Position Location:   Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
Closing Date: July 15, 2011
Starting Annual Salary:  230,000 RMB (before tax; individual social insurance contributions are the responsibility of the individual; salary is non-negotiable)

Open to:   Chinese nationals

Job Summary:  The Canadian Trade Commissioner Service (the TCS) is a world-wide network of professionals in international business development (IBD), with preferred access to knowledge and business contacts, and a commitment to promote Canada ’s commercial interests abroad. 

In 2009, the Canadian government established a Representative Office (RO) to bring TCS services to Nanjing .  The office operates under the authority of the Canadian Commercial Corporation ( CCC ), an independent agency of the Government of Canada with a mandate to assist in the development of Canada ’s international commerce. 

We are seeking a Manager for the Nanjing Regional Office.  The Manager will primarily seek out trade and investment leads on behalf of Canadian clients, working in close collaboration with the Trade Commissioner network in China .  The Manager will report to the Consul and Senior Trade Commissioner at the Canadian Consulate General in Shanghai .

Job Roles and Responsibilities:

·   Provide value-added advice to Canadian clients based on a sophisticated understanding of the local business environment, as well as specific trade and investment opportunities.

·   Develop business knowledge of market opportunities for Canadian clients; establish and expand local networks for further business development; and build relationships with local officials and key decision-makers to create favourable conditions for Canadian businesses and to gather useful business intelligence.

·   Build and sustain excellent relationships with Canadian clients, assess their potential in the local market and help them take advantage of  business opportunities; establish networks with corporate investors and intermediaries; liaise with Canadian provincial and municipal governments/investment agencies and other Canadian government departments to better promote Canadian interests.

·   Respond to clients’ inquires and report on trade and investment opportunities; maintain accurate and timely records of all related activities in a format consistent with the practices of the Trade Commissioner Service.

·   In coordination with the Consulate General in Shanghai , analyze business, market access and other problems encountered by clients, and provide advice on effective strategies for resolving such problems.

·   Coordinate day-to-day operations of the Nanjing Regional Office and organize special projects; supervise a Business Development Assistant, and collaborate in the development of objectives and performance appraisals.

·   Manage budgets for assigned projects and monitor results against plans.

·   In close coordination with the Trade Commissioner network in China , plan and implement specific trade and investment promotion activities.

EDUCATION: Bachelors Degree or above (e.g. Masters of Business Administration) in Business, Marketing or other related major; international education experience an asset.

LANGUAGE:

- Exceptional communication skills in Mandarin and English, both oral and written; French and/or other relevant language proficiency may be an asset.

EXPERIENCE:

- Minimum 5 to 7 years work experience in business development; significant work experience overseas or in an international environment such as in multinational companies, international organizations, Embassies, Consulates, or Trade Councils preferred; Canadian experience an asset.

KNOWLEDGE:

- Excellent knowledge of the business environment in the area served by the RO, including its economic and industrial base, its leading commercial organizations and educational institutions

- Knowledge of local governmental structure (municipal and provincial) including economic development and investment promotion agencies and key decision-makers

- Knowledge of the forms of international trade and investment activity

- Knowledge of Canada, its economy, society and institutions

ABILITIES:

- Ability to assimilate information quickly, evaluate it and make sound decisions

- Ability to work both independently and within a team

- Ability to multi-task and manage detailed information and complex tasks

- Ability to deal effectively with clients and VIPs in public and official settings

- Ability to use word-processing and spreadsheet applications effectively, including applications in Microsoft Office.

PERSONAL SUITABILITY:

- Professional integrity and tact
- Initiative
- Adaptability and flexibility 

Background checks will be required.

We are seeking high-quality written applications to establish a short-list for further review.   Your application should be written in English in Microsoft Word or PDF format, and include:

(1) a curriculum vitae outlining your education and experience,

(2) a cover letter explaining your interest in the position, and how you meet the qualifications,

(3) your contact information so that you can be easily reached (e-mail, mobile number, etc.)

Your application must be submitted to shngi-hr@international.gc.ca no later than July 15, 2011 at 16:00 .

We thank all applicants for their interest, but only short-listed candidates will be contacted.