Job Purpose
The Trade Officer will enhance bilateral trade and investment relations between Switzerland and Kenya. This role includes supporting businesses, identifying trade opportunities, and contributing to the Embassy’s economic and trade objectives.
Key Responsibilities
- Trade and Investment Promotion
- Facilitate trade opportunities by gathering market information and responding to business inquiries.
- Build and maintain relationships with government agencies, trade organizations, and private sector stakeholders.
- Economic Analysis and Advisory
- Provide advice on legal and regulatory frameworks for foreign trade and economic issues.
- Draft the Embassy’s annual economic report and other relevant analyses.
- Event and Mission Coordination
- Organize trade promotion events, trade fairs, and networking activities in collaboration with the Swiss Business Hub.
- Plan and coordinate logistics for international trade missions and business delegations.
- Market Intelligence
- Monitor Kenyan regulations on tax, import/export, public tenders, and land use.
- Maintain and develop a network of contacts in Kenya’s business and economic sectors.
- Business Development
- Advise the Embassy on opportunities across economic sectors, with a focus on digital transformation.
- Represent the Embassy at business events, trade fairs, and networking forums.
- Communication and Reporting
- Draft reports, briefing notes, and presentations.
- Manage communication on economic, trade, and business aspects, including social media updates.
- Scholarship Administration
- Oversee dissemination and administration of the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarships.
Required Qualifications and Experience
- Education: Master’s degree in Economics, Business Administration, Statistics, International Development, or a related field.
- Experience: At least 5 years of experience in trade, preferably with embassies, international NGOs, UN agencies, or similar organizations.
- Knowledge:
- Strong understanding of Kenya’s economic and trade environment, with an established network in the sector.
- Expertise in foreign trade regulations, business operations, tax, public tenders, and digital transformation.
- Skills:
- Proficiency in ICT systems and social media.
- Excellent analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
- Networking abilities with diverse stakeholders.
Competencies
- High motivation, adaptability, and a commitment to teamwork.
- Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
- Integrity, loyalty, and a customer-oriented mindset.
- Fluent English (written and spoken); knowledge of a Swiss national language (German, French, or Italian) is an asset.
- Valid Kenyan/East African work permit is mandatory.
Employment Details
- Location: Nairobi, Kenya.
- Start Date: Ideally 01 February 2025 or earlier.
- Application Deadline: 04 December 2024.
Application Process
Applicants must submit the following to [email protected] (subject line: Application: Trade Officer):
- Motivation Letter (maximum 1.5 pages, Arial 10), including a short paragraph addressing:
“In which Kenyan sectors do you see the biggest potential for Swiss companies, and what would be your advice to them before entering the Kenyan market?” - Curriculum Vitae (maximum 4 pages).
Important Notes
- Apply only if you meet the stated minimum requirements.
- The Embassy does not charge any recruitment fees or engage third-party facilitators.
- Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. If you do not hear back within a month after the deadline, please consider your application unsuccessful.
- Official communication will be via the Embassy’s listed contacts on its website.