Senior Trade Adviser (BEL25.059)

Senior Trade Adviser (BEL25.059)

British Embassy

Brussels, Belgium

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow. The FCDO operates an agile workforce and to facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, as we may reasonably require.

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

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)

Who are we?

The British Embassy in Brussels is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. The UK’s Department for Business & Trade (DBT) in Brussels is looking for a Senior Trade Advisor - International Markets to join the bilateral trade team.

Our Setting:

The DBT Brussels team is made up of approximately 12 staff, based at the British Embassy in Brussels. It is part of the DBT Europe Region (around 300 staff in 34 countries in total) and works closely with colleagues in London and across the UK to improve market access for business and boost exports and investment. DBT’s work is crucial to supporting the UK economy.

Main purpose of job:

In this role, you will be part of the International Markets (IM) team of Europe, which has a particular focus on supporting Small to Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) export from the UK to Belgium. You will be part of the Brussels-based DBT team, but will frequently work with our International Markets hub based in Prague and on occasions with wider IM Europe team.

This role focuses on understanding and analysing the local Belgian market and its main stakeholders in order to deliver advice and practical support to UK exporters wanting to start or grow their business in Belgium. A thorough understanding of the Belgian market and economy, a keen interest in local business, a clear eye for opportunities and an enthusiast attitude towards networking are essential to deliver quality information to your UK companies.

Important is to note that all roles and responsibilities in DBT Brussels are considered flexible and our staff adapt their work in line with ministerial priorities and developments in the UK and local markets. The role can include any other duties that may reasonably be required in support of the wider work of the Embassy and the trade department.

Do you understand which factors, strategies and events have an impact on the Belgian economy and its general buyer profile?

Do you have an affinity for UK products which you would like to see succeed in Belgium?

Would you like to make a concrete impact to UK exporters while operating in a fast-moving, high-profile international political environment?

We are looking for a proactive team member with commercial experience to join the UK’s Department for Business and Trade (DBT) team at the British Embassy in Belgium.

Roles and responsibilities:

• As Senior Trade Adviser for the International Markets (IM) team, you will actively support high-potential British exporters in accessing business in Belgium. The core element of the role will be to deliver practical support to UK companies from a range of sectors, including market research and compiling sector information, identifying partners, buyers and/or local distributors. You will manage and prioritize these enquiries based on market potential, intended clients and challenges UK companies could face in accessing this market;
• In addition to supporting SME exporters from a wide range of sectors, the Senior Trade Advisor will dedicate approximately 30% of their time to exploring a specific sector not currently covered by the Belgian country team, focusing on the priorities set out by the UK government export strategy. This will be subject to regular review to ensure the chosen sector focus adds value;
• As Senior Trade Advisor for IM, you will support the wider IM Europe team in building capability through sharing of case studies and best practice in ways of working. You may also be asked to support projects that are relevant for the IM Europe team in addition to your own market;
• Being a member of the bilateral UK-Belgian Embassy, you will seek to strengthen and expand the existing networks of commercial and governmental partners. There will be a focus on working collaboratively with colleagues across DBT Brussels, including sectoral leads, as well as wider Embassy colleagues specializing in key areas of interest such as customs and business policy.

Essential qualifications, skills and experience

• Understanding of the Belgian economy and business sectors, main stakeholders and commercial opportunities;
• Experience working in international trade and/or experience working in a commercial and international environment – ideally B2B (Business to Business);
• A relevant degree in higher education;
• Strong communication and presentation skills, both verbal and written. Fluency in English, Dutch and French, essential for gathering, analysing and summarising market information;
• Proactive and goal oriented. Strong organisational skills with experience in managing new projects. Excellent interpersonal skills and excels in team collaboration;
• Mastering of basic IT skills (MS Office).

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience

• Experience working with social media and online communications;
• Experience with UK and/or Belgian Export environment and associated regulations, customs and business federations.

Required behaviours

Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Managing a Quality Service, Working Together.

Application deadline: 9 March 2025
Grade: Executive Officer (EO)
Type of Position: Full-time, Fixed Term
Working hours per week: 36.25
Duration of Post: 24 months
Region: Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia
Type of Post: British Embassy
Number of vacancies: 1
Salary Currency: EUR
Salary: € 5.375,38
Type of Salary: Monthly
Start Date: 1 May 2025

Other benefits and conditions of employment

This is a 24 month fixed term full-time contract for 5 working days (36.25 hours net) per week.

The monthly gross salary for this position is € 5.375,38, (EO) level. In addition, we offer an extensive salary package, which includes a 13th month, luncheon vouchers, pension scheme, optional hospitalisation insurance (subject to monthly employee contribution), reimbursement of public transport and a lot more. We offer more days of annual leave than the Belgian requirements.

Please note that Belgian nationals will be paid their salary gross and are expected to comply with their tax obligations through completion of a tax return to the Belgian authorities. Non-Belgian nationals will receive their salary net, minus the deduction of an equivalent level of Belgian tax retained at source. Further information on this will be given to candidates during the recruitment process.

Staff recruited locally by the British Diplomatic Missions in Belgium are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Belgian employment law.

The successful candidates will be subject to professional background checks and security clearance.

Passport: officers are expected to be in possession of a passport due to the possibility that they may be asked to undertake business travel.

Visa/work permit requirements: Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Belgium and be prepared to ensure that right remains throughout the scope of the contract.

Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal requirements to live and work in this country.

Additional information

Please note that the deadline for applications is 23:55 on the day mentioned in the above field “Application deadline”.

We advise you to allow enough time to complete and submit your full application, since only applications completed and submitted before the deadline will be considered.

Please be aware that the deadline for submitting applications is considered to be the time zone for the country where the vacancy has arisen.

Please be advised that the British Embassy will not be able to meet the travel costs incurred when travelling to the interview, nor the costs connected with relocation if offered a position.

*Please note for more information on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment levels please click on the following link CEFR.

Please be aware that you will only be able to apply to vacancies for Country Based Staff roles with the British Government through this official tal.net site (operated by Oleeo). Jobs may be advertised on third party websites, however our adverts will always link back to the official tal.net site. If you complete and send an application through any other site, we will not receive it.

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