Commercial Specialist (Trainee Level) at U.S. Consulate

The U.S. Consulate in Lagos is seeking to employ a suitable and qualified candidate for the position of:

Job Title: Commercial Specialist (Trainee Level)

Ref No: FSN-09/FP-05 Step 01
Work Hours: Full-time; 40 hours/week
Location: Lagos

Basic Function

• Incumbent is a professional analyst and advisor to the U.S staff in planning, organizing and administering trade promotion programs to facilitate the marketing of U.S. goods and services. In addition to overall knowledge of the country, economy and bilateral trade relationship, this position provides expertise in, and responsibility for specific industry and service sectors.
• She/he uses this knowledge and expertise to the benefit of U.S companies through: selection, recommendation and delivery of Commercial Service products and services; organization of trade events; counselling of U.S and host country companies; and preparation of research and analysis on market development and trends.

Position Requirements
NOTE: All applicants MUST address each selection criterion detailed below with specific and comprehensive information supporting each criterion or the application will not be considered.

• A University degree or equivalent in Business Management, Economics, Marketing, Finance, International Trade or any related field is required.
• Minimum of four (4) years of progressively responsible experience in business, government or NGOs in the fields of marketing, trade promotion, international trade, economics or similar field is required.
• Level IV (fluent) Speaking/Reading/Writing in English is required. Language proficiency will be tested.
• Thorough knowledge of the domestic economy and trade practices, comprehensive understanding of foreign trade policy and issues affecting the domestic economy’s bilateral trade relations with the United States is required.
• Understanding of USG trade policies and export promotion programs, working knowledge of international trade (terms and procedures) is required.
• Ability to develop and maintain an extensive range of appropriate mid-and senior-level contacts in the host government and private sector; to plan, organize and execute complex commercial research projects and to prepare precise and accurate factual and analytic reports; and to render advice with detachment and objectivity, employing sound professional judgment is required.

Selection Process
When fully qualified, U.S. Citizen Eligible Family Members (USEFMs) and U.S. Veterans are given preference. Therefore, it is essential that the candidate specifically address the required qualifications above in the application.

Additional Selection Criteria

• Management will consider nepotism/conflict of interest, budget, and residency status in determining successful candidacy.
• Current employees serving a probationary period are not eligible to apply.
• Current Ordinarily Resident employees with an overall summary rating of “Needs Improvement” or “Unsatisfactory” on their most recent Employee Performance Report are not eligible to apply.
• Currently employed U.S. Citizen EFMs who hold a Family Member Appointment (FMA) are ineligible to apply for advertised positions within the first 90 calendar days of their employment.
• Currently employed NORs hired under a Personal Services Agreement (PSA) are ineligible to apply for advertised positions within the first 90 calendar days of their employment unless currently hired into a position with a When Actually Employed (WAE) work schedule.

Salary
Or - Ordinarily Resident - N5,711,000.00 p.a. (Starting basic salary) Position Grade: FSN-09
In addition to the basic salary, all allowances will be paid in accordance with the Mission Local Compensation Plan.
Nor - Not Ordinarily Resident - AEFM - US$50,883 EFM/MOH - US$43,812 (Starting Salary) p.a. Position Grade: FP-05/1

Application Closing Date
15th May, 2015

How to Apply

• Application for US Federal Employment (DS-174); or a current resume or curriculum vitae that provides the same information as a DS-174; plus,
• Candidates who claim U.S. Veterans preference must provide a copy of their Form DD-214 with their application.
• Any other documentation (e.g., essays, certificates, awards, copies of degrees earned) that addresses the qualification requirements of the position as listed above.
• A type-written and signed application letter specifically applying for this position, and addressing the minimum requirements as advertised. Please reference the job title and announcement number on the application letter.
• Limit all electronic (e-mail) submissions to one entry/e-mail not larger than 5MB. Please submit attachments in PDF and Word formats, not pictures.
• E-mails received without the appropriate subject line and incomplete applications will not be considered.

Submit Application To:
Embassy of the United States of America
Human Resources Office,
Plot 1075 Diplomatic Drive,
Central District Area,
Abuja.
Or submit to: [email protected]

Click here to download Application Form for Employment as a Locally Employed Staff or Family Member (DS-174) (PDF 1.78 MB)

Click here to download the Instructions for Completing DS-174 (PDF 2.40 MB)

Note: All not ordinarily resident applicants must have the required work and residency permits to be eligible for consideration. a U.S. Citizen EFM does not have to be residing in country to be considered, but the sponsoring officer under chief of mission (com) authority does have to be assigned officially to post.