Regional Campaign Lead, Advanced Engineering and Clean Energy at British High Commission Nairobi

Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)  

• Working closely with the East Africa Regional Director, you will oversee the delivery of the UK Government’s trade and investment campaign in the advanced engineering and clean energy sectors 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.  You will be required to travel occasionally across the East Africa region and beyond.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Manage the DBT Regional Advanced Engineering and Clean Energy Campaign covering 5+ markets, supporting DBT’s strategic priorities and trade and investment plan in East Africa;
• Build an Advanced Engineering and Clean Energy 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 infrastructure, aerospace advanced manufacturing and clean energy solutions.
• 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.

Resources Managed:

• Management of a 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 advanced engineering and clean energy sectors
• 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 4 years of commercial experience;
• A record of delivering commercial outcomes;
• Commercial and economic awareness;
• 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;
• Strong IT skills using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Office and the Internet.

Desirable qualifications, skills and experience  

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