Type of Contract: Indeterminate, Full time
Number of Vacancies: 1
Classification level: LE-O2 Annual salary (Base salary at step 1): 801,270.00 MXN pesos per year (37.5 hours/week) before taxes + benefits package Tentative Start Date: August 2021. However, due to Covid-19, some delays may occur in the progress of this recruitment process. Please note that we are working hard to minimize any disruption. Closing date: July 7, 2021, at 23:59. The Embassy of Canada to Mexico is pleased to announce a staffing process for a Senior Business Development Officer - Agriculture at the LE-O2 level:
Summary of Duties:
The Senior Business Development Officer - Agriculture will work on the planning, development, and delivery of the Province of Alberta’s agriculture programming in the areas of trade promotion and investment attraction. Under the direction of the Ministry of Agriculture and Foresty’s Export Development Manager, the Senior Business Development Officer – Agriculture will:
Identify export opportunities, facilitate trade, and profile Alberta as a preferred supplier of premium agriculture and agri-food products and services in Mexico. Identify international investment and capital opportunities for Alberta’s agriculture and food industry. Build and maintain relationships with Alberta agriculture exporters to provide market intelligence and coaching on entry and expansion in the Mexico market. Establish and expand agriculture networks to identify and promote opportunities in attracting investment to Alberta. Lead and support incoming and outgoing trade and political delegations, including ministerial-led missions. Represent Alberta’s Ministry of Agriculture at trade events, conferences, and roundtables, and support Alberta clients participating at such events. Provide research and analysis on agriculture business needs of local contacts and engage in outreach or corporate liaison activities to promote Alberta’s agriculture sector. Advise clients on strategies to resolve business issues, including insurance coverage and claims, customs clearance, contract bidding, shipping, overdue accounts receivables. Develop agriculture policy and project documents, such as presentations, briefing notes, speaking notes, funding estimates, contracts, reports and communication materials, and provide substantive technical input into agriculture program planning and the development of documents related to Alberta agriculture priorities. Develop and maintain a close working relationship with the Embassy and Trade Commissioners responsible for the agriculture sector to share information, strategies, tactics, and best practices to the extent they align with Alberta’s priorities in the country. Develop relationships with local agriculture and related sector contacts to discuss issues pertaining to clients’ needs and promote Alberta’s agriculture interests and objectives by contributing to discussions in relevant forums. Tracks operational budget and performance measures. May be required to translate documents and/or interpret for CBS staff.
Area of selection/Eligibility:
This position is open to:
All employees of the Embassy of Canada in Mexico and its Consulates and Consular agencies. The general public who meet all the essential requirements and who currently possess the right to work in Mexico (please note that the Embassy of Canada will not provide assistance to apply for a work permit) Only candidates who meet all of the Essential Qualifications stated below, who apply before the closing date and who follow the steps described in the “How to Apply” section below will proceed to the next stage of the staffing process and be assessed against the Rated Requirements, which may include (but are not limited to): remote tests, interviews, role-play and reference checks
Our organization offers an inclusive workplace where respect, teamwork, and collaboration are part of our culture. Canada’s missions abroad are committed to promoting and supporting an environment free from harassment and discrimination, as well as encouraging and supporting employees to learn and develop their skills and competencies.
How to apply
Interested candidates must complete the following Cover Letter Template and send it along with an updated electronic version of their CV, in Word or PDF, before the closing deadline, through an e-mail to CSDPMX-HR-Candidates@international.gc.ca :
Subject must be labelled as “Senior Business Development Officer - Agriculture, Alberta, LE-O2.” An up-to-date electronic version of their Résumé, in English or French (Resume must include at least three areas: academic background, work experience and contact details). Please do not include in your CV personal information that could be considered discriminatory (i.e. picture, marital status, religion, age, etc.). Complete the template , in English or French, filling in the required boxes detailing how you meet that specific qualification. In the template, fill in all the blanks, indicating that you are interested in this specific position and confirming that you have carefully read this job poster.
