.
• Strong customer focus and ability to deliver quality service
• Excellent communication skills (both written and oral) in English and Arabic. Ability to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely.
• Strong IT computer skills and in using MS Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams).