The British Embassy Tunis invites applications for the position of Trade Advisor, job grade Executive Officer (EO), under the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) on a fixed term contract for one (1) year, with a possibility of renewal depending on performance and operational requirements.

About the Department for Business and Trade (DBT)

Our aim is to promote British trade and investment across the world, which is vital for the prosperity of the UK. DBT brings together policy, promotion, and financial expertise to break down barriers to trade and investment in markets across the world to help businesses succeed.

DBT splits the world into nine (9) regions, each led by His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC). The Africa region is led from Johannesburg by John Humphrey. The Africa Network has more than 100 staff located across 19 of Africa’s 54 countries.

About the role

This is an exciting time to join DBT, and this is a great opportunity to be part of an international team that contributes to the success of the UK’s trade goals.

As Trade Advisor, you will help build interest, offer advice, and give support to British businesses seeking to trade and invest in Tunisia. You will develop and manage a database of specialised sector knowledge, maintain relations with relevant public and private stakeholders, and maintain channels to facilitate UK-Tunisia trade and investment. You will implement and deliver the country business plan, record transactions, report activities, and communicate within the wider DBT Africa network. You will also represent the British Embassy Tunisia with a range of Tunisian and international partners in the trade and investment field. 

Duties and responsibilities:

Reporting to the Country Director in Tunisia, the Trade Advisor will help identify and deliver on opportunities for both new and existing UK business. Your routine will entail maintaining a network of operational level contacts across government and private sector, identifying trade and investments opportunities, raising market access barriers, delivering events, and proactively contacting British businesses, ensuring a good quality service is provided to them. You will need to quickly develop your relationships with the teams in Post as well as DBT Africa, DBT HQ, and the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

The responsibilities of the role will include the following but not limited to:

• Deliver front line business facing work, growing UK exports to (and investment in) Tunisia.
• Identify and generate commercial opportunities, providing professional advice and high-quality market analysis to UK companies while facilitating introductions and support for companies to win contracts.
• Assist British companies entering the market and generate deals in identified sectors.
• Organise trade missions and events in both Tunisia and the UK to introduce British companies to opportunities in Tunisia.
• Develop a strong network of contacts in the public and private sector and use this network to further UK business interests.
• Ensure all export opportunities in sectors you are responsible for are captured and are promoted to UK businesses.
• Support the work of the DBT team in the mission by developing the pipeline of opportunities for annual business planning, maintaining trade statistics, business planning, etc.
• Collaborate with colleagues across the DBT Africa network, DBT HQ, and FCDO to maximise opportunities and increase the impact of inward missions from the UK.
• Assist with VIP, Ministerial, and Senior officials’ visits, including leading the programme and logistics. As such, there may be a requirement to travel across the region and to the UK.
• Raise market access barriers faced by British investors active in Tunisia and liaise with the Trade Policy lead.
• Contribute to the corporate life of the Embassy, including securing sponsorship for large-scale events.

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:

• 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.
• 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.

Eligibility:

Applicants must already have the right to work and reside in Tunisia.

• Understanding of the drivers and challenges of the local commercial market and sectors in Tunisia (including major opportunities and trends), and ideally with an established network in covering business, trade associations, government, and other key stakeholders.
• Excellent interpersonal and networking skills, comfortable dealing with high-level officials and contacts.
• Collaborative approach to colleague and stakeholder partnerships. Ability to drive delivery of outcomes and overcome obstacles, especially when working with and through others.
• Excellent English language skills and excellent/ highly proficient Arabic and French language skills. Able to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely, both orally and in written communication. Able to simplify complexities and adapt communication so others can understand.
• Ability to plan strategically, assimilate information from a range of sources, and to see the bigger picture to spot opportunities.
• Proven experience of working pro-actively, independently and towards performance targets within a team setting, contributing to the overall goals of the section.
• Team player who is capable of working on their own initiative as well as with others, including in a fast-paced and changing environment.
• Demonstrate strong work ethic. Excellent organisational skills with ability to manage, plan, and prioritise tasks and workload, and a proactive approach to problem solving.
• Flexible, resilient, decisive, and calm under pressure. Proven track record of delivering results to a high standard to tight deadlines.
• Holds at least a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject (e.g., business, economics)
• Strong IT skills and literacy in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).