Vacancy - International Trade Officer (TKM23.460)

Job Category: Department for Business and Trade roles (DBT)

Job Subcategory: Department for Business and Trade (DBT)

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)

The International Trade Officer position at the British Embassy in Ashgabat offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the Department for Business and Trade's objectives. The International Trade Officer will play a vital role in supporting successful UK commercial outcomes in their assigned sectors.

The primary responsibility of the International Trade Officer is to lead trade promotion efforts in key sectors of UK-Turkmenistan trade cooperation. The role involves advancing existing trade campaigns, identifying additional bilateral trade and investment opportunities, and engaging regularly with the Turkmen Government and British businesses to establish connections and facilitate trade deals. The successful candidate will possess a deep understanding of the Turkmen system and be capable of efficiently executing a range of tasks, including arranging meetings with government officials and businesses, preparing Note Verbales in multiple languages, and maintaining accurate records and reports.

The ideal candidate for this position will be a self-motivated individual with a strong background in trade and business. They should be skilled at networking and building relationships with senior-level contacts in government and the private sector. Effective communication with businesses and a quick grasp of UK Government work practices are essential.

This is a 10-month contract position, with the possibility of extension based on the ongoing need for the role after the initial ten-month period.

About the Department for Business and Trade (DBT):

The Department for Business and Trade (formerly the Department for International Trade) is responsible for promoting British trade worldwide and maximizing opportunities for the UK.

Key responsibilities of the DBT include:

• Developing, coordinating and delivering a new trade and investment policy to promote UK business across the globe;
• Developing and negotiating free trade agreements and market access deals with non-EU countries;
• Negotiating trade deals;
• Providing operational support for exports and facilitating inward and outward investment.

Detail of the role:

If you are organised, proactive and interested in Trade, we encourage you to apply for this role.

There are four parts to this role. The tasks identified here are a typical example and not exhaustive – things change over time. The percentage given here are indicative and no two days are likely to be exactly the same; the successful candidate will be someone who can demonstrate flexibility, adaptiveness and good time management.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

• Fluency at a C1 level in English, Turkmen and Russian according to CEFR Framework *;
• A proven track record of fostering business relationships or a demonstrated understanding of commercial enterprise;
• Ability to speak credibly with senior representatives of public and private sector organisations;
• Ability to prioritise, effectively manage and execute multiple tasks to a high standard, both through individual and team delivery;
• Ability to excel in a collaborative team environment;
• Professional skills in MS Office, MS Teams, Excel, and Outlook;
• Excellent interpersonal skills;
• Willingness to work under time pressure;
• Ability to work autonomously to deliver a wide range of responsibilities.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience 

• A strong and proven understanding of/expertise in the green energy infrastructure and water conservation sectors in Turkmenistan;
• Management experience;
• Experience of working in the private sector in Turkmenistan;
• Prior experience of working with diplomatic mission or international organisation.

Required behaviours

• Changing and Improving, Managing a Quality Service, Delivering at Pace, Working Together

Application deadline: 24 August 2023

Grade: Higher Executive Officer (HEO)

Type of Position: Fixed Term, Full-time

Working hours per week: 41

Duration of Post: 10 months

Region: Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia

Country/Territory: Turkmenistan

Location (City): Ashgabat

Salary: $2,518.00

Start Date: 17 September 2023

To get additional information and apply for the position, please follow the link.