The British High Commission in Nairobi is inviting applications from suitably qualified individuals to fill three strategic roles within its Department for Business and Trade (DBT) team. These roles are central to advancing the UK’s trade, investment, and innovation agenda across Kenya and the wider region. The successful candidates will contribute to building sustainable economic partnerships, fostering regional collaboration, and promoting UK expertise in key growth sectors.
Head of Regional Services Sector Campaign / Deputy Trade and Investment Director, Kenya (SEO – 33/25 NR)
Location: Nairobi
Closing Date: 2 November 2025, 11:55 PM EAT
The Head of Regional Services Sector Campaign / Deputy Trade and Investment Director will lead the UK’s engagement in services-related trade across East Africa while supporting the strategic management of the DBT team in Kenya. This senior role combines leadership, strategic planning, and commercial diplomacy to strengthen the UK’s services sector footprint and to drive growth across areas such as digital trade, education, finance, and professional services.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead the regional campaign for the services sector, covering professional services, education, creative industries, and digital economy initiatives.
- Develop strategies to expand UK business presence and investment in key service industries across sub-Saharan Africa.
- Identify and pursue opportunities for UK companies to collaborate with regional governments and businesses in priority service sectors.
- Oversee trade promotion initiatives that support UK exports and attract investment into the UK, ensuring alignment with global campaign objectives.
- Provide strategic guidance to DBT colleagues and oversee delivery of key outcomes within Kenya’s trade and investment portfolio.
- Support the Trade and Investment Director in team management, operational planning, and reporting across the Kenya network.
- Maintain high-level relationships with senior government officials, industry leaders, and multilateral organisations to influence trade policy and market access.
- Represent the UK in bilateral and regional fora related to trade liberalisation, investment facilitation, and services regulation.
- Manage a portfolio of major commercial projects, ensuring effective coordination across teams and partners.
- Produce analysis and recommendations on emerging trends in regional trade in services, and support policy advocacy on behalf of UK interests.
- Contribute to internal leadership within the DBT Kenya team by mentoring staff, fostering collaboration, and ensuring high-quality delivery across all campaigns.
The postholder will also serve as Deputy Trade and Investment Director, Kenya, acting as a senior adviser and alternate lead when required. This dual responsibility requires strong leadership, strategic judgment, and the ability to represent the UK’s economic and commercial priorities effectively across both public and private sector platforms.
Working Environment
All three roles are based at the British High Commission, Nairobi, within the Department for Business and Trade. The department operates in a dynamic, fast-paced environment that requires adaptability, analytical skills, and the ability to engage with diverse partners. Collaboration across regional offices and with the DBT headquarters in London is central to achieving success in these roles.
The British High Commission offers a supportive and inclusive work culture that encourages continuous learning and professional development. Employees work closely with colleagues from different government departments, contributing to a broad range of policy and commercial outcomes. Each position requires a results-oriented approach, effective communication, and a commitment to advancing the UK’s economic engagement in Africa.
Application Information
Interested applicants are encouraged to carefully review the job descriptions and ensure that their experience and expertise align with the core responsibilities of the respective positions. Applications must be submitted by 2 November 2025 at 11:55 PM East Africa Time.
Further details regarding submission requirements, eligibility, and recruitment processes can be found on the official application platform.
