Job Description:

The British Embassy Abu Dhabi has a vacancy for an Infrastructure and Transport Specialist, Grade HEO, under the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) for a fixed term contract of three (3) years.

DBT is the UK Government’s department for economic growth. We promote British trade and investment across the world, support UK business overseas, and attract foreign investment to our shores. We have over 3,000 staff across the globe in over 100 countries.

DBT divides the world into nine (9) regions, each led by His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner (HMTC). The Middle East and Pakistan (MEaP) region is led from Dubai and represents 11 markets with a team of some 110 staff.

DBT are looking for a highly capable individual to deliver a high standard of trade and investment support to British companies looking to enter or expand their presence in the UAE market.

Working to the Sustainability and Infrastructure Portfolio Lead, the individual should have demonstrable experience in Business Development and have an understanding of Project Management principles as they will be the DBT lead for the UAE on Infrastructure and Transport encompassing the built environment, transport (railways, roads, water and aviation), and working within the wider UAE DBT team.

This is a key role in the team and this position will see you exposed to Ministers and CEOs of large companies, and therefore strong communication skills and a high level of resilience and persistence are essential, alongside excellent drafting skills and the ability to turn round work quickly and under pressure. The role also involves working closely with senior managers to ensure that the DBT team provides first class support to UK companies looking to work and trade in the UAE and MEaP region. We are target driven, so demonstrable experience in achieving successful commercial outcomes will be key.

The job holder will be required to have knowledge of the infrastructure and transport sector and be able to represent DBT UAE across all aspects of the role including public speaking and representing the government at a senior level, providing advice to the Ambassador and Regional Trade Commissioner in addition to visiting Ministers and senior DBT officials. There will also be the opportunity to pick-up new sectors. We need to be agile and align our activities to priorities of both the UK and UAE, as those change, so too will our focus.

Due to the cross-cutting nature of the sector the successful candidate will have to work closely with the political, prosperity, science and innovation and economic teams in the embassy and with other sector leads in DBT, as well as the Investment team and UK Export Finance. Regular travel between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, will be required.

The jobholder will also be expected to support and collaborate with infrastructure and transport colleagues across the region, particularly when they are visiting for major trade shows/meetings. They will need strong engagement with the London sector teams to align focus, effort and skills for the UAE and the MEaP region.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Support the Regional Head of Sustainability and Infrastructure located in the UAE to successfully develop the sector strategy, working with senior colleagues in DBT MEaP to grow UK exports in infrastructure and transport sectors to the UAE/region.
• Lead on scoping opportunities in the Infrastructure and Transport sector from cross-sectoral high value UAE projects and work closely with wider DBT UAE team, particularly the DBT Energy Transition Specialist, on projects of mutual interest in which UK businesses might successfully bid, in order to secure export wins for UK companies.
• Lead on Government-to-Government activity such as Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) and policy development. Develop strategic cooperation between the UK and UAE, pulling on support from the Ambassador and Ministers to help deliver.
• Proactive Business Development in order to maintain, build and proactively develop strategic contacts with key stakeholders (both Government and Private Commercial Entities) in market to identify new commercial opportunities as they arise and promote existing opportunities in UK Industry’s pipeline.
• Effective stakeholder engagement to build and manage effective working relationships with senior leaders in MEaP, colleagues across DBT including International Trade Advisers and Sector teams to increase their trade activity in the market and connect them with key stakeholders.
• Develop partnerships with DBT regional offices, DBT Sectors Group, Chambers of Commerce, Trade Associations and to support the UAE British Business Group (BBG) and the UAE-UK Business Council working group including attending networking events in and out of hours.
• Provide Market Access and, where required, work with Prosperity Team colleagues towards elimination of barriers to trade for UK plc in the market.
• Undertake visits to the UK for promotion of market opportunities in the infrastructure and transport sectors.
• Prepare annual business plans and strategies for the sector and regularly update sector reports.
• Making presentations at seminars and other DBT events in the UAE and UK and contribute to in-market briefings to promote UK expertise in the sector.
• Provide written and oral briefings for high level visits quickly whilst under pressure.
• Devise and run VIP programmes for Ministers and senior DBT staff visits through scheduling high-level meetings, organising activities, and preparing briefing materials.

DBT service delivery

• Work closely with key stakeholders, including UKEF (UK Export Finance) to keep pipeline opportunities information and progress updated, agree action and share key insights with regional colleagues.
• Contribute to the generation of export wins, export opportunities, and other metrics including stakeholder engagement figures to contribute towards DBT targets.
• Provide senior level support, advice, and insight regarding the commercial environment in the UAE.
• Represent the commercial viewpoint of the British Embassy beyond the DBT team, across the Embassy and externally.
• Support DBT events in the UAE including exhibitions, seminars, market visits and supervision of programmes for UK delegates visiting the market.

Job Category: Department for Business and Trade roles (DBT)
City: Abu Dhabi
Country: United Arab Emirates
Position Type: Department for Business and Trade (DBT)

Wider Embassy activities

• Contribute towards wider Embassy activities and crisis preparedness.
• Assist the Embassy team in making arrangements for VVIP visits as required.

Key behaviours required:

Seeing the bigger picture: Understand how your role fits with and supports organisational objectives. Recognise the wider Civil Service priorities and ensure work is in the national interest.
Communicating and Influencing: Communicate purpose and direction with clarity, integrity and enthusiasm. Respect the needs, responses and opinions of others.
Delivering at Pace: Take responsibility for delivering timely and quality results with focus and drive.
Working Together: Form effective partnerships and relationships with people both internally and externally, from a range of diverse backgrounds, sharing information, resources and support.

Qualifications, skills and experience:

The candidate will have experience of having managed visits and/or events and

• Experience of working in the UAE and/or region
• Excellent interpersonal skills and able to influence and network confidently with industry leaders, government
• officials, and senior business people.
• Ability to effectively work under tight deadlines and in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience of working with senior level interlocutors.
• Experience of brief writing and public speaking.
• Stakeholder engagement across all levels.
• Resourcefulness in solving problems.
• Team player with experience in working in large, complex environments and a willingness to work across boundaries.
• Strong work ethic, organisational skills and keen attention to detail.
• Excellent computer & IT skills (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Teams).
• Superior professionalism and judgment.
• Experience of working in complex, matrix organisations.
• Ability to draft succinct reports and provide briefing for generalist and specialist audiences, including for ministers, often to very tight deadlines.
• Delivery of high-quality day-to-day data management.
• Fluent in English both written and verbal.

Salary:

AED 24,911 per month

Benefits:

Working hours and remuneration:

The Embassy aims to offer an attractive working environment and remuneration package for this role, which includes 25 days of leave per annum (calculated pro-rata).

There are no other allowances payable as part of this package. No accommodation and relocation expenses are payable in connection with this position.

The Embassy is open from Monday to Friday, from 07:30 to 18:00. Conditioned working hours are 35 hours per week and specific working hours for this role will be confirmed at a later time.

Whilst the position will be based in Abu Dhabi regular travel to Dubai will be required. Some out of hours work will also be required in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

The successful candidate will be required to transfer their visa under the Embassy's sponsorship.

The British Embassy Abu Dhabi is an equal opportunities employer, dedicated to inclusivity, a diverse workforce and valuing difference.

Additional Requirements

• Fluent in English
• Stakeholder engagement
• Excellent computer & IT skills
• Arrangements for VVIP visits