We are now looking for a Country Manager/ Trade Commissioner to build up our office, footprint and presence in Nigeria & Africa.
Please note that Swedish citizenship is required for this position.
Nigeria, a country with a vibrant and dynamic business landscape is ranked as the 27th-largest economy in the world in terms of nominal GDP, and the 24th-largest in terms of purchasing power parity. It is the largest economy in Africa and an emerging market. The country has a mixed economy with a low to middle income. Nigeria is a land of untapped potential, with numerous sectors offering promising opportunities for business growth such as consumer goods and retail, ICT, agriculture, and infrastructure (transport, healthcare, renewable energy etc). The country´s immense potentials also comes with its fair share of challenges hence support needed by companies to navigate this important market/ partner. Sweden has a good relationship with Nigeria with interests to develop this further especially in areas/ sectors of common interests for Nigeria and Sweden. Opportunities exists in/ with Nigeria for Swedish businesses some of which have been present in the country for decades and they see further growth in the market for their businesses.

Business Sweden has been present in Africa for over two decades and our team offers strategic advice and operational support that help Swedish companies expand and grow their business in the region. Together with Business Sweden’s offices in Casablanca, Johannesburg and Nairobi, the Nigerian office will offer support to Swedish companies to the African region.
As Country Manager / Trade Commissioner at Business Sweden your job will encompass a diverse range of tasks within our governmental assignment as well as consultancy business.
The role includes both strategic, tactic and operational responsibilities such as:

• Representing interests of Swedish enterprises and Business Sweden in the market.
• Selling and marketing Business Sweden's services to existing and potential clients in both Sweden and in Africa, including add-on sales in on-going projects.
• Developing and deepening contact with existing and potential client enterprises and stakeholders.
• Managing, planning and delivering consulting/ internationalisation assignments.
• Full Profit & Loss responsibility, with expectation to grow.
• Management of the office and employees, inspiring and developing the team.
• Developing business processes and organisation.
• Operating from a global perspective to promote Swedish industry and companies.
• Work in a Team Sweden context and coordinating export promotion initiatives with development cooperation (Team Sweden consist of Embassy, Consulate, Swedish Chamber of Commerce and other actors working with promotion of Swedish business).
• Collaboration with trade promotion organisations in the other Nordic countries around events and programmes.

You will have very close relations to the Swedish representations in the market. This means that you will be an official representative for Sweden, acting in close collaboration with the Swedish Foreign Service and other organisations. In this role you have a diplomatic status and therefore it is a requirement to be a Swedish citizen.
The role is based in Lagos, Nigeria, but you will be expected to work with our teams and clients around the world, as required.

SKILLS & REQUIREMENTS
Core competencies and collaborative skills

• Demonstrate commitment, honesty, and accountability in tasks.
• Provide support and take ownership to ensure high quality delivery on time.
• Collaborate effectively to achieve good results with a positive can-do attitude.
• Contribute to team spirit and transparent communication.
• A problem solver who easily adapts to new ways of working.
• Analytical, reflective, focused and action oriented.
• Voice your own ideas and share opinions. Show appreciation for different perspectives.
• Define and deliver on clear goals and communicate them effectively.
• Build trust and respect through competence and integrity.
• Promote global teamwork and contribute to an inclusive work environment where we value different perspectives.

You are perceived as a strong leader and have an outstanding ability to build personal relations, empathy and trust. You believe in diversity as a key success enabler when working in teams. You have a vision and a strong drive to develop Business Sweden’s operations in Nigeria. You furthermore have excellent organisation, communication and problem solving skills as well as an ability to handle multiple priorities.
Formal requirements

• Relevant higher academic degree, preferably within Master of science in Business Administration, Engineering or equivalent
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant experience from a consultancy firm and/or business development or equivalent.
• You are a strong and appreciated leader and have experience of management of employees and developing talent.
• You have performed successful strategic sales and have a proven track record of developing customers, deep customer insight and strong negotiation and closing skills.
• You have in depth experience from multi stakeholder projects, including government clients (Swedish and non-Swedish).
• Experience from living/working in Nigeria or other parts of Africa is meriting.
• You have a high level of proficiency in written and spoken English and Swedish. Additional languages is a plus.
• Swedish citizenship is required for this position.

Application
Please submit your CV and cover letter in English as soon as possible as we will be screening applications on a rolling basis. Your application will be handled confidentially.

GREAT PLACE TO WORK

Global exchanges and career opportunities

Exclusive focus on our client’s growth agenda

Extensive responsibility

Diversified teams with world class colleagues

Training academy for continuous development

Entrepreneurial environment