Head of Regional Services Sector Campaign / Deputy Trade and Investment Director, Kenya SEO at British High Commission Nairobi

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)  

• This is a senior leadership position. You will lead on the strategic planning and overall delivery of the UK Government’s trade and investment campaign in the services sector in East Africa. As the Regional Campaign Lead, you will deliver on initiatives that promotes the UK’s excellence and growing exports and investments in the sector. You will also work proactively with teams across the region to identify and resolve market access barriers faced by UK firms in the region. As Deputy Trade & Investment Director, Kenya, you will also work closely with the Trade and Investment Director to ensure strategic and operational alignment/engagement between DBT, the wider High Commission, DBT Africa and DBT HQ. You will be required to travel occasionally across the East Africa region and beyond.

Roles & Responsibilities:

LEADERSHIP OF THE REGIONAL SERVICES SECTOR CAMPAIGN

• Strategic leadership and management of the DBT Regional Services Sector Campaign covering 5+ markets, supporting DBT’s strategic priorities and trade and investment plan in East Africa;
• Build a services exports pipeline (and a credible delivery plan), working closely with High Commission/Embassy teams across the region;
• Identify and address opportunities and barriers faced by UK companies, working closely with Economic Development and Political teams across the region’s High Commissions and embassies;
• Work with the Regional Director and High Commission/Embassy teams on all Campaign related matters, including early warning of risks and possible mitigations;
• Manage the Campaign risk file in agreement with colleagues in the region, taking the responsibility for tactical changes to the Campaign to keep delivery on track and delivery of targets;
• Build and maintain a network of senior and working-level contacts across government, and industry in the region to help promote the UK as a key partner in the sector, with a particular focus on financial and professional services, education and digital/tech services;
• Develop and cultivate successful relationships with key stakeholders in London and East Africa, relying on senior contacts and specialist knowledge;
• Work closely with the stakeholders in London (DBT, FCDO and other UK Government departments), helping to ensure continued priority, support and resources for the region;
• Provide expert advice to UK exporters and investors on doing business in East Africa and Strategic Relationship Management of key accounts.

STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP

• Work closely with the Director for Trade & Investment to ensure strategic and operational alignment/engagement between DBT, the wider High Commission, DBT Africa and DBT HQ.
• You will also be the Deputy Trade and Investment Director for Kenya, providing support and working together to ensure that Kenya is well embedded into the wider pan-Africa DBT region, sharing good ideas and best practice to gain a clear understanding of business drivers across the market. You will be expected to cover in the Trade and Investment Director’s absence.
• Advise the other Regional Sector Campaign Leads on key opportunities by working with them to identifying and generate a pipeline of opportunities.
• Support the other Regional Sector Campaign Leads in overcoming challenges in delivery and ensure progress on DBT Kenya’s Country Business Plan.
• Lead the team’s senior visits work: Critical to our success is that we leverage departmental ministers, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Africa, senior civil servants and business delegations to the cause of the team. You will design, pitch for and execute senior visits into the Kenyan market, as well as inward visits to the UK by Kenyan delegations.
• Line manage two Regional Sector Campaign Leads, ensuring they deliver performance goals in line with organisation objectives;
• Contribute to wider High Commission objectives

BUDGET AND PERFORMANCE MANAGEMENT

• You will also have responsibility for the team’s financial operations and monitoring, ensuring robust systems in place to monitor the team’s performance against key indicators.
• Regular monitoring and evaluation of the Country Budget;
• Oversee the team’s approach to performance through quarterly and annual reports.
• Support planning and delivery of activities in line with the Country/Regional Business Plan and cross-cutting activities e.g. L&D. 

REOURCESE MANAGED:

• Management of two staff members and a regional campaign budget

Essential qualifications, skills and experience  

Essential on Arrival:

• To succeed in this exciting and challenging role, you will need the following:
• Strong track record of business development/sales/consulting experience, proven market awareness of the national and regional business environment;
• Strong understanding of/experience in the broader services sector;
• Track record of delivering projects in virtual/regional teams.
• Experience in government relations and or public sector;
• Ability to work in a diverse and cross-cultural environment;
• College / University level degree in a relevant area or equivalent experience;
• At least 7 years of commercial experience;
• At least 7 years of leadership experience;
• A record of delivering commercial outcomes;
• An innovative attitude especially towards customer service and performance management;
• Excellent communication skills;
• Proven ability to develop relationships with customers and stakeholders;
• Fluency in English and Swahili, both oral and written.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience  

• Experience of running/overseeing regional campaigns
• Knowledge of the political economy of East Africa