Job Description
Job Description – Senior Investment Officer
Location: British Embassy, Berne
Department: Department for Business and Trade (DBT) – Financial Services Team
Introduction
The British Embassy in Berne is part of a worldwide network representing the UK’s political, economic, and consular interests. We are recruiting a Senior Investment Officer to work within the Financial Services Team, leading Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and Capital Investment (CI) strategy for Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
This role focuses on the financial services sector and institutional investors and offers a unique opportunity to deliver high-value projects, promote the UK as a top investment destination, and contribute to UK economic growth.
The successful candidate will act as the sector lead for financial services and capital investment, building strategic relationships with existing and prospective C-level investors, advising on business development, supporting the successful landing of projects, and organising high-level visits and engagements with Ministers and senior UK Government officials. Collaboration across the Embassy, Europe, and UK Government departments is essential to maximise impact and achieve shared objectives.
Key Responsibilities
Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) – 30%
- Act as sector lead for financial services, delivering high-quality FDI projects into the UK.
- Ensure alignment with Switzerland’s Country Trade Plan and DBT Europe’s Regional Trade Plan.
- Work closely with the Head of Investment and Country Director to implement investment strategies.
Capital Investment – 30%
- Lead Capital Investment projects, managing high-value investments into the UK.
- Build and maintain relationships with institutional investors in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
- Ensure consistency with Switzerland’s Country Trade Plan and DBT Europe’s Regional Trade Plan.
Strategic Relationship Management – 20%
- Build and maintain a strong network of financial services and capital investment stakeholders.
- Support senior official engagement with key decision-makers.
- Manage strategic engagement tools and respond promptly to stakeholder queries.
Visits and High-Level Meetings – 10%
- Support VIP visits and engagements involving Ministers and senior UK Government officials.
- Contribute to the design and delivery of impactful programmes, site visits, announcements, and communications.
Wider Embassy Support – 10%
- Contribute to cross-HMG and cross-Embassy activities.
- Work collaboratively with relevant teams to achieve shared objectives.
Essential Qualifications, Skills, and Experience
- Deep knowledge of the Swiss business environment, particularly the financial services sector.
- Fluent in English and German or French (minimum C1 level under CEFR or equivalent).
- Strong networking skills with proven ability to establish and maintain relationships in Switzerland and Liechtenstein.
- Self-starter with initiative, resilience, and strong project management skills.
- Excellent communicator, both written and verbal.
- Collaborative team player, able to work effectively in a geographically dispersed ‘virtual team’.
Desirable Qualifications, Skills, and Experience
- Enterprising business track record.
- Understanding of FDI, CI, and trade policy topics.
- Experience in international trade promotion.
- Proven ability to engage and collaborate with senior stakeholders.
- Analytical skills in an international market context, with a consultative approach to achieving results.
Required Behaviours
- Communicating and Influencing
- Delivering at Pace
- Seeing the Big Picture
- Working Together
Application Deadline
25 January 2026
