Open Competition Notice
Title: Trade Commissioner
Salary Range: Starting GH¢42,557 to maximum GH¢62,195 per year
Deadline to submit application: Thursday, June 28, 2012, 4:00pm
Competition #: Accra CO/07/12
Job Summary:
Under the general direction of the Senior Trade Commissioner (STC)/Commercial Counsellor, the Trade Commissioner in Accra is responsible for the provision of Canadian Trade Commissioner Services in Ghana, Togo and Sierra Leone in the context of Canada's commercial engagement in Africa.

. The incumbent has responsibility for managing and promoting the extractive sector (mining and oil and gas), corporate social responsibility, education, infrastructure (water, power/energy) and transport infrastructure sectors in priority market:
. Ghana and secondary markets (Togo & Sierra Leone) and will help co-ordinate the delivery of the Trade and Investment Programmes Business Plan.
. The Trade officer supports official visits, delegations, trade missions and outreach activities by mission staff and works to broaden trade linkages between Canada and Ghana, Togo and Sierra Leone

Qualification Required & Experience
Mandatory Screening Requirements:

. Education: Master's degree from a recognized university with a major in a discipline such as Business Administration, International Trade, Commerce, Economics, Law or Engineering; a combination of education, training and experience is acceptable.
. Language: Fluency in English (written & oral). Knowledge of French and any other regional language is an asset
. Experience: Minimum 3 years' experience working with commercial, financial or government clients in international trade and/or investment promotion. Experiences in marketing, in dealing with the public and managing relations and events with a diverse client base are an asset
. Other: The candidates must be a demonstrated self-starter with the ability to work under pressure. The candidate is required to have extensive knowledge of the local business community as well as multi-sector international trade and investment opportunities in primary market (Ghana) and secondary markets (Togo and Sierra Leone). Knowledge of Canadian trade and investment in Ghana is a plus

Rated Qualifications:
Knowledge:

. Knowledge of Canada's Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade (DFAIT) and the Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) in Ghana
. Knowledge of Ghana's investment environment and Ghana's economy and key industries/sectors (mining, oil & gas, power/energy, education, hard and soft infrastructure)
. Knowledge of Ghana's political environment and general political information
. Knowledge of Canada-Ghana Relations (i.e. trade, development, defense)
. Knowledge of Key Canadian Industries/sectors (mining, oil & gas, power/energy, education, hard and soft infrastructure, corporate social responsibility)
. Knowledge of business methods and practices in primary market (Ghana) and secondary markets (Togo and Sierra Leone) in general (i.e. how to do business and how to invest in Ghana, Togo, Sierra Leone, business etiquette; language and culture; and risks/challenges for doing business)
. Knowledge of a full range of international financial institutions' programmes and for primary markets (Ghana) and secondary markets (Togo and Sierra Leone) and the region of West Africa (e.g. African Development Bank, World Bank)

Abilities:

. Ability to follow economic developments in the local marketplace and to look at the implications for Canadian interests
. Ability to use standard office suites and information technology tools
. Ability to co-ordinate conflicting priorities within tight deadlines and meet work targets
. Ability to research and compile reports
. Ability to communicate orally and in writing effectively with people at all levels
. Ability to establish effective interpersonal relationships within team and supervisory relationships

Personal Suitability:

. Oral communication/presentation skills
. Excellent planning, organizational and interpersonal skills
. Professional integrity, tact, and good judgment
. Flexible and effective performance under pressure
. Demonstrate a high degree of discretion and autonomy
. Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability

How To Apply For The Job
Provide your application to:

The Personnel Officer
High Commission of Canada
42 Independence, Avenue
P. O. Box 1639
Accra

E-mail: accra@international.gc.ca

Please quote Competition #: Trade Commissioner Application Accra CO/07/12.

Only applications received at the above address before the final date of submission and time will be considered.

Notes:

1. Anyone wishing to apply for this position should send their resume with a one (1) page covering letter stating their interest in the position with reference to their qualifications and work experience along with other relevant information pertaining to their candidacy.
2. Only the applicants short-listed will be contacted by the HR Section.
3. The assessment for the position can include an interview, a written test and other tests that will consist of a series of questions designed to evaluate each applicant's knowledge, abilities and personal suitability for the position.
4. The results of this competition may also be used to establish an eligibility list to staff similar openings at the High Commission of Canada, Accra which may arise in the twelve (12) months following the completion of this competition

Closing Date: 28th June, 2012