EDC Senior Officer - Regional Manager (Export Development Canada)

Context:

The Embassy of Canada in Japan is seeking to hire a Regional Manager at the LEP level within the Export Development Corporation Section of the Embassy.
Export Development Canada (EDC) is Canada’s export credit agency, offering innovative financial and commercial solutions to help Canadian exporters and investors expand their international business. EDC’s knowledge and partnerships are used by more than 9,400 Canadian companies and their global customers in up to 200 markets worldwide each year. Approximately 80 per cent of EDC's customers are small and medium-sized businesses. 
EDC is a Crown corporation, wholly owned by the Government of Canada, is financially self-sustaining, and is a recognized leader in financial reporting and economic analysis.  While headquartered in Ottawa, Canada, EDC has a world-wide presence.

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Summary of Duties:

Under the leadership and guidance of the Regional Vice President, the Regional Manager is responsible for leading/co-leading EDC’s business development efforts in Japan. The incumbent has continual interaction with major local borrowers, bankers, private and public sector officials to discuss new opportunities, potential financial structuring solutions, credit analysis and risk mitigation issues. The incumbent is expected to leverage this extensive network of contacts in order to enhance EDC’s capacity to support key Japan clients and Canadian exporters and investors active in the market. The Regional Manager is also responsible for building and managing the brand image and reputation of EDC in the market and for managing the Corporation’s relationship with the Canadian Government, in respect to Japan.

The Regional Manager is accountable for the overall business results of EDC for their country portfolio against specified business targets including assigned strategic accounts.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: 
•    Identifies, creates and develops new business opportunities for EDC with both current clients (as per sector and account plans) and potential clients;
•    Engages with EDC teams to research and identify high potential prospects;
•    Conducts proactive outcalls to determine explicit needs and identify potential opportunities for EDC;
•    Generates leads and engages with EDC teams for fulfillment, monitor and follow-up;
•    Meets (reactive) with prospective Canadian clients who seek out EDC locally or are referred to EDC via HQ, Trade Commissioner’s Service, banks, etc;
•    Understands Canadian capabilities and interests, works with EDC Teams, to ensure resources are well allocated and that opportunities can be matched with EDC appetite and Canadian interest and capability;
•    Leverages local network of contacts to develop new leads for EDC in line with EDC company onboarding requirements;
•    Works with EDC’s Chief Representative and EDC teams to develop account strategies and coverage plans aimed at optimizing customer service. Shares information within EDC Virtual Account Team to ensure understanding of client needs and issues;
•    Constantly works to expand knowledge of clients’ business. Ensures a detailed knowledge of all aspects of client business and organization.
•    Champions customer issues and resolves problems efficiently and effectively (either individually or by garnering the appropriate resources to resolve the issue).
•    Documents account developments/contact via EDC CRM system. Accountable for data integrity;
•    Assists with post-closing customer service as required (example: Asset Management, Loans Admin, Credit Surveillance, interaction with a local EDC customer).
•    Coordinates EDC resources to ensure smooth interaction between underwriters and buyer;
•    Builds trust and internal relationships;
•    Constantly builds on and leverages internal knowledge and expertise with respect to underwriting issues in the markets of responsibility;
•    Assists underwriters in resolving in-market issues/ information as they arise.
•    Works with the EDC’s Chief Representative, Japan’s and EDC Sector Leads, Product Teams, and Marketing to develop an annual Market Coverage Plan 
•    Contributes to the setting of objectives for assigned strategic clients (both financial/revenue objectives and other key milestones, as well as the targeted timeline for achievement)
•    Identifies EDC resources necessary to support the implementation of the market/portfolio plan and issues that need to be resolved to expand business 
•    Makes local presentations, speeches and conducts media interviews on behalf of EDC in consultation with the EDC Chief Representative and EDC Public Affairs on a regular basis;
•    Manages the Corporation’s brand image and reputation within assigned area of responsibility as guided by the EDC Chief Representative.
•    Represents EDC in trade planning and administration within the local Canadian General Embassy. 
•    Organizes, prepares and executes local EDC sponsored BD events.  Also contributes to Canadian events with input on presentations, invitations, budget, etc.  
•    Responsible to establish and operate within budgets
•    Planning, coordination and execution of EDC Executive outreach trips to region;
•    Researches the local market and establishes contacts to identify new strategic opportunities for EDC;
•    Ensures that key market information contained on the EDC Country Portal is maintained;
•    Helps develop new services/products customized to clients’ needs by providing timely market information to EDC underwriting and COE resources, and/or helps market these and existing services
•    Manages and maintains contact network with government/local officials; develops understanding of local politics
•    Develop and update a local contacts’ database on continuous basis;
•    Review library resources to identify and procure new materials;
•    Perform other duties as required upon request.

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Area of Selection:

Open to internal and external applicants, who are residents of Japan having independent work authorization and status in accordance with Japanese protocol directives for employment in a foreign mission who meet all of the essential requirements stated below and whose applications are received by the closing date.
This position is open to:
1.    Locally-engaged staff of the Embassy of Canada to who meet all the essential qualifications.
2.    Spouses/dependents of Canada-based staff who meet all the essential qualifications.
3.    General public who meet all the essential qualifications and who currently possess the right to work in Japan.

Please note that the Embassy of Canada to Japan does not sponsor work authorizations directly or indirectly.

The Government of Canada is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from diverse sections of the community. Candidates will be considered based on merit. 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.

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ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

Candidates will initially be screened against the Essential Qualifications relating to education, language* and experience.

Candidates must clearly demonstrate when applying to the position how they meet each of these essential qualifications.

*Language will be assessed further during the process. 

 

Education:

Candidates will be required to provide proof of the completion of their education.

