The British Embassy in Addis Ababa is seeking a dynamic and experienced professional to serve as Deputy Country Director within the Department for Business and Trade (DBT). This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute significantly to the UK’s trade and investment objectives in Ethiopia, working at the forefront of economic diplomacy and fostering mutually beneficial relationships. The successful candidate will play a critical role in strengthening commercial ties between the UK and Ethiopia, driving sustainable economic growth, and supporting British businesses in navigating the Ethiopian market.
The British Government is committed to creating an inclusive and diverse work environment where every individual feels valued and respected. The Embassy actively promotes equality and challenges discrimination, recognizing that diverse perspectives enhance organizational capabilities. Applicants from all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, regardless of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or any other category protected by law. Furthermore, the Embassy embraces family-friendly flexible working arrangements, wherever operational and security needs allow, to support a healthy work-life balance for its employees.
This leadership position within the DBT team offers a unique platform to shape the strategic direction of UK-Ethiopia trade relations. You will work alongside a dedicated team of professionals, collaborating with both British and Ethiopian stakeholders to unlock new opportunities for growth and prosperity. The role requires a proactive and strategic thinker, someone who can build strong relationships, navigate complex business environments, and effectively represent the interests of British businesses in Ethiopia. If you are a seasoned professional with a passion for international trade and a proven track record of leadership, this is an opportunity to make a tangible impact on the economic landscape.
Position: Deputy Country Director, Department for Business and Trade (DBT)
As Deputy Country Director, you will be a key member of the British Embassy’s economic team in Addis Ababa, working closely with the Country Director to implement the objectives outlined in the UK Department for Business and Trade’s (DBT) Regional Trade Plan for Africa and the Embassy’s Country Plan. Your primary focus will be on providing leadership to the commercial team, nurturing the pipeline of projects, offering guidance to UK investors and exporters, spearheading awareness-building campaigns for UK businesses in priority sectors, cultivating crucial relationships within the Government of Ethiopia, and supporting the ongoing success of UK companies already operating within the market.
In addition to managing the commercial team, you will collaborate closely with the Trade Policy and Market Access lead to support the work of the broader DBT-Ethiopia team. This includes contributing to the development and implementation of trade policy strategies, identifying and addressing market access barriers, and advocating for a level playing field for British businesses. You will also assume responsibility for the day-to-day operational management of the commercial team, ensuring efficient and effective resource allocation, and deputizing for the Country Director as needed, representing the DBT’s interests at high-level meetings and events.
This is a highly visible and influential role that requires a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and a deep understanding of both the UK and Ethiopian business environments. You will be expected to build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, business leaders, and representatives from international organizations. Your ability to communicate effectively, influence decision-making, and navigate complex political and economic landscapes will be critical to your success in this position. Ultimately, your work will contribute to fostering a more prosperous and mutually beneficial trading relationship between the UK and Ethiopia.
Essential Qualifications, Skills, and Experience
To be considered for the Deputy Country Director position, candidates must possess a postgraduate degree and/or undergraduate degree along with relevant professional qualifications. A strong academic foundation is essential for understanding the complexities of international trade and investment. Furthermore, relevant professional work experience in the private sector, or within a private-sector oriented part of Government or International Organisation is crucial. This experience should demonstrate a practical understanding of business operations, investment strategies, and market dynamics.
Prior experience of working in or with government departments, NGOs, and similar institutions is highly desirable. This experience will provide valuable insights into the policy-making process, the regulatory environment, and the challenges and opportunities of working within the Ethiopian context. A proven track record of leadership, as well as cross-team collaboration, is essential. The successful candidate must be able to motivate and inspire a team, foster a collaborative work environment, and effectively manage resources to achieve strategic objectives. Proven client-facing experience, such as that gained with an investment promotion agency or professional services firm, is also required. This experience should demonstrate the ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients, understand their needs, and provide effective solutions.
Fluency in the language of business and investment is a critical requirement, as is a positive, resilient, flexible, and adaptable “can-do” attitude that can navigate challenges. Strong interpersonal and leadership skills are essential for building successful working relationships in multicultural teams and across boundaries, to build networks across the region. Excellent drafting skills are also crucial for preparing reports, presentations, and other written materials. Fluency in English is required.
Desirable Qualifications, Skills, and Experience
In addition to the essential qualifications, skills, and experience, the following are considered desirable: experience in business development, understanding issues and developing and pursuing strategies together, investment appraisal, deal pipeline preparation, deal brokering, advisory; knowledge of the UK and Ethiopian economic and business environment; experience in managing budgets; knowledge of the investment services contract and delivery mechanisms; knowledge/experience of international development, or a willingness to learn; and fluency in Amharic.
Salary, Benefits, and Other Conditions of Employment
The salary for this position is USD 2,103.01 per month. In addition to the competitive salary, the British Embassy offers a comprehensive benefits package, including learning and development opportunities. This role provides opportunities to grow and develop given its leadership and cross-Embassy responsibilities. You will have access to the full suite of DBT and FCDO learning and development opportunities including the FCDO’s Diplomatic Academy, training in the UK, and will be encouraged to join DBT’s trade profession. We also provide regular in-house learning opportunities and are committed to supporting further academic opportunities. Our staff who demonstrate great leadership potential are encouraged to apply for the FCDO’s pan-African Emerging Leadership Programme. Overseas Development Aid training will be provided. The British Embassy has a strong commitment to learning and development and all staff are required to agree a learning and development plan with their line manager.
Flexible working requests will be considered favorably, but please note the following: You may be required to work up to 4-5 evenings each month, where business networking events require attendance. You may be expected to travel to other cities in Ethiopia (within UK travel advice), and there may be opportunities for occasional travel to the UK, and possibly other countries within Africa.
Required Behaviours
The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following behaviours: Communicating and Influencing, Leadership, Making Effective Decisions, Seeing the Big Picture.
Application Process
Interested and qualified candidates are invited to apply online through the following link: https://fco.tal.net/vx/mobile-0/appcentre-ext/brand-0/candidate/so/pm/4/pl/1/opp/24517-Deputy-Country-Director-Department-for-Business-and-Trade-04-25-ADD/en-GB
The application deadline is March 3, 2025.
The British Embassy will never request any payment or fees to apply for a position. Employees recruited locally by the British Embassy in Addis Ababa are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local employment law in Ethiopia. All candidates must be legally able to work and reside in the country of the vacancy with the correct visa/work permit status or demonstrate eligibility to obtain the relevant permit. Please log into your profile on the application system on a regular basis to review the status of your application. Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’.
We encourage you to apply and contribute to strengthening the economic partnership between the UK and Ethiopia!