Business Development and Growth Adviser SEO at British High Commission

The British Government is an inclusive and diversity friendly employer that promotes equality, values diversity, and challenges discrimination. The organisation supports flexible working opportunities where operational and security requirements permit.

The Business Development and Growth Adviser will support the UK Nigeria mutual growth agenda by identifying and advancing trade and investment opportunities. The role is based within the Growth, Trade and Investment Group at the British High Commission in Abuja and supports implementation of Pathway 1 of the UK Nigeria Growth Programme. The position involves working closely with the Department for Business and Trade and aligns with programmes under the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office.

The role focuses on supporting investment pipeline development in priority sectors and facilitating engagement between businesses, investors, regulators, and government authorities in both the United Kingdom and Nigeria.

Pipeline Development

• Provide technical support for Pathway 1 of the UK Nigeria Growth Programme by working with DBT to identify and prioritise investable projects in sectors such as renewable energy, agribusiness, and technology
• Support pipeline management by coordinating stakeholders and addressing non financial barriers
• Facilitate early engagement with relevant financing institutions and instruments
• Support trade and investment deal facilitation activities without providing financial or investment structuring advice
• Avoid undertaking roles reserved for financial institutions, including underwriting, credit risk assessment, or financing approvals

Strategic Relationship Management

• Build and maintain relationships with private sector leaders, government ministries, departments and agencies, international financial institutions, and development partners
• Organise technical working groups, investment forums, and high level stakeholder engagements
• Support planning of UK trade missions and official visits using market intelligence insights
• Apply market systems development knowledge, including regulatory and political economy considerations

Reporting, Communications and Knowledge Sharing

• Prepare briefs, reports, and case studies for internal and external audiences
• Document lessons learned from programme activities and contribute to government learning platforms
• Work with communications teams to highlight programme achievements

Leveraging UK Expertise

• Engage with specialist networks and technical teams within FCDO
• Apply CMP toolkits to support trade facilitation and transaction processes

Essential

• Degree level education with 8 to 10 years relevant experience
• Demonstrated experience in pipeline development, investment readiness, and deal facilitation
• Strong knowledge of private finance instruments including blended finance structures, guarantees, concessional capital, and risk mitigation tools
• Understanding of trade policy, investment facilitation, and market access reforms
• Experience working with development finance institutions, international financial institutions, and export credit agencies
• Strong stakeholder engagement and negotiation skills across public and private sectors
• Ability to manage workload independently
• Strong analytical, communication, and influencing skills

Desirable

• Established network of private sector leaders in Nigeria including investors and industry stakeholders
• Senior level private sector experience
• Evidence of successful pipeline development

Required Behaviours

• Communicating and Influencing
• Delivering at Pace
• Leadership
• Seeing the Big Picture

Interested and qualified candidates should apply online through the official application portal.

Additional Information

• Applications must reflect the candidate’s personal experience and achievements. Use of AI tools should be limited to formatting and keyword refinement
• The British High Commission does not request payment at any stage of recruitment
• Applicants must have legal authorisation to live and work in Nigeria or be able to obtain the required permits
• Successful candidates are responsible for obtaining work permits, relocation arrangements, and associated costs
• Reference checks and security clearance will be conducted for successful candidates
• Unsuccessful but appointable candidates may be placed on a reserve list for up to 12 months