Director, Trade (Middle East and Africa)
About The Position
The Ministry of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration leads efforts to grow Alberta's economy by delivering strategic programs and services to support entrepreneurs and job creators, attract investment, grow trade, strengthen Alberta's industry, and ensure Alberta has an innovative and competitive business environment. The Trade Division advances Alberta's economic interests internationally by helping Alberta companies expand into global markets, strengthening commercial relationships with key international partners, and identifying new opportunities for trade and export growth. The Trade and Export Expansion Branch works directly with Alberta companies, industry associations, international partners, and governments to turn international opportunities into commercial outcomes for Alberta. The Branch provides market intelligence and export advice, connects Alberta companies with international buyers and partners, develops and leads outbound and inbound trade missions, supports participation in major international trade events, and delivers programs and services that help Alberta businesses become export-ready and expand their international presence. Through geographic teams covering the Americas, Europe, North Asia, Indo-Pacific, and the Middle East and Africa, the Branch develops deep market expertise and networks in Alberta's priority international markets. These teams identify emerging opportunities and barriers, build relationships with buyers and commercial partners, and connect Alberta companies with opportunities that can lead to increased exports, new partnerships, and long-term market growth. Working closely with Alberta's international offices, federal partners, industry organizations, and other stakeholders, the Trade and Export Expansion team helps position Alberta companies and industries to compete globally and supports the Government of Alberta's broader objectives to diversify markets, increase exports, and grow Alberta's economy.
Requirements
- University graduation in a field related to the position assignment, supplemented by seven years of management experience.
- Experience in international business, export development, and marketing.
- Understanding of current international, economic, political, and social issues.
- Demonstrated diplomacy skills when representing government in social, political, and business initiatives.
- Sound knowledge of project management approaches and experience leading a variety of project teams to the successful achievement of objectives.
- Knowledge of key concepts in international trade policy and international economic relations.
- Knowledge of Alberta trade policy objectives and the ability to align work activities with those objectives.
- Strong networking skills, including the ability to identify key relationships and convey critical information from varied sources.
- Excellent written and oral communication skills.
- Ability and willingness to travel internationally.
- Ability to obtain and maintain confidential clearance required for the preparation of Premier and Ministerial missions, travel, and briefings.
Nice To Haves
- A Master's degree in Business is considered an asset.
- Foreign language capabilities are considered an asset.
Responsibilities
- Leading Trade Officers and staff to assist Alberta-based organizations, institutions, and associations to gain market access for goods and services in their geographical region.
- Providing strategic guidance to the trade team for enhancing Alberta's export readiness and success, building awareness of international opportunities, and generating increased value for Alberta's economy.
- Supporting Minister and senior government officials in engagement with key government and industry contacts in international markets.
- Connecting with key stakeholders in foreign markets, supporting government-to-government engagement and advocacy, and understanding political and business environments in international markets.
- Facilitating connections for executive and political leadership in the respective geographic region.
- Contributing to the development of sector and market strategies by assessing the political and business environment in international markets.
- Leading government-to-government engagement and advocacy.
- Coordinating missions within their respective geo-regions.
- Developing program policy for strategic decision making.
- Ministerial Mission Planning
- Stakeholder Engagement
- Lead development of international export promotion strategy
- Leadership / Mentorship / Employee Development
- Unit / Branch Administration
- Information Requests / Action Requests / Briefings
Benefits
- Management Employee Pension Plan (MEPP).
- Alberta Public Service Benefit Information.
- Professional learning and development.
- Positive workplace culture and work-life balance.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
