Government of Canada

4762

Senior Trade Officer

27,406,732 XOF gross per year plus social benefits

Indeterminate

Indeterminate position: indeterminate duration contract. This position is a LES (Locally Engaged Staff) full-time position, subject to the Terms and Conditions of Employment for LES in Côte d’Ivoire.

Officer

LE-O2

Abidjan, Côte d’Ivoire

18-02-2022 at 23:59 UTC+1 / GMT+1

Under the general supervision of the Principal Regional Commercial Delegate, the Senior Trade Officer contributes to the implementation of the integrated commercial programme. The incumbent helps Canadian firms in the sectors of clean technologies, renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, mining, education, petrol and gas, and other economic sectors aimed at expansion and works with a rich network of clients, investors and partners. In close collaboration with colleagues from the sub-region, the Senior Trade Officer builds strategic plans, offers service to clients, follows-up, and ensures the communication of results to partners while maintaining sound budgetary management and obtaining results.

Responsibilities:

Support Canadian firms: The incumbent must help Canadian firms attain outcomes and identify barriers to entry on the markets of Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia; provide counsel to Canadian firms on these markets; lead market studies; establish and maintain networks and partnerships and elaborate national awareness programmes as it concerns country visits; help firms conduct their activity in the countries of accreditation (for example by providing relevant information regarding bylaws); favour exchanges and collaborative innovation between Canada and the countries of accreditation; play a major role in the attraction of Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and provide services aimed at favouring success for Canadian firms active in priority sectors. All activities of Government of Canada employees are framed under the Values and Ethics Code for the Public Sector.

Show initiative and judgement: The position requires strong analytic competencies in relation to the assessment of possibilities and challenges affecting Canadian firms and in relation to the elaboration of effective strategies to help these firms be successful on the markets of Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia. The incumbent of the LE-09 position must show initiative and judgement, possess problem solving abilities, and be able to work autonomously. He/she must all have analysis and critical thought capabilities.

Teamwork and collaboration: The incumbent must be able to work as part of a team, working in close collaboration will all colleagues from the sub-region, and be able to work under pressure because of rapidly shifting priorities, meeting strict deadlines as needed.

Optimal use of technology and tools: The incumbent must play a major role in the promotion of Canadian firms and of Canadian commercial priorities on social media platforms as well as complete other tasks that support the general objectives of the commerce programme. The incumbent must also contribute to the client relations management database.

Communicate efficiently: The position requires an efficient communicator in both oral and written communication, in English and in French.

As a member of the Trade Commissioner Service, the incumbent must offer services with a client orientation and meet all service norms. To learn more about the services offered by the Trade Commissioner Service, please visit www.deleguescommerciaux.gc.ca.

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. It is not sufficient to simply state responsibilities or list the criteria they meet. Only those candidates who meet all the essential requirements and demonstrate this clearly within their application will then proceed to the next stage of the process.

Education:
• Bachelor’s degree / undergraduate degree (Canadian system) or ‘’licence’’ (French system) from a recognized institution with a specialization in a discipline related to the requirements of the position (trade, international relations, finance, economics, business, public affairs, public administration, etc.).

Language:
• Proficiency in French (oral and written);
• Proficiency in English (oral and written).

Experience:
• Minimum of five (5) years of recent and direct experience (in the last ten (10) years) in development of international trade or in the promotion of foreign direct investment;
• Experience in research and analysis, in the provision of strategic advice, in the delivery of information sessions and in the preparation of written reports for higher management or clients regarding subjects linked to business development;
• Experience in the maintenance of an existing business relations network in at least three (3) of the following relevant sectors in either Canada or Côte d’Ivoire : 1) clean technologies, 2) renewable energy, 3) sustainable infrastructure, 4) education, 5) petrol and gas, or 6) mining.


Rated Requirements

Applicants must also meet the rated requirements listed below related to knowledge, abilities and competencies. Methods of assessment of those requirements may include, but are not limited to written exams, interview, role-play, practical tests, presentations and / or psychometric assessments.

Knowledge:
• Knowledge of the commercial environment in Côte d’Ivoire and Liberia, especially as it concerns access to markets for foreign firms;
• Knowledge of trends and commercial practices in the following fields: 1) clean technologies, 2) renewable energy, 3) sustainable infrastructure, 4) education, 5) petrol and gas, and 6) mining;
• Knowledge of techniques for event management and promotion;
• Knowledge of international business development practices, including excellence in client service delivery, global supply chain management, competitive intelligence gathering, and general project management principle.

