Senior Trade and Investment Officer (British Columbia)

Summary of Duties

Representing the Province of British Columbia in one of its priority international markets, the Senior Trade and Investment Officer advances BC's economic interests by fostering trade, attracting investment, and building strategic partnerships, including with government agencies, trade associations, and international partners. Working from the Embassy of Canada in Mexico City, the position connects BC businesses with new commercial opportunities, engages investors and key stakeholders, and conducts market research and analysis to identify trends, risks, and opportunities that inform strategic advice to BC stakeholders and clients. The role promotes British Columbia's products, services, and investment opportunities through trade shows, exhibitions, and promotional campaigns that build market visibility and competitiveness, and monitors trade and investment activity to prepare reporting and recommend adjustments to strategy. Through these activities, the position supports initiatives that contribute to sustainable economic growth, job creation, and increased global competitiveness for British Columbia. 

 

Area of selection/Eligibility

This selection process is open to all applicants, who are residing and legally authorized to work in Mexico. 

• Please note that the Embassy of Canada does not sponsor work authorizations directly or indirectly. 
• Please note that the Embassy of Canada does not reimburse any travel costs to and from interviews/exams nor does it reimburse any relocation costs. Assessment methods may include an in-person interview in Mexico City. Any costs associated with participation in the assessment process remain the responsibility of the candidate. 

The Government of Canada is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from diverse sections of the community. Candidates will be considered on merit regardless of ethnic origin, religious belief, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability or other factor. 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. 

 

How to Apply 

Follow the below instructions to ensure your application can be considered.  

• 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. 
• Applications which do not include all the requested documents or information and/or which are not received by the closing date will be rejected. 
• You must clearly demonstrate in answering the screening questions how you meet the qualifications of the vacancy. You must provide concrete and detailed examples that clearly explain where, when, and how you gained the qualification in each question box. Global Affairs Canada cannot make any assumptions about your studies nor experience. No additional information will be sought beyond what you submit in your online application. 
• Candidates must provide an email address that accepts email from unknown users and regularly check their email, including spam folder. 
• 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. 
• Do not include personal data such as: age, date of birth, gender, marital status, family status, religion, or a picture in your application form. Only include information relevant to the vacancy as requested below. 
• Candidates who are unable to submit their application due to technical difficulties must report these to LES-E-Recruitment-MXICO@international.gc.ca prior to the closing date. Failure to do so will result in the application being rejected. 

 

Essential qualifications  

All essential qualifications will be assessed. Methods of assessments and screening of candidates may include but are not limited to: verification of credentials, resume and letters of presentation; interviews, exams and practical tests; presentations or other types of assessments.  

Education 

This position requires: 

• Bachelor’s degree from a legally registered institution. 

Note: Candidates will be required to provide proof of their education. Valid documents include: “título”, “cédula”. 

Language 

The Following languages and proficiency levels are required for this job. Candidates will be formally assessed or requested to provide proof of certification on these levels.   

• An advanced proficiency level (reading, writing, comprehension, and speaking) in English AND Spanish. 

Experience 

In order to perform the duties relevant to this job, the following experience is required. 

• 5 years of cumulative experience within the last 10 years working for a private or public organization in international business development (e.g. increasing exports) and/or foreign direct attraction (e.g. promoting a foreign country as an investment destination); 
• Experience managing client and stakeholder relationships and in providing business service support to small and large customers and clients; 
• Experience in project planning and management; 
• Experience in providing strategic advice, briefings, and written reports on international business issues to executive leadership, management and/or clients. 
• Experience using CRM tools and databases 

 

Competencies 

All competencies will be assessed. All competencies must be met prior to appointment.  

• Knowledge of Mexico's key economic sectors, regional economic strengths, and general business environment relevant to trade and investment activity. 
• Knowledge of bilateral trade and investment flows, and of the factors that influence investment decisions, expansion, retention, relocation, and aftercare. 
• Strategic Thinking and Decision Making 
• Networking and Alliance Building 
• Initiative and Action Orientation 
• Client Orientation  
• Focus on Quality and Details  
• Resilience and adaptability 

*For more information on competencies: Competency Dictionary

 

Asset Qualifications 

Preference may be given to candidates who meet the Asset Qualifications. Where applicable, candidates must clearly demonstrate how they meet any asset qualifications. 

• Previous experience working in a diplomatic mission and / or governmental or intergovernmental organizations.  
• Knowledge of British Columbia’s key economic sectors, businesses, geographic regions, economic strengths, and value proposition for investment.  
• An intermediate proficiency level (reading, writing, comprehension, and speaking) in French. 
• Experience in one or more of Canada’s priority economic sectors in Mexico, including: clean technologies, advanced manufacturing, mining, agriculture and agri-food, defence and security, education, oil and gas, renewable energy, infrastructure, ICT, and aerospace.

 

Operational Requirements 

Operational requirements will be assessed on a "meet/does not meet" basis and can be used to determine right fit of a candidate for the position. 

• Overtime: Willingness to work overtime on short notice. 
• Travel: This position may require limited occasional travel domestically and-or internationally. 
• The Embassy of Canada is an office-based work environment which does not offer remote or hybrid work arrangements. 

 

Conditions of Employment 

Conditions of employment must be met or complied with before being appointed to a particular position. They are to be maintained throughout the employment period. 

• 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 (will be started once the staffing process is completed and may take ~4 weeks). 

Other conditions of employment: 

• Ability to obtain and maintain a valid visa for international travel and/or travel to Canada. 

 

Important Notes 

Carefully review the following: 

• Only applications submitted in one of the official languages of Canada will be accepted (English or French). 
• Reference checks may be sought for candidates. 
• 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. 
• 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-MXICO@international.gc.ca to request specialized accommodation (a modification made to the standard assessment conditions, allowing individuals with disabilities to demonstrate their abilities on an assessment by removing barriers related to their specific needs). All information received in relation to accommodation will be kept confidential. 
• 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.