Director, Trade and Investment (5 months contract) - Government

• Excellent opportunity to join a government firm to handle trade and investments.
• 5 months contract to cover sabbatical.

About Our Client

This role is with a government organisation, committed to fostering economic development and promoting trade and investment opportunities. The organisation manages large-scale projects.

Job Description

This position is responsible for driving export growth and attracting foreign investment into the organisation's home region. The ideal candidate will have strong sales and business development capabilities, with the ability to build influential networks, convert commercial opportunities into tangible outcomes, and support companies seeking to expand into Southeast Asia. The role also involves engaging potential investors interested in exploring opportunities connected to the organisation.

The Director will represent the organisation in senior-level engagements, maintain strategic relationships with both regional and international stakeholders, and actively promote trade and investment prospects across priority sectors.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyse regional market trends and assess how they influence export, investment, and international business opportunities. Provide insights to guide strategic direction.
• Cultivate and expand relationships with senior executives of companies operating in-or planning to engage with-the organisation's priority sectors, such as technology, healthcare, renewable energy, and defence.
• Represent the organisation in high-level meetings and negotiations, supporting potential investors and trade partners from exploration through to final decision-making, with the goal of driving new investment and export outcomes.
• Lead structured sales and business development initiatives, including targeted outreach campaigns, opportunity sourcing, and research-based prospect selection.
• Deliver market intelligence and commercial insights to senior leadership regarding export potential and outbound investment opportunities.
• Coordinate and support incoming business missions, ministerial visits, industry delegations, and commercial programs conducted within the region.
• Partner with export advisory teams to ensure companies receive end-to-end support, including market briefings, logistics for delegations, coordination of networking events, and post-visit follow-ups.
• Oversee strategic sector-specific programs designed to strengthen client engagement and drive trade and investment outcomes.

The Successful Applicant

A successful Director, Trade and Investment should have:

• Solid understanding of how trade frameworks and economic policy are shaped and implemented.
• Experience working with CRM platforms, particularly Salesforce or similar systems.
• Strong knowledge of international investment processes and how cross-border capital flows operate.
• Proven experience in:
  • Conducting market research and performing detailed market analysis using digital tools, datasets, and survey methodologies.
  • Navigating and working across key markets in the region and maintaining awareness of commercial developments both locally and internationally.
  • Operating strategically within fast-paced environments and applying sound commercial judgment.
• Demonstrated capability in business development, trade promotion, or attracting investment opportunities.
• In-depth understanding of sectors relevant to trade, foreign investment, and international education.
• Excellent cross-cultural communication skills - both written and verbal - with the ability to clearly articulate progress, insights, and outcomes.
• Awareness of government operations, along with the credibility needed to effectively contribute to international business, investment, and education initiatives.
• Comfort and proficiency in using social media platforms and digital communication tools.

What's on Offer

• Opportunity to lead impactful projects within the government sector.
• Temporary position offering a chance to make a significant contribution to economic growth.
• 5 months contract to cover sabbatical.

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced professional to take on a leadership role. If you meet the criteria and are ready to make a difference, we encourage you to apply today.