Senior Trade Development Officer

Role Responsibilities

The Senior Trade Development Officer (STDO) establishes and maintains specialized market knowledge, export information and contacts in the domestic and international marketplace in order to act as a resource to industry, government and stakeholders to facilitate business
prosperity and sustainable economic development and diversification through export growth.

Specifically focusing on the Japanese and South Korean markets, this position collects, analyzes and disseminates strategic market information to new and existing agrifood exporters and other stakeholders in order to support their pursuit of export market opportunities and to enhance their competitiveness in the international marketplace. The STDO operates as part of an export development team with responsibility to input geographic and export marketing expertise into departmental strategies and initiatives. The STDO works to profile Alberta and promote industry capabilities in priority markets.

Key Responsibilities:

• Establish and maintain knowledge of priority international markets or regions, acting as a resource to industry, government and stakeholders
• Plan and lead customized trade missions to international markets and regions in order to collect primary market information, develop contacts, and support Alberta businesses in accessing foreign markets.
• Gather, analyze and transfer strategic market information to clients and stakeholders in order to support the pursuit of export market opportunities by new and existing agri-food exporters in Alberta.
• Organize and lead incoming and outgoing international trade missions in conjunction with stakeholders.
• Lead the development of and provide input to export-related policies, programs and strategies in order to assist industry to capitalize on international market opportunities.
• Develop and maintain an export development strategy for the Japan and Korea market.
• Provide export and market input to relevant programs, policies and strategies as required.
• Work with the Alberta International Office agriculture-dedicated in Tokyo and Seoul to exchange export-related intelligence contributing to these strategies.
• Help to promote Alberta as a producer of world-class agriculture and agri-food products.
• Develop and maintain close working relationships with key colleagues to ensure situational awareness of related work underway and to coordinate effective communication with stakeholders/companies.

Please click on this link to view the job description for this position.

APS Competencies

Competencies are behaviors that are essential to reach our goals in serving Albertans. We encourage you to have an in depth understanding of the competencies that are required for this opportunity and to be prepared to demonstrate them during the recruitment process.

This link will assist you with understanding competencies: https://www.alberta.ca/system/files/custom_downloaded_images/psc-alberta-public-service-competency-model.pdf.

Creative Problem Solving - Creates the environment for innovative problem solving:

• Generates new ways of thinking; ensures right questions are being asked about a problem.
• Eliminates barriers to creativity and innovation.
• Encourages a culture of innovation.

Agility - Creates an adaptable environment:

• Fosters agility, proactive and flexible practices.
• Leads and creates momentum for change.
• Champions plan of action and overcomes barriers through proactive anticipation.
• Quickly understands and reacts to environment, establishing flexible culture.

Drive for Results - Aligns different groups to achieve goals and realize broader outcomes:

• Defines work mission to achieve APS goals and integrate projects.
• Provides bold advice to stakeholders.
• Proactively improves overall performance, measured through metrics.

Develop Networks - Makes working with a wide range of parties an imperative:

• Creates impactful relationships with the right people.
• Ensures needs of varying groups are represented.
• Goes beyond to meet stakeholder needs.
• Ensures all needs are heard and understood.

Qualifications

Minimum Requirement for this Role:

• University degree (International Business, Economics, Political Science, Marketing, Finance, Business Development, or a related field) 
  Plus four (4) years progressively responsible experience (Business management, Trade, Export, Investment Promotion, Economic Development or related).
• Valid Alberta Class 5 Driver's License.
  
  

 Equivalency: Directly related education or experience considered on the basis of:

• 1 year of education for 1 year of experience; or
• 1 year of experience for 1 year of education.

Preference will be given to those with a strong understanding of international markets and trade, especially if related to direct knowledge of trade with Japan and Korea.

Assets:

• Japanese/Korean language is an asset.
• Strong knowledge of export procedures, logistics, and regulations.
• Understanding of business practices in domestic and international markets.
• Broad knowledge of agriculture and agri-food industry and its capabilities.
• Experience supporting senior-level officials and company representatives at events and on mission.

Minimum recruitment standards outline the minimum education and experience required for appointment to a job classification. 
Refer to https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-minimum-recruitment-standards.

Notes

Position Information:

• Office located in: Edmonton at the J.G.O’Donoghue Building.
• Other locations may be considered such as Airdrie or Red Deer.
• Hours of Work: 36.25 hours per week (permanent full time), Monday to Friday (08:15 am-16:30 pm).
• Evening and weekend work is sometimes required.
• Occasional in -province and international travel into the Japanese and Korean markets may be required.

Additional Applicant Information:

• A cover letter is required with your application, outlining how your education and experience aligns with the role.
• Final candidates may be required to undergo a written assignment demonstrating writing skills and abilities pre or post interviews.
• This position may require final candidates to undergo a security clearance.
• Any costs associated with obtaining the required documents/checks as noted or interview travel expenses, will be the responsibility of the candidate. Out-of-province applicants can obtain the required documents/checks from the province they currently reside in.

Instructions for your Resume:

• For Employment Experience, please indicate duration of employment (month, year).
  Please specify employment status (i.e. casual, part-time, or full-time).
  Ex: Youth Worker, Jan 2006 - June 2009, Part-time (three, 8-hour shifts per week).

Links and information on what the GoA have to offer to prospective employees.
 

• Working for the Alberta Public Service - https://www.alberta.ca/advantages-working-for-alberta-public-service.aspx.
• Public Service Pension Plan (PSPP) - https://www.pspp.ca.
• Alberta Public Service Benefit Information - https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-public-service-benefits.
• Professional learning and development - https://www.alberta.ca/professional-development-support-directive.
• Research Alberta Public Service Careers tool – https://researchapscareers.alberta.ca.
• Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
• Leadership and mentorship programs.