•    Degree from accredited college or university 
•    or an acceptable combination of education, training and work experience related to the duties and specific areas of competence required by the position, including but not limited to business or economics.
•    University degree successfully completed in an area related to the positions available (may include international relations, international commerce, political science, business administration, marketing). 

Applicants must meet the education requirements when applying for the position (i.e. before the closing date) and they will need to provide proof of graduation in order to be eligible and to continue to the evaluation stage.
 

Language:

•    Fluency in English (oral and written). 

 

Experience:

•    Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in a business development role with capital providers or financial intermediaries relevant to infrastructure and extractive and resource projects with experience in commercial/corporate lending and structured project finance deal structuring. 

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RATED REQUIREMENTS

The Rated Requirements are part of the essential qualifications and are relating to knowledge, abilities and competencies. Methods of assessment for rated requirements may include, but are not limited to, a written examination, an oral interview (online pre-recorded/live or in-person), role-play, practical tests, presentations and/or psychometric assessment.

 

Knowledge:

•    Good Knowledge of international economic development (e.g., export / trade promotion, Foreign Direct Investment) related to infrastructure and extractive and resource projects

 

Competencies:

•    Client focus and results oriented 
•    Adaptability and flexibility
•    Sound judgement

 

Abilities: 

•    Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing;
•    Ability to work independently in a proactive and accountable manner;
•    Ability to develop and maintain a network of clients, local contacts and influencers;
•    Ability to identify local and regional market needs and relevant business opportunities;
•    Ability to conduct research and analysis and provide strategic advice;
•    Ability to work as a part of a team and manage multiple projects / priorities with tight deadlines.

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Operational Requirements:

•   Hours of work: Normal hours of work for this position are in accordance with Locally-Engaged Staff regulations of 37.5 hours per week. The successful candidate must be willing to work overtime on occasion and when required. [to work occasionally outside of regular business hours]
•   Location of work: Work is normally performed on-site with flexibility for teleworking.
•   Travel Requirements: This position requires travel throughout Japan

 

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Conditions of Employment:

Conditions of employment must be met or complied with before being appointed to a particular position, and are to be maintained throughout the employment while being the incumbent of this position.

- Valid work authorization: Ability to obtain and hold a valid work authorization covering the entire employment period.

- Security screening: Obtain and maintain a Reliability Status (security level) which includes a criminal and credit background check from the Government of Canada covering the entire employment period.

- Other conditions of employment:

• Valid work authorization: Must be a resident of Japan at time of hire and be eligible to work in Japan;
• Must hold a valid ID or work permit or no impediments to obtain and hold one or to work legally in Japan.
• Health assessment may be requested at the discretion of the Head of Mission

 

Special Request from Mission / Additional Comments:

• Commuting assistance is available (up to a monthly limit of JPY 18,300).
• Depending on the approval of management and job type, remote work may be available for up to one day per week.
• The Canadian Embassy is enrolled in Japan's labor insurance (worker's compensation insurance and employment insurance).

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How to Apply

• You must submit your application using the "Apply online" function. Only applications submitted via VidCruiter will be considered, unless a valid reason is presented and accepted prior to the closing date.
• Do not include personal data such as; age, date of birth, gender, marital status, family status, religion or a picture in your application form, CV nor cover letter (as required). Please only include information relevant to the vacancy as requested in the job poster.
• You must clearly demonstrate in answering the screening questions how you meet the education and experience factors listed in the essential and asset qualifications. You must provide specific examples to demonstrate clearly how you meet the qualifications. Global Affairs Canada cannot make any assumptions about your studies nor experience. Simply saying you have the required qualifications or listing your current duties will not be sufficient. Instead, you must provide concrete and detailed examples that clearly explain where, when, and how you gained the experience. No additional information will be sought beyond what you submit in your online application.
• Candidates may be required to upload a CV and/or a cover letter in English or French. These documents may be used as a secondary source to validate the answers to the screening questions.
• Applications which do not include all of the requested documents or information and/or which are not received by the closing date will be rejected.
• Candidates who are unable to submit their application due to technical difficulties must report these to LES-E-Recruitment-MANIL@international.gc.ca prior to the closing date. Failure to do so will result in the application being rejected.

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Important Notes

• Only applications submitted in one of the official languages of Canada will be accepted (English or French).
• The language requirement for this position is identified under the essential qualifications (language). In consequence, the assessment process for this vacancy will be conducted in English.
• Communication for this process will be sent via email. It is the responsibility of the candidates to ensure accurate contact information is provided and updated as required.

• Candidates must provide an email address that accepts email from unknown users and regularly check their email, including spam folder.
• Reference checks may be sought for candidates who succeeded all of the assessments.
• Please note that the Embassy of Canada to Japan does not reimburse any travel costs to and from interviews/exams nor does it reimburse any relocation costs.
• Before an offer of employment can be made, successful candidates must provide a local residence address as proof of residence in the specified area of selection. This information is necessary to issue a letter of offer.
• As recently announced by the Government of Canada, the Policy for Mandatory Vaccination: Canada and the Mission Network is suspended as of June 20, 2022. The Government of Canada will continue to assess the need for additional public health measures, including the possible reintroduction of a vaccination mandate at a later date.
• We are committed to providing an inclusive and barrier-free work environment, starting with the hiring process. If you need to be accommodated during any phase of the evaluation process, please contact us at LES-E-Recruitment-MANIL@international.gc.ca to request specialized accommodation. All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential.
• The results of this selection process may also be used to establish one or more pools of fully or partially qualified candidates for similar term, indeterminate, part-time or full-time openings at the Embassy of Canada to Japan which might arise following the completion of this selection process.
• For Canadian citizens/residents and Canadian dual nationals, please note that it is your responsibility to enquire with the Canadian Revenue Agency about any possible taxation implications linked to an employment with the Government of Canada.