Abilities/Competencies:
• Ability to communicate efficiently in French and English in oral as well as written communication;
• Ability to build and maintain a network of contacts;
• Ability to network and create alliances;
• Ability to analyze commercial information and provide strategic and special counsel;
• Ability to generate new business opportunities using marketing tools, databases and innovative platforms;
• Ability to plan, organize and work under pressure;
• Adaptability and flexibility;
• Judgement;
• Initiative;
• Teamwork and collaboration.

Preference may be given to candidates who meet the asset qualifications. Where applicable, candidates must clearly demonstrate how they meet the asset qualifications in their cover letter and CV.

• Master’s degree or PhD from a recognized institution with a specialization in a discipline related to the requirements of the position, including but not limited to trade, international affairs, finance, or economics;
• At least five (5) years of work experience in an embassy as trade delegate or the equivalent;
• Work experience in an international context;
• FITT Professional with international trade accreditation (PACI/FITT Professional with international affairs accreditation (FPAI);
• Knowledge of Canada and of the Canadian economic/political environment as well as Canadian commercial practices.

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• Normal work hours for the incumbent are in accordance with conditions applicable to locally-engaged staff, 37.5 hours per week, from Monday to Friday, with the option of teleworking on certain days;
• Able to work overtime on evenings and/or weekends when needed;
• Able to work on Côte d’Ivoire statutory holidays if the Embassy is open;
• Able to travel abroad occasionally.

• Candidates must reside in Côte d’Ivoire at the time of employment offer is issued and for the duration of the employment. They must also have a valid work authorization covering the entire employment period. If the employment is indeterminate, the work authorization should be permanent or itself lead to a permanent work authorization.
• Candidates must provide documentation that proves their right to live and work in Côte d’Ivoire.
• Before an offer of employment can be made, candidates must provide a local address as proof of residence in the specific city, region or country so that if selected, it will appear on the offer letter.
• A reliability rating (security clearance) is required to obtain this position at the Embassy of Canada in Côte d’Ivoire and will be subject to audits. This rating must be maintained throughout the employment – loss of the latter employment is sufficient reason to dismiss the employee.
• All new hires on or after the effective date of October 6, 2021 are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of employment and to attest that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 prior to their starting date unless accommodation measures are granted.
•The appointment of the successful candidate will be subject to Medical Clearance.

This selection process is open to candidates who, upon applying, have the right to reside and work legally in Côte d’Ivoire (including employees of the Embassy of Canada in Abidjan in an indeterminate or determinate position as well as employees hired under emergency contracts, employees of other Canadian missions and partners/dependents of Canadian personnel), who meet all the essential criteria and whose application files are received no later than closing date. Please note that the Embassy of Canada does not sponsor work permits 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 on merit regardless of ethnic origin, religious belief, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability or any other irrelevant factor. 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.

• Please do not use a tablet or cell phone to submit your application, as mobile browsers are not supported by our online portal. Candidates should only apply using a laptop or desktop computer.
• Only applications submitted in one of Canada's official languages (English or French) are accepted.
• Communication for this process is sent by email. It is the responsibility of the candidate to ensure that the contact information provided is correct and updated as required.
• Candidates must include an email address that accepts messages from unknown users and regularly check their email inbox, including spam.
• Professional reference checks will be sought for candidates that reach interview stage and may form part of the selection process.
• Proof of educational qualifications will be required during the process.
• The Embassy of Canada in Côte d’Ivoire does not reimburse any travel costs to and from interviews/exams nor does it reimburse any relocation costs.
• Candidates requiring special assistance in order to participate in written exams and / or interviews are asked to notify their needs by email to LES-E-Recruitment-BREU@international.gc.ca when applying.
• The results of this competition may also be used to establish an eligibility list of qualified candidates for similar job openings for indeterminate, determinate, emergency, full-time or part-time positions at Canada’s diplomatic mission in Abidjan, which may arise within twelve (12) months following the completion of this competition.
• For any questions relating to this selection process, please communicate only by email at the following address: LES-E-Recruitment-BREU@international.gc.ca
• Due to Covid-19, some delays may occur in the progress of this recruitment process. We are working hard to minimize any disruption.


How to apply

• Please follow the link http://www.wfca-tpce.com/vacancyView.php?requirementId=4762& and fill out the online form.
• Candidates are also required to upload a CV and a cover letter in English or French. Applications which do not include all the requested documents or information will be rejected.
• Applicants who are unable to submit their application due to technical difficulties must notify LES-E-Recruitment-BREU@international.gc.ca before the closing date. Failure to do so will result in their application being rejected.
• Applications sent directly by email to LES-E-Recruitment-BREU@international.gc.ca are not accepted and will not be considered.