The U.S. Embassy in Accra, Ghana is seeking an individual for the position of COMMERCIAL ASSISTANT in the Foreign Commercial Section (FCS) of the Embassy.

POSITION NO: A51234

BASIC FUNCTION OF POSITION

Under the supervision of the Senior Commercial Officer, the incumbent performs research, contact and reporting assignments in promoting U.S. trade objectives in Ghana for assigned industry sectors of limited scope. S/he conducts market analysis; prepares market intelligence reports and submits alert reporting on commercial opportunities; provides business counseling to local and U.S. business representatives. S/he responds to trade complaints by researching the circumstances, analyzing the facts, and making recommendations for solutions. The incumbent provides advocacy support for the U.S. firms in major projects, organizes and implements a wide variety of Commercial Service trade promotion and business facilitation services, including the Gold Key Service (GSK), International Partner Search (IPS), International Buyer Program (IBP) delegations, trade missions, conferences and seminars. Serves as commercial librarian and event logistics coordinator as well as a backup to the Commercial Assistant.

Trade Promotion Support

The incumbent provides analysis of market and industry conditions in assigned industry sectors as well as market analysis reports and alert reporting on trade or investment opportunities; and prepares market research studies by obtaining preliminary analysis of statistical data derived from published and unpublished sources by interviewing manufacturers, distributors and related sources to obtain required basic information. The incumbent manages and implements trade promotion projects and events in Ghana, including trade missions, trade exhibitions, seminars, workshops, catalog shows and International Buyer Program delegations to the United States. S/he performs core Commercial Service business facilitation services such as Gold Key, Silver Key, IPS, ICP and Flexible Market Research.

Documentation and Reporting

The incumbent works with Global Markets colleagues at post, throughout the region and in the U.S., incumbent is responsible for capturing the work and the results generated by post which involves significant database development, work with Global Market’s CRM application, with post, regional and organization SharePoint sites and additional IT tools.

Counseling and Business Assistance

The incumbent briefs business and official visitors on the market conditions in Ghana as they relate to the assigned industries and is administratively responsible for specialized FCS trade programs (Gold Key Service, International Partner Search, etc.). S/he assists U.S. firms to export to Ghana by locating buyers, agents and distributors for their products as well as coordinate
among sub Saharan Africa posts, American clients and U.S. district offices, and developing and maintaining a database for all program activities in Ghana.

Market Research

The incumbent assists in development of the post’s annual market research plan (the blueprint for the research Post will perform over the course of the year) and helps ensure timely completion, or negotiates with Headquarters if plans must be changed. The range of market studies produced include Customized Market analysis (CMA), Industry Sector Analysis (ISA), International Market Insight (IMI), Flexible Market Research (FMR) and the Country Commercial Guide (CCG). Occasionally such reports, or parts thereof, are performed by outside contractors, in which case the incumbent selects and supervises the contractors and reviews the final report for
conformity with CS quality standards.

Qualification Required & Experience

NOTE: All applicants must address each selection criterion detailed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each item.

•   A bachelor’s degree in economics, accounting, marketing, international trade or business administration is required.
•   One year experience in marketing, business administration, economic research, information management, or closely related field is required.
•   Level IV (Fluent) in English is required. High degree of proficiency in both the written and spoken language, including the ability to translate. On occasion, the job holder may need to act as an interpreter. Language proficiency will be tested.
•   Must demonstrate thorough knowledge of the domestic economy, commercial and industrial structures, business and industry customs
and practices and trade and investment laws, regulations and policies.
•   Through understanding of Global Markets trade promotion goals, programs and
procedures, marketing strategies and reporting requirements as well as knowledge of U.S. business practices
•   Ability to develop and maintain an extensive range of mid to high-level contacts in the host government and private sector; to plan, organize and execute complex commercial research projects to prepare precise and accurate reports embodying in-depth analytical evaluations and to render advice with detachment and objectivity, employing sound professional judgment.

Starting Salary: GH¢28, 111 p.a.

Location: Accra

How To Apply For The Job

Interested candidates for this position must submit the following for consideration of the application:

1. Universal Application for Employment (UAE) as a locally Employed Staff or Family Member (DS-174): or
2. A combination of both: i.e. Section 1-24 of the UAE along with a listing of the applicant’s work experience attached as a separate sheet; or
3. A current resume or curriculum vitae that provides the same information found on the UAE (see section 3A below for more information): plus
4. Candidates who claim U.S. Veterans preference must provide a copy of their Form
DD-214 with their application. Candidates who claim conditional US Veteran preference must submit documentation confirming eligibility for a conditional preference in hiring with their application.
5. Any other documentation (e.g., essays, certificates, awards) that addresses the qualification requirements of the position as listed above.
6. A telephone number, post office box and/or e-mail address where we can contact you to schedule an interview.
3A. If an applicant is submitting a resume or curriculum vitae, s/he must provide the following information equal to what is found on the UAE.

Failure to do so will result in an incomplete application.

A. Position Title
B. Position Grade
C. Vacancy Announcement Number (if known)
D. Dates Available for Work
E. First, Middle, & Last Names as well as any other names used
F. Date and Place of Birth
G. Current Address, Day, Evening, and Cell phone numbers
H. U.S. Citizenship Status (Yes or No) & status of permanent U.S. Resident (Yes or No; if yes, provide number)
I. U.S. Social Security Number and/or Identification Number
J. Eligibility to work in the country (Yes or No)
K. Special Accommodations the Mission needs to provide
L. If applying for position that includes driving a U.S. Government vehicle, Driver’s License Class / Type
M. Days available to work
N. List any relatives or members of your household that work for the U.S. Government (include their Name, Relationship, & Agency, Position, Location)
O. U.S. Eligible Family Member and Veterans Hiring Preference
P. Education
Q. License, Skills, Training, Membership, & Recognition
R. Language Skills
S. Work Experience
T. References

NOTE:

1. All applications must have the Position Number and Position Title identified.
2. All “Hard Copy”/printed applications must be submitted to the Mail Room at the
Chancery. Hard Copy Applications submitted through any other office will not be accepted. You may apply on-line using the email address.:-

AccraHRO@state.gov

This is the preferred means of applying for a position with the American Embassy.

3. ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE FOR AN OPEN/ADVERTIZED POSITION. APPLICATIONS PREVIOUSLY CONSIDERED FOR A JOB WILL NOT BE HELD/CONSIDERED FOR FUTURE JOBS. IF YOU ARE INTERESTED, YOU MUST RE-APPLY.  

SUBMIT APPLICATION TO:

Human Resources Office
Through the Mailroom, Chancery
American Embassy, Accra
P.O. Box GP194, Accra

POINT OF CONTACT:

Telephone: 0302-741000
Fax: 0302-741389
E-mail: AccraHRO@state.gov

Closing Date: 19 August, 2014

NOTE: ALL U.S. AND NON-GHANAIAN CITIZENS, WHO ARE NOT FAMILY MEMBERS OF USG EMPLOYEES OFFICIALLY ASSIGNED TO POST AND UNDER CHIEF OF MISSION AUTHORITY, MUST ATTACH COPIES OF THE REQUIRED WORK AND/OR RESIDENCY PERMITS TO BE ELIGIBLE FOR CONSIDERATION. NO RELOCATION EXPENSES ARE PROVIDED TO THE JOB LOCATION: ACCRA, GHANA. IF TRANSPORTATION TO ACCRA IS REQUIRED, IT WILL BE THE EMPLOYEE’S RESPONSIBILITY.