Canada High Commissioner - Trade Commissioner, Digital Industries Jobs in South Africa

Canada High Commissioner - Trade Commissioner, Digital Industries Jobs in South Africa

Summary of position:

Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) is a worldwide network of professionals in international business development (IBD), with preferred access to business knowledge and contacts, who are committed to advancing Canadian commercial and economic interests abroad.

This position contributes to the delivery of the IBD program at the mission by delivering services to clients in accordance with TCS policies and guidelines, and Government of Canada policies and priorities for international trade, investment, and innovation, with the objective of helping Canadian clients make better business decisions abroad.

All Government of Canada employee activities are governed by the Government of Canada’s Code of Values and Ethics.

Responsibilities

  • Promoting trade, investment, and innovation collaboration between Canada and the countries of responsibility (South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia, Mauritius and Madagascar),
  • Supporting and contributing to the delivery of the IBD program at the High Commission of Canada’s Trade Office in South Africa to assist Canadian digital industries companies (and possibly firms operating in other priority and emerging sectors) in their international business endeavours, recognizing the vast array of target industry verticals that digital industries firms sell to.
  • Providing services aimed at bringing success to Canadian digital industries companies who are active in priority sectors in the countries of responsibility identified by the Trade Office, namely Mining, ICT, Education and Clean Technologies, as well as in other emerging and reactive sectors, such as Aerospace, Agriculture, Arts and Cultural Industries, Infrastructure, Oil and Gas, and Transportation;
  • Working in close collaboration with and supporting other Trade Commissioners of the Trade Office in Johannesburg who are responsible for sectors that represent target industry verticals for digital industries firms;
  • Uncovering opportunities for Canadian companies seeking success in the countries of responsibility in emerging digital technologies such as fintech, artificial intelligence, big data, and the internet of things;
  • Conducting or contracting market research on key issues facing Canadian digital industries companies in southern and eastern African markets;
  • Developing marketing material for the TCS on these topics;
  • Playing a lead role in the promotion of Canadian companies and Canadian trade priorities on social media platforms, including working with other Trade Commissioners of the Trade Office in Johannesburg to develop social media strategies and campaigns; and
  • Performing other duties as a Trade Commissioner as required;
  • Organizing events and initiatives (including high-level visits of government officials, industry representatives, participation at trade shows and conferences, etc.);
  • Providing timely input into the client relationship management database;
  • Representing the High Commission in contact with nationals and officials of the countries of responsibility, or other interlocutors;
  • Developing and maintaining awareness of the local environment and building a network of key relationships; and
  • Performing other related duties that support the overall work of the Trade Program.

    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:
  • Degree from a recognized university in a field related to the position, including but not limited to: commerce, international business, finance, and economics.

    Language:
  • Fluency in English (written and oral)

    Experience:
  • the private and/or public sector in business development;
  • The area of digital trade that could include digital industries, ICT, fintech, artificial intelligence, the internet of
    things or big data;
  • Research and analysis to provide strategic advice, briefings and reports;
  • Directly managing client relationships and providing service support to customers/clients; and
  • Working with a range of computer applications.
    * Recent experience is defined as a minimum of two (2) years 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 and/or psychometric assessment.
  • International business development practices, including excellence in client service delivery, global supply chain management, competitive intelligence gathering, and general project management principles;
  • Southern African capabilities and global industry trends and developments in digital industries and e-commerce and other relevant priority or emerging sectors;
  • Southern African government policies and programs, including trade, investment and innovation policies, programs and institutions, including local political and economic environment, business climate, government structure; and
  • Southern African companies’ investment globally.
  • Effective Interactive Communication English – Oral and Written
  • Secure, prepare for, conduct, and provide follow-up to an outcall;
  • Analyze information and provide strategic advice;
  • Prepare and manage a budget;
  • Promote and market products or services;
  • Effectively use Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook Mail), and web search engines;

    Competencies
  • Demonstrates integrity and respect
  • Thinks things through
  • Works effectively with others
  • Shows initiative and is action-oriented

    Asset Qualifications:
  • Preference may be given to candidates who have the following asset qualifications. If candidates meet the factors listed in the asset qualifications, they must also clearly demonstrate how they meet these factors in their covering letter and CV.
  • The ability to communicate effectively in French, both orally and in writing;
  • Graduate degree from a recognized university (Master’s degree or Ph.D.) in a field related to the position, including but not limited to: commerce, finance, and economics;
  • Experience working in an international context;
  • FITT Certified International Trade Professional (CITP ®) / (FITT International Business Professional (FIBP);
  • Must be able to work planned overtime and overtime on short notice on occasion;
  • Must be available for occasional duties outside normal working hours (i.e., evenings and weekends).
  • Hours of work: Monday to Friday (37.5 hours per week).
  • Annual leave may be restricted during busy periods due to operational requirements.
    Condition(s) of Employment:
  • South African citizenship, holder of a valid South Africa permanent residence permit or otherwise legally able to work at the High Commission.
  • Canada will not consider holders of temporary stay permits (work, spousal, refugee or asylum).
  • Please note The High Commission of Canada does not sponsor work authorizations directly or indirectly.
  • Able to obtain and maintain a Government of Canada Reliability Status Clearance.
  • Please note that the Reliability Status Clearance must be maintained throughout your employment at the Embassy as failure to do so may result in dismissal.
  • This includes a criminal and credit background check.
  • Must be able to obtain and retain a valid travel document and be willing, able and legally admissible to travel internationally including within Africa and to Canada.
  • Ability to meet the medical requirements as defined by the employer. Successful candidate(s) may be required to undergo a medical evaluation.

    How to Apply
  • Interested and qualified candidates should apply online by 2nd August 2019
  • For more information and job application details, see; Canada High Commissioner - Trade Commissioner, Digital Industries Jobs in South Africa

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