Government of Canada

4087

Junior Trade Commissioner

ZAR 439,469.00 gross per annum, plus 13th month bonus.

Indeterminate

This position is an LES (Locally Engaged Staff) position, subject to the Terms and Conditions of Employment for LES in South Africa.

Officer

LE-07

Johannesburg, South Africa

16-09-2020 at 23:59 UTC/GMT

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.

Summary of Duties:

Under the direct supervision of the Deputy Senior Trade Commissioner and Deputy Head of the High Commission of Canada’s Trade Office in Johannesburg, the Junior Trade Commissioner’s major responsibilities include:

• 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 companies, primarily in the Clean Technology sector (renewable energy, water and wastewater, and sustainable resource management) but also in other priority and emerging sectors (forestry and wood products, agriculture, education, etc.) in their international business endeavours. This will include, but is not limited to:
o Providing services aimed at bringing success to Canadian companies who are active in the countries of responsibility identified by the Trade Office;
o Working in close collaboration with and supporting other Trade Commissioners of the Trade Office in Johannesburg who are responsible for sectors that intersect with Clean Technology (Mining, Education, ICT, Digital Industries);
o Uncovering opportunities for Canadian companies seeking success in the countries of responsibility; and
o Conducting or contracting market research on key issues facing Canadian mining companies in the countries of responsibility.
• Playing a role in the attraction of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) from the countries of responsibility into Canada;
• 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;
• Developing marketing material for the TCS on these topics, including playing a role in the promotion of Canadian companies and Canadian trade priorities on social media platforms, and working with other Trade Commissioners of the Trade Office in Johannesburg to develop social media strategies and campaigns; and
• Performing other related duties that support the overall work of the Trade Program.

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:
• Recent experience* in:
o a field related to clean technology or providing advice to companies or regulators in clean technology;
o research and analysis to provide strategic advice, briefings and reports;
o developing and managing networks with clients, partners and/or stakeholders.
* 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.

Knowledge of:
• Southern African capabilities and global industry trends and developments in a variety of priority or emerging sectors, including political-economic environment and local business practices.

Abilities:
• Effective Interactive Communication English – Oral and Written
• Secure, prepare for, conduct, and provide follow-up to an outcall;
• Analyze information and provide strategic advice;
• 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

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); and
• Knowledge of Canada and the Canadian politico-economic environment, as well as Canadian business practices.

• Must be willing and able to travel within South Africa, Southern Africa and to Canada;
• 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.

• 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 etc.). 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.

Open to qualified applicants who are legally in a position to work for the High Commission of Canada in South Africa. This includes South African citizens, permanent residents, employees of the High Commission of Canada, and dependents/spouses of Canadian Based Staff, who meet all of the essential requirements stated below, and whose applications are received by the closing date. Please note that the High Commission of Canada to South Africa does not sponsor work authorizations directly or indirectly. The Government of Canada is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from diverse sections of the community. Candidates will be considered based on merit. Our organization offers an inclusive workplace where respect, teamwork, and collaboration are part of our culture. Canada’s missions abroad are committed to promoting and supporting an environment free from harassment and discrimination, as well as encouraging and supporting employees to learn and develop their skills and competencies.

How to apply:
• Candidates are required to upload a cover letter and CV in English or French. Applications which do not include the requested documents or information in the CV or cover letter will be rejected. Any additional information must be included as part of these two attachments.
• Candidates who are unable to submit their application due to technical difficulties must report these to: LES-E-Recruitment-BRLIN@international.gc.ca prior to the closing date. Failure to so will result in the application being rejected.

Important notes:
• Please do not use a tablet or cell phone to submit your application, as mobile browsers are not supported by our on-line portal. Candidates should only apply using a laptop or desktop computer.
• Only applications submitted in one of the official languages of Canada will be accepted (English or French). Candidates are entitled to participate in the recruitment process in the official language of their choice and to indicate their preferred official language in their application.
• Communication for this process will be sent via email. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure accurate contact information is provided and updated as required.
• Candidates who apply to this selection process should include an email address that accepts email from unknown users (some email systems block this type of email).
• Candidates selected at the screening stage may be invited for further assessment. 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.
• Reference checks will be sought for candidates that reach interview stage and may form part of the selection process.
• The High Commission of Canada in South Africa does not reimburse any travel costs to and from interviews/exams nor does it reimburse any relocation costs.
• If candidates need any special accommodation for exams or interviews, please let us know in advance of these assessments.
• The results of this competition may also be used to establish an eligibility list of staff for similar openings at the High Commission of Canada in South Africa which may arise in the 12 months following the completion of this competition.