Trade & Investment Adviser

British High Commission Pretoria; Johannesburg; On-site; USD 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

The British High Commission in Pretoria is seeking a Trade & Investment Adviser to lead initiatives in the growing sectors of food and drink, and health sciences across Africa. The successful candidate will engage with stakeholders to enhance market entry for Northern Ireland companies, requiring strong analytical and relationship management skills.

Qualifications

• At least five years in business development or account management focused on international trade.
• Minimum three years in stakeholder engagement with businesses and government partners in Africa.
• Strong analytical skills with ability to produce concise reports.

Responsibilities

• Lead efforts in the food and drink, and life and health sciences sectors.
• Develop relationships and assist NI companies with market entry.
• Prepare sector briefings and manage memberships.

Skills

Analytical skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Research skills

Project management

Job description

Join to apply for the Trade & Investment Adviser role at British High Commission Pretoria.

Invest Northern Ireland is the regional economic development agency for the UK region of Northern Ireland, focusing on growing exports from Northern Ireland globally and attracting high-quality investment into Northern Ireland.

The Invest NI team in Africa is responsible for assisting NI companies with market assessment, prioritization, and market entry.

As opportunities across Africa grow, Northern Ireland companies are increasingly focusing on key markets across the continent.

The successful candidate will lead efforts in the key sectors of food and drink, and life and health sciences.

Responsibilities include identifying and presenting opportunities in these sectors to NI companies and assisting with their market entry.

The role may also support the Regional Director on inquiries from other sectors and involve business planning and budgeting for the pan-Africa region.

Building relationships within Invest NI, with regional FCDO and DBT colleagues, and external stakeholders such as business chambers and the private sector will be essential.

Roles and responsibilities :

Develop and maintain knowledge and market intelligence on the life and health sciences, and food and drink sectors across key African markets.

Identify and initiate relationships with key decision-makers, support NI companies with market information, partner identification, and market entry, and deliver outcomes aligned with Invest NI KPIs.

Identify key sector events, plan strategic involvement, and organize inward visits from companies and stakeholders.

Prepare sector briefings, reports, insights, and company-specific analyses as needed.

Manage and evaluate the value of business memberships, reporting on their effectiveness.

Collaborate with the DBT network across Africa to support NI exports.

Assist in arranging visits by senior staff and coordinate networking and business events in-market.

Work with the Trade Advisory Service provider on client research reports, monitor progress, and evaluate outcomes.

Maintain records of client assistance via Invest NI's CRM portal.

Contribute to team objectives and targets for Africa.

Essential qualifications, skills, and experience :

At least five years in business development or account management, with a focus on international trade promotion and success in Africa.

Minimum three years in relationship management and stakeholder engagement with businesses, government, and industry partners in Africa.

Strong analytical and research skills, with the ability to process complex information and produce concise reports.

Excellent organizational skills, including leading projects, events, and trade activities.

Interpersonal skills, teamwork, and a positive, flexible approach.

Self-motivated, able to work independently and contribute to team KPIs.

Excellent communication and presentation skills.

Desirable qualifications, skills, and experience :

Track record in trade, helping companies export and grow internationally.

Established professional network in key sectors and markets across Africa.

Knowledge and experience in food and drink, or life and health sciences sectors.

Seniority level : Mid-Senior level

Employment type : Full-time

Job functions : Business Development, Management, Strategy / Planning

Industries : Government Relations Services