Job Description
Trade and Investment Associate (TIA- Management & Energy)
Foreign & Commonwealth Office
Houston, TX
Temporarily remote
Job details
Salary
$24.01 an hour
The Department for International Trade (DIT) is the UK Government’s international business development agency. DIT USA, working closely with DIT and other agencies in the United Kingdom, is charged with transatlantic trade development between the UK and the US; and with assisting US companies looking to invest in the UK. See www.gov.uk/DIT for further information.
Reporting to the Regional Director, South Central US based in Houston, the position presents a unique opportunity to join a dynamic team comprised of 10 trade and investment professionals focused on knowledge-based sectors including: energy, infrastructure, life sciences, capital investment, creative & digital media and technology.
This position is unique in that it supports the Regional Director to deliver the key objectives within the South Central region and the Trade and Investment Officer (TIO) for Energy, working as part of the larger Energy, Environment, and Infrastructure team.
Roles and responsibilities:
Research delegated sectors aligned with the UK’s four grand challenges (Artificial Intelligence data, Ageing society, Clean growth, Future of mobility).
Compile reports on key industry developments, based on assigned sectors.
Assist the Energy TIO to forge strong relationships with business leaders, trade associations, and multipliers in both the UK and the US (within AR, OK,NM, TX and LA).
Proactively identify Energy companies that would be interested in setting up or expanding their operations in the UK; make initial contact, organise visit programmes and schedule company meetings for the TIO. Attend meetings where appropriate and assist in the management of client relationships.
Develop a working knowledge of the Energy market in the South Central US.
Facilitate trade clients exporting from the UK to the US.
Build and maintain accurate client relationship management system and lists of key industry contacts.
Provide operational and administrational support to the RD and Energy TIO to deliver operational excellence.
Successful in the use of a variety of online and social media tools (e.g. LinkedIn, Twitter).
Liaise with internal teams, C-suite external contacts and stakeholders.
Engage and influence stakeholders by utilising multiple methods: cold calls, emails, networking at events and online, social media etc.
Participate in the reconciliation of the post budget.
Provide support for incoming trade missions, networking receptions, and visit programs.
Set company meetings introductions. Provide meeting briefing and meeting notes.
Provide support to British Nationals when the Consulate is in crisis mode in circumstances such as, but not limited to hurricanes, floods, pandemics and other unexpected events.
Essential qualifications, skills and experience
Bachelor’s degree or experience in a relevant field.
Proactive approach to work with the ability to deliver effectively under limited day-to-day supervision in an at times, deadline-sensitive, fast-paced environment. Talent to assess a problem, identify solutions and execute.
Ability to to organize and prioritize tasks.
Enjoys researching and concisely summarizing findings.
Personable with diplomatic and clear communication skills.as part of a wider team with shared goals and wide-ranging objectives.
Natural networking skills, and the ability to attend early morning and evening events.
Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams) is essential.
Some familiarity with CRM, data management systems and team working is also desirable.
Possess a valid driving license.
Willingness to undertake occasional travel which may include overnight stays.
Required competencies
Seeing the Big Picture, Collaborating and Partnering, Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace
Application deadline Application deadline - day Application deadline - month Application deadline - year
15 February 2021
Grade
B3 (L)
Type of Position
Full-time, Permanent
Working hours per week
40 (with some evening networking, as required)
Region
North America, Caribbean and British Overseas Territories
Country/Territory
United States
Location (City)
Houston
Type of Post
British Consulate General
Number of vacancies
1
Starting hourly salary (USD)
$24.01
Start Date Start Date - day Start Date - month Start Date - year
5 April 2021
Other benefits and conditions of employment
Under US State Department requirements, the UK Government in the US may only employ, as non-diplomatic staff, persons who are US citizens, US Permanent Residents or A visa holders with EAD cards*. If you hold a visa other than an A visa you are not currently eligible to work at our office. Please refer to our website for information on exceptions to this policy at www.gov.uk/government/world/usa. All selected candidates are subject to background checks and will require a security clearance prior to starting work.
A visas are acceptable at the Embassy and Consulates. The UK Mission to the UN (UKMIS) accepts G visas, and British Defense Staff (BDS) outposts accept A or NATO visas.
Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary, eg some non-local national staff and some spouses or partners of UK diplomatic staff, will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.
Learning and development opportunities
The candidate will have the ability to avail of internal and external training facilitated and paid for by DIT budget – including a familiarisation trip back to the UK (if required).
Working patterns:
Flexible working is possible within DIT Houston. Possibilities include earlier or later start times in the morning – followed by leaving earlier or later in the evening. DIT Houston allows employees to work remotely, one-to-two days a week, depending on schedule. (Note: this is not always possible during busy periods, or when there are mandatory staff meetings. Each week is taken on a case-by-case basis, with clear communication around what’s required to be in the office for, vs. the authorisation to work remotely). During COVID-19 all employees are working remotely until further notice.
Additional information
Due to COVID-19 we are unable to confirm any start date of employment but will continue to monitor progress and developments, and will advise applicants of any significant changes throughout the recruitment campaign.
The UK Government operating in the US offers a substantial benefits package including generous leave, a choice of medical insurance, 401(k) matching up to 7%, extensive learning opportunities and a great work/life balance.
Staff recruited locally are subject to terms and conditions of service in accordance with US, state, and/or local employment law.
Individuals who are not a US taxpaying citizen will be paid a net salary based on a simulated US tax status.
Internal candidates must inform their supervisor before they apply to a different position.
Only successful candidates will be contacted. Please no phone calls. Due to the high volume of resumes we receive, we cannot guarantee consideration of your application if the submission instructions are not properly followed.
The British Embassy is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and to creating a diverse working environment, free from discrimination, where everyone is included and treated fairly, based on merit alone. We are an equal opportunity employer, making all employment decisions without regard to race, gender, religion, national origin, citizenship, disability, age, sexual orientation, political affiliation or any other criterion protected by law.
Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Local Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.