Senior Trade Advisor, International Markets

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow. The FCDO operates an agile workforce and to facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, as we may reasonably require.

Do you enjoy supporting businesses, analysing markets, and driving export success in a dynamic international environment? Would you thrive in a role where your commercial expertise directly shapes the future of UK–Germany trade?

We are now recruiting for Senior Trade Advisors (International Markets) at the UK's Department for Business & Trade (DBT), based at the British Embassy in Berlin.

Who Are We?

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is a ministerial department of the UK Government, with its number one objective to promote growth. The DBT Germany team is one of the largest in the DBT Europe Region (around 200 staff), working closely with colleagues across departments to accelerate economic growth by improving market access for business and boosting exports and investment. In Germany, DBT is made up of sector-focused teams, with cross-cutting support from the PMO, the Strategic Communications Team, and the Trade Policy and Market Access team.

We aim to be a diverse and inclusive employer, welcoming to people of all backgrounds. The senior leadership is committed to ensuring that we are a supportive and fair place to work. The Germany Network values are kindness, inclusivity, honesty, professionalism and responsibility. These values guide how we work on a daily basis, and all staff must adhere to them.

Aufgaben

This role will be part of the International Markets team in Europe, which has a particular focus on supporting Small to Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) export from the UK to Germany. You will not only work closely with colleagues in Germany but also with our International Markets Trade Hub based in Prague. The IM Hub team in Prague is the first point of contact for most UK SMEs looking for export support from DBT in Europe. As a Senior Trade Advisor for IM Europe, you will support the wider team in building capability through sharing of case studies and best practice in ways of working. You may also be asked to support projects that are relevant for the IM Europe team in addition to your own market.

What Will You Do?

Support UK Exporters to Enter and Grow in Germany

• Provide tailored, practical support to UK SMEs and exporters across a wide range of sectors.
• Research German market trends, opportunities, and regulatory developments to equip exporters with accurate, up‑to‑date insights.
• Identify and connect UK businesses with in‑market partners, commercial service providers, and representation options.

Manage and Prioritise Export Enquiries

• Triage incoming enquiries from the Prague IM Hub and directly from exporters, prioritising based on sector potential, readiness, and market demand.
• Ensure high‑potential exporters in priority sectors receive fast, expert support.

Monitor Market Access and Policy Developments

• Identify upcoming legislation changes, market access barriers, and emerging opportunities, and communicate these proactively to UK companies.
• Work with Embassy colleagues in business policy, customs, economic diplomacy, and sector teams to ensure consistent messaging and joined‑up delivery.

Build Networks and Stakeholder Relationships

• Expand and maintain networks with German commercial partners, government bodies, multipliers, and private sector specialists.
• Collaborate closely with DBT sector leads across Germany and the IM Hub team in Prague.

Contribute to Team Capability and Knowledge‑Sharing

• Share best practice, case studies, and insights across the IM Europe network.
• Support cross‑market or regional projects that advance the strategic priorities of the IM Europe team.

Develop Sector Expertise (Approx. 30% of the Role)

• Deep‑dive into a designated priority sector, shaping the Germany network's understanding of opportunities and barriers.
• Provide support not just to SMEs but also larger, more experienced exporters requiring bespoke guidance.

Any other duties that may reasonably be required in support of the wider work of the Embassy, including crisis work.

What You'll Love About This Role

• Be at the heart of UK‑German trade relations, supporting projects with national and international impact.
• Work in a diverse, supportive, high‑performing team at the British Embassy in Berlin.
• Strong professional development culture — mentoring, coaching, internal mobility, L&D days, and secondments.
• Flexible working, generous leave, and time‑off‑in‑lieu for extra hours worked.
• Opportunities to build networks across Europe and work closely with teams in Berlin, Munich, Düsseldorf, and the Prague IM Hub.

Why Join Us?

• Make real impact by supporting UK businesses to grow in Germany and shaping key trade opportunities.
• Join a diverse, supportive and high‑performing team at the British Embassy Berlin, working closely with colleagues across Germany and Europe.
• Benefit from excellent learning and development, including coaching, mentoring, and regional collaboration.
• Enjoy flexible working, a healthy work‑life balance, and TOIL for extra hours worked.
• A varied role with autonomy, sector ownership, and the chance to build strong professional networks.

Profil

• Proficiency in German and English (both written and spoken, minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework*);
• Knowledge of the German and/or UK business environment. Experience working on Exports and/or experience working in a commercial and international environment – ideally Business to Business and/or Business to Government;
• Strong analytical and research skills, including the ability to identify trends and transform in accurate written market briefings, and reports;
• Experience in managing multiple inquiries and prioritizing effectively;
• Strong communication skills and presentation skills, both verbal and written;
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work well with English and German commercial clients and stakeholders, as well as a large and diverse internal team;
• Proactive and goal oriented. Self-starter and ability to work well on own initiative;
• A university degree in relevant field and /or proven commercial/economic experience;
• Good IT skills, especially Word, PowerPoint and Excel.

Wir bieten

This is a full time (37,5 hours a week), fixed-term 2 year contract with the possibility of becoming a permanent contract subject to performance and funding. Salary €68,556. - rising to a maximum of approx. €77,009. - gross per annum after a qualifying period in addition to performance related pay (salary is not negotiable). Candidate must have pre-existing work authorisation in Germany in order to apply.

Staff recruited locally by the British Embassy are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local German employment law. The successful candidate will be subject to professional background check, security clearance and 6 months probationary period.

Visa/work permit requirements: Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Germany and be prepared to ensure that right remains throughout the scope of the contract. Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal requirements to live and work in this country.

Start date is an indicative target start date.

Equal employment

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, colour, ancestry, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability or gender identity. We particularly encourage applications from candidates with protected characteristics. DBT Europe Network want to maximise the potential of everyone who chooses to work for us, regardless of their background.

Europe DBT network and the British Embassy in Germany are a rewarding and exciting place to work, offering:

• Scope for personal and professional development: Excellent networks and opportunities for support, including mentoring, coaching, job shadowing and secondments;
• Strong offer for learning and development, including dedicated L&D days;
• An equal, diverse and engaged workplace;
• Work-life balance.

Learning & Development

The British Embassy has a strong ethos of Learning and Development, including our Learning and Development Week. In addition, there will be many opportunities to attend external seminars and events on relevant issues. This is in addition to the induction programme offered to all Embassy's staff.

The British Embassy offers learning and development opportunities throughout the year and invites you to join committee led forums where you may have an interest and can help shape the organisations objectives.

The successful applicant will be encouraged to be actively involved in the corporate life of the British Embassy, contributing to the wider objectives of the British Government's Germany network and supporting the Embassy's positive working environment.

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