International Business Development Officer

Reporting to the Deputy High Commissioner, the International Business Development (IBD) Officer contributes to the delivery of the trade promotion program at mission. The IBD Officer will proactively assist and promote Canadian companies in the identification and pursuit of commercial opportunities in Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and São Tomé and Príncipe through a variety of activities, including the conduct of targeted meetings with local contacts, the organization of trade missions, and the timely distribution of commercial intelligence.

Essential qualifications:

Candidates will initially be screened against the Essential Qualifications relating to education, experience and language. Candidates must clearly demonstrate in their cover letter and CV how they meet each of these essential qualifications.

Education:
• Bachelor’s degree from a recognized university with a major in a discipline related to the job requirements (e.g. business administration, economics, or a similar field) or an equivalent combination of education, training and/or experience (without a completed Bachelor’s degree, six years of experience required).

Language:
• Fluency in English (oral & written).

Experience:
• Minimum of 3 years’ *recent experience working, advising and facilitating information services to clients in the area in business and market development and/or trade policy in Nigeria.

*Recent is defined as within the last 5 years

Rated Requirements

The Rated Requirements relating to knowledge, abilities and competencies will also be assessed. Methods of assessment may include, but are not limited to: a written examination, an oral interview, role-play, practical tests, presentations, references and/or psychometric assessment.

Knowledge:
• Knowledge of the business environment in Nigeria;
• Knowledge of key stakeholders involved in Nigeria’s commercial and economic situation (including non-governmental organisations, government institutions, international organizations, domestic/international companies, and investors);
• Knowledge of international business practices.

Abilities:
• Ability to plan and organize workflow and coordinate information;
• Ability to work under pressure and prioritize accordingly;
• Ability to identify and analyze client needs;
• Ability to network and develop contacts and relationships, both internal and external, to facilitate trade priorities or to gain support/cooperation.

Competencies:
• Initiative and sound judgement;
• Interpersonal skills;
• Flexibility and adaptability;
• Analytical skills;
• Integrity and discretion;
• Visioning/alignment;
• Organizational/environmental awareness;
• Results orientation;
• People/team leadership;
• Effective interactive communication – oral and written.

Asset Qualifications:

Preference may be given to candidates who meet the Asset Qualifications. Where applicable, candidates must clearly demonstrate how they meet any asset qualifications in their cover letter and CV.

Language:
• Working knowledge of French (oral & written).

Experience:
• Experience working in a diplomatic mission, international non-governmental organization, a multi-lateral organization, private company, or government environment doing international business development;
• Experience dealing with government ministries/departments, NGOs;
• Network of contacts relevant to international business development in Nigeria, Equatorial Guinea and São Tomé and Príncipe;
• Experience promoting Nigeria’s outward foreign investment;
• Master’s degree in relevant field of study.

Knowledge:
• Knowledge of business environment in Equatorial Guinea and São Tomé and Príncipe;
• Knowledge of the information and communications technologies sector and the creative industries sector.

Organizational Needs:-

Operational Requirements:

• Ability and willingness to work overtime when required;
• Ability to attend offsite meetings as required;
• Willing to travel domestically and internationally as required;

ELIGIBILITY INSTRUCTIONS
Assessment questions have been included for candidates to complete and include in their cover letters along with the application. In order to be considered for the position, please note that candidates must answer all questions (#1 and #2). Please include the information in paragraph form. Responses must be your original work, and cannot use text from the internet or other sources. Applications using copied text will be disqualified.
You will be assessed on your spelling, grammar and effective communication on the application and further along in the process if you’re screened in. Applications not including responses to these questions will be screened out.

** Applications that do not include the Candidate Assessment Questions will not be considered.

Question #1 (750 words maximum)
What skills and experience do you have that would help you support Canadian companies pursuing business opportunities in Nigeria?

Question #2 (750 words maximum)
What would you see as the sectors with the greatest opportunities for Canadian companies? What challenges do you see for foreign companies in Nigeria?

Note: submissions will be verified for originality – use of content from online sources, with or without citation, is not permitted.

Resources:
Roles and Services of the Trade Commissioner Service - http://tradecommissioner.gc.ca/

• Only applications submitted in one of the official languages of Canada will be accepted (English or French). Candidates are entitled to participate in the recruitment process in the official language of their choice and to indicate their preferred official language in their application.
• Communication for this process will be sent via email. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure accurate contact information is provided and updated as required.
• Candidates who apply to this vacancy should include an email address that accepts email from unknown users and regularly check their email, including spam folder.
• Reference checks will be sought for candidates that reach interview stage and may form part of the selection process.
• The Deputy High Commission of Canada in Lagos does not reimburse any travel costs to and from interviews / exams nor does it reimburse any relocation costs.
• If candidates need any special accommodation for exams or interviews, please let us know in advance of these assessments.
• The results of this competition may also be used to establish an eligibility list of staff for similar openings at the Deputy High Commission of Canada in Lagos which may arise in the 12 months following the completion of this competition.