Agri-tech Eecan Trade Support, Agri Food and Drink

The new role sits within the Agriculture, Food and Drink team under the leadership of the DIT Director for Nations and Agriculture, Food and Drink and DIT HMTC for EECAN (Eastern Europe and Central Asian Network). The role will be funded by the EECAN region and is designed to provide more bespoke support to the region on agri-tech. The region is bolstering DIT capability as a result of the Ukraine crisis with the aim of strengthening UK influence through trade, investment and commercial diplomacy. The jobholder will report jointly to the UK Lead on Agri and the Deputy Trade Commissioner for EECAN (or a nominated deputy), and will work closely with the existing Agri-Tech Regional Lead based in Ukraine.

The role supports UK-based companies from the UK agricultural technology sector in their efforts to expand their business into EECAN with a particular focus on the regions key export markets of Azerbaijan, Kazakstan, Turkey, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan and Ukraine. You will work closely with our DIT teams in these markets and can expect to travel to them regularly to support scoping work to build our understanding of opportunities and missions/events.

You will be focussed on supporting the rapidly growing agri-tech sector which encompasses a range of technologies aimed at improving sustainable productivity on the farm (arable, livestock, horticulture and aquaculture). In particular, the emerging practice of precision agriculture encouraging the use of less inputs (eg energy, water, pesticides) to create more outputs (eg higher crop yields). Other technologies include seed and animal genetics, satellite imaging for field mapping, animal health diagnostics and treatments; as well as new vertical farming production methods for fresh produce, where a range of technology is integrated in a controlled environment (eg robotics, sensors, climate control, automation).

The role contributes to the Department’s objectives of increasing the volume and value of exports. Through engagement with companies, stakeholders, and the EECAN overseas network you will also be assisting with the market access agenda by identifying barriers to trade in those overseas markets and helping to overcome these.

On a wider scale the agri-tech sector can make a significant contribution to the UK’s net zero and clean growth agendas, as well as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Given DIT’s increased focus on green trade, it is an exciting dossier to be involved in.
Job description
- Drive performance management of selected export campaigns across key markets in the EECAN region. This will involve contributing to market strategies, business planning and management of bespoke campaign-related activities and building strong relationships with DIT teams in the key markets.
- Build and sustain strong relationships with key industry partners and stakeholders including Local Enterprise Partnerships, Devolved Administrations, Agri-Tech trade associations, International Trade Advisors and DEFRA. This will include account management of Agri-Tech companies exporting overseas.
- Provide support to colleagues overseas on market access barriers in your priority countries alongside, Defra, EECAN’s Market Access Network, DIT’s Bilateral Trade Relations team, and industry stakeholders.
- Help deliver trade events / missions in your priority countries, working with the DIT teams in market, Trade Associations and International Trade Advisers, ensuring that companies are taking full advantage of the opportunities offered.
- Providing support to any specialist advice or contractors procured to support identification of market opportunities in the region.

**Responsibilities**:
**Desirable Criteria**
- Experienced stakeholder relationship manager who is adept at developing and working with a network of key contacts.
- Creative and innovative self-starter who is happy to explore and look for innovative ways of working.
- Excellent communication skills, comfortable liaising with a wide range of partners, including ministers, businesses and communications specialists.
- Background in science desirable, but not essential.

**Personal Attributes & Skills**

We are looking for someone able to share their knowledge and experience to help improve the team’s performance. Someone who will work diligently and flexibly depending on shifting priorities.

You must be able to work in a team and have the interpersonal skills to build strong relationship with a diverse group of people including many whose first language is not English.

Strong ability to deliver at pace and manage competing priorities and deadlines

**Hybrid worker**

Please be aware that this role can only be worked from within the UK and not overseas.

Informal hybrid working arrangements will be available as agreed with the vacancy manager and in line with the requirements of the role.

Most DIT employees will be working a hybrid pattern, spending 2-3 days a week (pro rata) in an office