Procurement Specialist (Aid-Funded Business)

Job Description

An opportunity to join a dynamic team focused on fostering transatlantic business relations between the US and its top economic partner in Europe.

Background:

UK Trade & Investment (UKTI) is the international business development agency of the Government of the United Kingdom and works to foster transatlantic business relations between the US and the UK.

UKTI USA works closely with UKTI headquarters in London, with related agencies in the UK and with representatives of the English Regions and the UK’s Devolved Administrations in the US, to assist US companies looking to invest in the UK. (See www.uktradeinvestusa.com).

This position is part of the UKTI team at the British Embassy, yet will spend multiple days each week embedded at the international financial institutions driving forward the Aid Funded Business agenda for UK Trade & Investment, ultimately responsible for delivering the business win target for the Aid Funded Business portfolio in the Washington post region (District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, Delaware and the Carolinas). This position will also manage any additional program resource supporting international public procurement.

The focus is to generate and deliver trade contracts for British companies looking to do business in the developing world through International Finance Institutions, such as The World Bank Group, the Millennium Challenge Corporation and the Inter-American Development Bank, and to feed opportunities, trends and intelligence in this area to UKTI stakeholders. Responsibilities include coordinating company meetings, visit programs and investor development opportunities. The Procurement Specialist is responsible for delivery of aggressive trade targets for the Aid-Funded Business High Value Campaign (HVC).

The Specialist will identify and develop the most valuable points of contact within the banks to curate a network of high level contacts within the banks. Budget tracking, strategic client relationship management, and wider office administrative duties are aspects of the position. Occasional evening commitments and overnight travel is required.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Match, track & close procurement opportunities for British companies with the World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, Millennium Challenge Corporation & USAID. Assist in their partnering & consortia formation to deliver specific annual trade value targets.
• Work with senior management, including DFID, to develop and shape UK policy related to the Aid Funded Business program
• Assist UK companies to develop their market entry strategy and support UK companies already active in Aid-Funded Business in the US market.
• Maintain database of UK companies and projects of interest. Review and distribute documents to UK companies and British Missions globally.
• Research priority sectors/countries of interest to UKTI and prepare reports for dissemination to UKTI in London and associates and stakeholders in the UK.
• Facilitate and successfully manage incoming trade missions, networking receptions, visit programs, plan company meetings and introductions and research/produce market reports.
• Co-ordinate as necessary with UKTI’s internal network and partners, Local Enterprise Partnerships and Devolved Administrations in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
• Represent UKTI at regional networking functions. This will include public speaking engagements.
• Train the wider DC team on procurement processes
• Manage interns and private sector contractors gathering business intelligence on Aid Funded Business opportunities.

• Bachelor’s degree required; Master’s preferred.
• Background in working with the World Bank, Inter-American Development Bank, and other multi-lateral institutions strongly preferred. 3-5 years work experience desired.
• Ability and credibility to interact with companies/organizations at a senior level in person and over the phone, with a proven track record of fostering business relationships and securing results.
• Ability to provide clear, concise summaries and to respond to ad hoc requests at short notice using databases and other information sources.
• A self-starter - able to work independently and show initiative with limited day-to-day supervision while operating with a strong collegial attitude as part of a wider US/UK team with wide-ranging objectives.
• Strong research, reading comprehension, writing, and communication skills; attention to detail is essential.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) essential.
• Excellent organizational skills; proactive approach to work.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced team and often under tight deadlines.

Under US State Department requirements, the Embassy may only employ, as non-diplomatic staff, persons who are US citizens, US Green Card holders or A visa holders*. If you hold a visa other than an A visa you are not currently eligible to work at the Embassy. Please refer to our website for information on exceptions to this policy at www.gov.uk/government/world/usa. All candidates will be subject to background checks and security clearance.

*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.

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PI84862161