Essential qualifications
Candidates are required to clearly demonstrate how they meet the screening requirements (education, experience, language) on their CV and cover letter (please refer to the section on how to apply for more details). Failure to do so may result in your application not being considered further during the screening process.
Education
As a minimum requirement, candidates must possess a Bachelor’s Degree from a legally registered institution in a relevant field, such as International Business, International Relations, Commerce, etc. Candidates must meet the education requirement when applying for the position (i.e. before the closing date) and they will be required to provide proof of the completion of their educational degree to be able to proceed to the assessment stage.
Language
Advanced written and spoken proficiency in English and Spanish. *Languages proficiency will be assessed.
Experience
Minimum of four years of work experience in international business development or international relations, such as promoting trade and attracting investment. Minimum of two years of work experience in organizing and delivering trade and/or investment promotion events and high-level political visits. Minimum of two years experience in gathering market intelligence and using it to assess risks and opportunities grounded in the up-to-date knowledge of the local economic development context. Experience conducting research and analysis and providing strategic advice, briefings and written reports to senior management and/or clients on business issues. Experience in project management (including strategic planning, tracking and reporting results). Experience in developing and maintaining networks of business contacts in Mexico.
Rated qualifications
Knowledge
Knowledge of the agriculture sector and the Mexican business environment. Knowledge of import/export process, customs, and international shipping and logistics. Knowledge of trade-related policy as it relates to trade promotion, including the structure and application of free trade agreements. Knowledge of how to organize VIP visits such as those of CEOs, senior management and political or government representatives, including incoming/outgoing business delegations. Knowledge of how to organize and lead business meetings.
Abilities/Competencies
Excellent presentation and communication skills in both Spanish and English. Strong networking ability Excellent interpersonal skills Cross-Cultural Sensitivity Excellent organizational skills Ability to prioritize tasks Ability to work independently
Asset Qualifications
Asset qualifications are not required to apply for the position stated above. Candidates are encouraged to indicate in their CV and/or cover letters if they meet any of these qualifications.
Established networks/relationships in Mexico in the agriculture sector. Previous experience working in a diplomatic mission, international organization, foreign private company or similar. Master’s degree in relevant field (e.g. international business, international relations, commerce, etc.).
Organizational Needs
Operational Requirements
Willingness to work overtime, often on short notice. Ability to deal with time pressure and tight deadlines. Availability to travel occasionally.
Conditions of Employment
Obtain and maintain the required security clearance; Legally authorized to work and live in Mexico. The successful candidate must disclose to the Embassy if they hold Canadian citizenship before being employed at the Embassy or if they obtain Canadian Citizenship at any time during their employment with the Embassy (please note that Canadian citizens/residents and Canadian dual nationals will be subject to Canadian income tax deductions).
Important notes
Candidates are entitled to participate in the staffing process in the Canadian official language of their choice (English or French) by specifying their preference within their application documents, however, the Embassy of Canada in Mexico has the right to decide which components of the staffing process can only be assessed in the languages stated as essential in this Job Poster. Communication for this process will be sent via email. It is candidate’s responsibility to ensure accurate contact information is provided and updated as required, and to ensure their email address accepts emails from unknown users (some email systems block these types of email). Candidates will be required to provide proof of the completion of their educational degree. Reference checks will be sought for candidates that reach interview stage and are part of the selection process. The Embassy of Canada in Mexico does not reimburse any travel costs to and from interviews/exams nor does it reimburse any relocation costs. The Embassy of Canada in Mexico does not sponsor work permits. If candidates need any special assistance in terms of attending exams or interviews, please let us know during the application process. The results of this staffing process will serve to build an eligibility list of qualified candidates, which could also be used for indeterminate or temporary appointments (acting) at the same level and for similar positions, within the Embassy of Canada in Mexico. This staffing process will serve to build an eligibility list of qualified candidates at the same level, which could also be used for indeterminate appointments or temporary assignment (acting) at the same level and for similar positions, within the Canadian Embassy in Mexico.
