Senior Trade Specialist, Life Sciences

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.

Who are we? 

The British Embassy in Berne is part of a worldwide network representing British political, economic, and consular interests overseas. 

Under the leadership of His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Europe, DBT in Europe promotes British trade and investment worldwide, helps build an appetite for British goods and services globally, and works to promote and support foreign investment in the UK. DBT also brings together policy, promotion, and financial expertise to break down barriers to trade and investment and to help businesses to succeed, as well as championing a free and fair international trading system with global rules.

Main purpose of job:

Scotland is fast becoming one of the world’s most dynamic countries for life sciences. If you think you would enjoy aligning science with economic opportunity, then we may have the right job for you.

Scotland has been at the forefront of medical innovations for over 200 years. It’s ability to develop new solutions for healthcare systems, informatics, big data and personalised medicine is exemplary and we are looking for a new colleague to help us to develop further these areas in Switzerland.

As a Senior International Trade Specialist based at the British Embassy Bern, our new colleague will drive Scotland’s approach to life sciences and human health in Switzerland. You will also be responsible for developing innovative partnerships with Swiss stakeholders that assist Scottish companies in internationalising.

Working closely with the UK’ s Department for Business and Trade, a key objective of the job is to develop and maintain strategic relationships that grow Scottish trade, identify export opportunities and provide market insights within the life science and healthcare sectors in Switzerland.

The British Embassy Berne is part of a world-wide network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas. Scottish Development International (SDI), Scotland’s international trade agency, plays a valuable role in the Embassy’s commercial outreach.

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Provide expert support and advice to Scottish companies wishing to enter the Swiss markets within life sciences, health systems and human health.
• Deliver against Scottish Government trade strategies and export targets and advance Scotland as a centre for life science innovation.
• Build strategic relationships with Swiss organisations, private / public, that increase Scottish trade by identifying export opportunities.
• Lead on the development of innovation partnerships and networks with Swiss stakeholders such as incubators, clusters, academia and industry bodies.
• Collaborate with colleagues from across the UK Government as well as Swiss governmental departments, agencies and Cantons.
• Facilitate key events and activities which support Scottish trade work in the DACH including webinars, conferences, roadshows, trade missions, Ministerial visits, virtual or otherwise.
• Support Scottish Government activity in the region as well as Scottish and UK Ministerial visits.

Our Ideal Candidate: 

• Fluent written and spoken English as well as German (minimum level required C2 under the CEFRL* or equivalent)
• Knowledge of Swiss life science and healthcare ecosystems.
• An experienced networker with existing life science relationships in Switzerland / DACH.
• A fast learner who can demonstrate initiative, resilience, and adaptability.
• A team player with a consultative approach who can collaborate within a geography and virtually,
• Project management skills with ability to prioritise and juggle multiple activities.

Nice to have: 

• An understanding of government, policy and the role it plays international trade.
• Experience of working in an international trade promotion environment across the DACH region.
• Experience of public speaking and an ability to demonstrate credibility and expertise on complex issues.