Job description
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.
The FCDO operates an agile workforce and to facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, as we may reasonably require.
Job Category Department for Business and Trade roles (DBT) Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)
Main purpose of job:
The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) is responsible for promoting UK trade and investment with the rest of the world.
We are the department for economic growth.
We support businesses to invest, grow and export, creating jobs and opportunities across the UK.
The overseas network is a vital asset in delivering the UK’s trade and investment ambitions.
Embedded within British embassies and high commissions, our trade teams—led by HM Trade Commissioners—work in close coordination with diplomatic staff to promote UK exports, attract investment, and improve market access.
Through commercial diplomacy, they build strategic relationships, provide expert market insight, and support UK businesses to navigate local conditions and seize opportunities.
This integrated approach ensures our efforts align with broader UK priorities, including sectoral growth, supply chain resilience, and clean energy transition.
The DBT team across Latin America and the Caribbean (LATAC) is led by the HM Trade Commissioner for Latin America and the Caribbean, and his team is responsible for:
growing the overall trade and investment relationship between the UK and LATAC markets improving market access for British companies, including small and medium sized businesses (SMEs) developing trade policy.
Information about the role:
Market Access & Trade Policy (CPTPP) Manager (HEO) will be responsible for leading and coordinating market access work across the Latin America and Caribbean (LATAC) region.
Operating under the direction of senior management, the HEO will manage a discrete area of work, applying strategic thinking, discretion, and analytical skills to deliver impactful outcomes.
This role involves identifying and addressing market access barriers, supporting the implementation of DBT LATAC’s trade policy and export strategies, managing stakeholder relationships, and helping UK businesses navigate regulatory and policy challenges in LATAC markets.
This position may be based in either Lima, Peru or Santiago, Chile, depending on the successful candidate.
Roles and responsibilities:
MARKET ACCESS
Support the delivery of the UK’s Trade Policy and Market Access agenda in LATAC, managing a defined portfolio of market access issues or supporting regional exports campaigns under the direction of senior leadership.
Lead on specific market access projects or initiatives, including identifying and addressing non-tariff barriers, coordinating with relevant stakeholders, and drafting project plans and reports.
Monitor and analyse developments in LATAC and regulatory environment, providing timely and accurate reporting to inform UK business and policy stakeholders.
Build and maintain effective working relationships with key stakeholders, including local government officials, trade associations, and UK businesses, to gather intelligence and promote UK commercial interests.
Contribute to the planning and implementation of market access funding activities, ensuring alignment with strategic objectives and value for money.
TRADE POLICY
Act as a point of contact for engagement with LATAC authorities on trade-related matters, supporting senior colleagues in maintaining relationships with ministries such as Foreign Trade, Foreign Affairs, and Economy & Finance.
Support the promotion and implementation of existing trade agreements, especially CPTPP, and institutional frameworks between the UK and LATAC including through stakeholder engagement and awareness-raising activities.
Track and report on relevant trade policy developments, such as Free Trade Agreements, WTO initiatives, and regional integration efforts, contributing to internal briefings and regional reporting.
TEAMWORK AND COLLABORATION
Work collaboratively with colleagues across the British Embassy and the wider DBT LATAC network, contributing to cross-cutting initiatives and regional coordination efforts.
Support the team’s performance and knowledge-sharing culture, including mentoring junior staff or interns where appropriate.
Contribute to internal planning, reporting, and evaluation processes, including business planning and performance reviews.
ADDITIONAL EXPECTATIONS
Exercise sound judgment in managing competing priorities and making operational decisions within defined parameters.
Provide expert advice and analysis to senior colleagues, drawing on research and stakeholder input.
May be responsible for managing a small team or budget, ensuring compliance with relevant policies and procedures.
Collaborate with FCDO colleagues, both in the UK and across UK Missions in the LATAC region, to inform upstream “market-making” interventions that support partner country objectives and create commercial opportunities for UK industry.Language requirements:
Language: English, Spanish
Level of language required: Fluent written and spoken (CEFR C1 essential; C2 in at least one language preferable)
Essential qualifications, skills and experience
Essential on arrival:
Relevant experience working on market access issues or in a related field- e.g. in trade policy, economic analysis, regulation.
Excellent presentation and communication skills.
Previous experience of managing staff, including to implement and monitor strategic workplans.
5 years of relevant work experience, such as but not limited to: building professional relationships and build trust with a wide range of contacts from different backgrounds including at senior levels.
Knowledge of LATAC/ UK policy and business landscape.
Experience of account and/or project management Fluent Spanishand English (both written and spoken) Desirable qualifications, skills and experience
Desirable qualifications, skills and experience:
A relevant degree Experience of working effectively with the public sector, especially LATAC or UK Existing network of stakeholder contacts within the regulatory institutions. Required behaviours Communicating and Influencing, Seeing the Big Picture, Working Together Application deadline 27 October 2025 Grade Higher Executive Officer (HEO) Type of Position Full-time Region Latin America and Spanish speaking Caribbean Country/Territory Chile Location (City) Santiago Type of Post British Embassy Number of vacancies 1 Start Date 1 April 2026 Other benefits and conditions of employment
External applicants and non-DBT internal applicants must have the legal status to live and work in Chile.
Internal DBT candidates are encouraged to apply for any vacancy for which they are qualified regardless of its listed location.
If an internal DBT candidate’s application is successful, consideration will be given to determine if the role can be performed from the successful candidate’s current location or if it should remain at the advertised location.
There is no guarantee a role will move and each decision will be made on a case by case basis.
Please note that if a role is approved to move to a different location, the new location’s terms & conditions of service will apply, including salary, benefit offerings, internal policies, etc.
Employees who are not liable to pay local income tax on their Mission salary, e.g. some non-local national staff and some spouses or partners of UK diplomatic staff, will have their salaries abated by an equivalent amount.
Appointable candidates who were unsuccessful may be placed on a ‘reserve list’.
If during the reserve period of 12 months the same or a largely similar role becomes available, that role may be offered to the second or subsequent candidate.
The British Embassy Network offers a strong benefits package.
This package includes generous vacation and leave time, flexible working patterns, and enriching learning and development opportunities.
Please note that internal candidates applying for positions in other Posts, if they are successful should resign their contract in the respective Post to be admitted in the Post where the position has been advertised.
Required Skill Profession
Operations Specialties Managers