NICOLA Sturgeon’s pledge two years ago to double the resources of Scottish Development International (SDI) across Europe appears to be progressing with a new role being advertised in the Swiss capital Berne.
The Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) said the Assistant Development Executive (ADE) post has been identified as one of the additional staff roles being created across Europe.
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“The purpose of this role is to increase and widen the on-the-ground support to available to Scottish companies who have the ambition, capacity and capability to export their products and/or services into Central Europe and especially to support Business Executives in post in Switzerland and Germany,” reads the FCO job ad.
Fluent English and German – written and spoken – are listed as essential requirements for the job, along with a “relevant degree level qualification (or equivalent level of experience)” and experience of working in a similar role.
The successful candidate will be expected to support business executives in Switzerland and Germany with market research and administrative functions and make an active contribution to market intelligence and strategy.
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They will have to identify trade shows, conferences and organisations who could contribute and support Scottish trade missions involving who want to do business in Central Europe, as well as help deliver trade events and develop a “deep understanding” of the routes to market, business environment and regulatory framework to support trade development activities.
Amongst the other responsibilities, the ADE will help with Scottish ministerial visits – to “open doors and strengthen [business] relationships at the very highest levels with key customers, associations and stakeholders”.
Reporting to the senior business development executive in Berne, they will be a “proactive member” of the team covering Europe and will help manage the office.
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Regular travel to Scotland for training and sector development activities can also be expected, along with attendance at business events outside office hours.
The sterling salary equivalent of more than £5200 per month for the 18-month contract might appear quite generous at first, but Switzerland’s high cost of living can see workers paying more than a third of their salaries in rent.
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