Senior Trade and Investment Officer - Technology (Chicago)- job post

Foreign & Commonwealth Office
  • Location
    Chicago, Illinois
  • Sector
    Government
  • Experience
    Mid Career
  • Posted
    Aug 23

Position description

Be part of the Department for Business and Trade’s (DBT) mission to drive more trade and investment between North America and the UK. With a mature, high spending consumer market and an open, liberal economy, world-class talent and a business-friendly regulatory environment, the UK is the leading destination for foreign investment in Europe, and the second highest investment destination in the world. The UK is also the world’s sixth largest exporter and the second largest services exporter.
We employ over 150 people across North America, all united by our vision of a future where we champion open and fair global trading that drives growth, creates better jobs and higher wages, and improves living standards in the UK and around the world. We seek talented team members with the passion and drive to help us in our mission to build a global appetite for British goods and services; drive investment; negotiate trade deals and open up markets; improve international trading standards and fight unfair trading practices (see www.gov.uk/DIT).

Based at the British Consulate-General in Chicago, the temporary Senior Trade & Investment Officer (STIO) for technology will identify opportunities for UK tech companies to achieve new business in the Chicago patch (Trade), and help US companies launch into, or expand in, the UK (Investment). You will provide key account management within the region in addition to providing strategic advice and assistance to companies. You will also be a valued contributor to the Chicago based regional team, and work closely with colleagues based around the UK.

Roles and responsibilities:

As the Senior Trade & Investment Officer - Technology, you will:

  • Provide a comprehensive account management service to key tech clients in the Chicago patch, looking to maintain or grow their footprint in the UK.
  • Build and manage a pipeline of projects that have the potential to bring high-value jobs and R&D to the UK.
  • Help high-growth and innovative UK companies develop US market entry strategies and/or grow US market share; and support established UK companies in market to address any concerns around US trade policy or market access barriers.
  • Actively build a network in Chicago, including US and UK tech leaders, trade associations, and buyers/procurers of high growth tech.
  • Develop and implement high impact, targeted marketing programs and events in conjunction with stakeholder partners to build our brand awareness, promote key messaging, and showcase UK competitiveness in technology.
  • Keep pace with market trends, incentives and centres of excellence in the Chicago patch, as well as in the UK, to provide informed advice to clients.
  • Work with internal and external stakeholders to deliver high-impact programming. Develop and host round tables, seminars and lead trade missions, and contribute to Ministerial and other VIP visit programs.
  • Assist with cross-team projects to advance UK economic and trade policy goals.
  • Any other duties as assigned.

Resources managed:

  • Manage events and travel budgets.
  • Shared line management of one Trade and Investment Officer.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

Essential on arrival:

  • Professional experience, gained within a business development or economic development role, ideally in a related sector.
  • In-depth knowledge of one or more key industries or technologies: AI; Cybersecurity; Metaverse tech (AR/VR, wearables); Semiconductors; Quantum.
  • Knowledge of market trends in the US and preferably in the UK.
  • Excellent stakeholder management skills.
  • Excellent interpersonal, presentation and networking skills.
  • Excellent collaboration skills with the ability to deliver results against a target.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Excellent organizational skills and meticulous attention to detail.
  • An excellent network of industry contacts and the ability to develop new networks with senior business and industry leaders.
  • Must be able to attend events outside of office hours and undertake travel in the US and internationally up to 20% of your time.
  • An understanding of international relations and UK Government policy preferred.

As a valued member of our team, we will help you to achieve your goals through continuous professional development.

Language requirements:

Language: English

Level of language required: excellent verbal and written English

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 Defence Staff (BDS) outposts accept A or NATO visas

Required behaviours

Making Effective Decisions, Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace, Communicating and Influencing, Working Together

Application deadline Application deadline - day Application deadline - month Application deadline - year

6 September 2023

Grade

Higher Executive Officer (HEO)

Type of Position

Fixed Term, Full-time, Temporary

Working hours per week

40

Duration of Post

6 months

Region

Americas, Caribbean & Overseas Territories

Country/Territory

United States

Location (City)

Chicago

Type of Post

British Consulate General

Number of vacancies

1

Salary Currency

USD

Salary

USD $ 76,500

Start Date Start Date - day Start Date - month Start Date - year

30 October 2023

Other benefits and conditions of employment

Application instructions

Please be sure to indicate you saw this position on Globaljobs.org