AUH/DXB - International Markets Advisor, DBT (EO)

Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office; Abu Dhabi; Hybrid; AED 120,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental agency for international trade is seeking an International Markets Advisor to support UK SMEs in the MEaP region. The role involves responding to business enquiries, conducting market research, and facilitating relationships with local partners. Ideal candidates should have at least 2 years of relevant experience, excellent English communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively. This full-time role offers a salary of AED 16,492 monthly.

Benefits

25 days of annual leave

Access to learning and development programs

Qualifications

• At least 2 years’ experience in trade-related or customer-facing roles.
• Experience in the MEaP region with a track record of collaboration.
• Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Support the IM ESS MEaP Regional Enquiry Hub.
• Engage with UK businesses to respond to their enquiries.
• Conduct market research and prepare analytical documentation.

Skills

Trade-related experience

Market analysis

Excellent communication skills in English

Interpersonal skills

Proactive problem solving

IT skills (Microsoft Office)

Job description

Main Purpose of the Job

IM ESS MEaP is the region’s universal entry point for UK business. In this International Markets Advisor role, you will be based in the UAE 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 can be based in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, UAE.

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.
• 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 UAE 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.

Duties 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.
• 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.
• Working Together: Form effective partnerships and relationships with people both internally and externally, from a range of diverse backgrounds, sharing information, resources, and support.
• Making Effective Decisions: Use evidence and knowledge to support accurate, expert decisions and advice. Carefully consider alternative options, implications and risks of decisions.

Eligibility

Applications will only be considered from those who are currently residing in the UAE and with a current and valid UAE resident visa. Applicants will be asked to provide evidence of their UAE resident visa / Emirates ID as part of their application.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

• At least 2 years’ experience working in a trade‑related and investment field or a relevant customer facing role.
• Relevant professional or hands‑on trade related experience in the MEaP region.
• Experience of market / business data analysis and interpretation.
• Demonstrated track record of delivery through collaboration and partnering in complex environments.
• Excellent communication skills in English. Able to express ideas and messages clearly and concisely, both orally and in written communication.
• Ability to prioritise workload effectively, 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.
• Strong IT skills and well‑versed in the use of Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams).

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

• Private sector experience.
• Business Development experience.
• Experience working in virtual teams.

Required behaviours

• Delivering at Pace
• Making Effective Decisions
• Managing a Quality Service
• Working Together

Working hours and remuneration

• 25 days of leave per annum (calculated pro‑rata).
• The salary for this role is AED 16,492 per month. The salary is non‑negotiable.
• No accommodation and relocation expenses are payable.
• This role is for a full‑time employment, on a fixed‑term contract basis until 31st of March 2027, subject to six months’ probationary period.
• The Embassy is open from Monday to Friday from 0700 to 1800 hrs.
• The employee’s normal weekly working hours are forty (40) Monday to Friday (inclusive). This is inclusive of one‑hour paid rest break for each five (5) hours worked.
• This role may be based in either Abu Dhabi or Dubai.
• Flexible working arrangements will be considered based on operational requirements upon agreement with the Line Manager.
• There will be need for out‑of‑hours work (evening and/or weekends) during events, visits, business receptions and other networking activities.
• Travel within the MEaP region for business purposes may be required.
• Staff will have access to a learning and development programme and the 70/20/10 model will be applied in a flexible manner.
• The successful candidate will be required to transfer their visa under the Embassy's sponsorship.