Trade Commissioner – Capital Attraction and Financial Services – Global Affairs Canada Global Affairs Canada

Location: High Commission of Canada to the United Kingdom

Salary: 81,118 GBP gross per annum

Contract Type: Term (Full-time)

Term Details: One year, with possibility for extension

Job Function: Officer

Classification: LE-O2

Closing date for application: 4 September, 2026 at 23:59 UTC/GMT

Canada’s Trade Commissioner Service (TCS) is a global network of professionals in international business development (IBD) that work to advance Canadian commercial and economic interests abroad. Working in the Commercial Economic section of the High Commission of Canada in London, United Kingdom (UK) under the general direction of the First Secretary (Commercial), the incumbent is a Trade Commissioner (TC) that contributes to the delivery of the Commercial Economic Program at the High Commission of Canada to the UK.

The TC acts in accordance with Government of Canada policies for international trade, investment, and science, technology and innovation, with the objective of helping Canadian clients advance their commercial interests abroad. Under the direction of the Team Manager, this Trade Commissioner will be responsible for Financial Services and Capital Attraction and may also oversee certain other secondary sectors (e.g. professional services).

Major responsibilities of the TC include:

• Providing targeted support to Canadian financial services and fintech firms, including supporting their expansion into the UK market via sales, investment, and innovation partnerships.
• Delivering specific sector-focused programming, including Team Canada Trade Missions and the Canadian Technology Accelerator.
• Undertaking strategic engagement with institutional capital investors, including with major pension funds and sovereign investors, family offices, private equity funds, global asset managers and banking institutions.

Given London’s unparalleled concentration of both institutional and venture capital, the incumbent will also seek to position Canada as a destination of choice for long-term and high growth investment; strengthen Canada’s access to capital investment for major projects, risk capital and scale-up financing, particularly for high-growth firms, and it will contribute to the development of economic security reporting.

This position will deliver client service in a complex, high-value sector; as such, it will support Canadian firms in navigating regulatory, commercial and financing environments. It also connects clients with key financial intermediaries and capital providers, and it identifies opportunities across banking, asset management, fintech and sustainable finance.

Performance will be measured based on quantifiable indicators including contribution to export deals and quality of services provided to TCS clients, measured by client feedback and testimonials, as well as the generation in leads in sales and investment wins in relation to Foreign Direct Investment and Capital Investment into Canada.

AREA OF SELECTION

This selection process is open to all individuals who are:

• Current residents in the United Kingdom who hold the right to work in the United Kingdom without restriction, who meet all of the essential requirements stated below, and whose applications are received by the closing date.
• Currently working for Global Affairs Canada (including as locally engaged staff at missions abroad), who have valid Government of Canada security clearance AND who hold current documentation allowing them to work in the United Kingdom without restriction.

Please also note that candidates holding documentation/visas not renewable in the UK such as the Youth Mobility visa will not be eligible for this position. Please note that the High Commission of Canada to the United Kingdom does not sponsor work authorizations directly or indirectly.

The Government of Canada is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from diverse sections of the community. Candidates will be considered on merit regardless of ethnic origin, religious belief, gender, age, sexual orientation, disability or other factor. Our organization offers an inclusive workplace where respect, teamwork, and collaboration are part of our culture. Canada’s missions abroad are committed to promoting and supporting an environment free from harassment and discrimination, as well as encouraging and supporting employees to learn and develop their skills and competencies.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS

All essential qualifications will be assessed. Methods of assessments and screening of candidates may include but are not limited to: verification of credentials, resume and letters of presentation; interviews, exams and practical tests; presentations or other types of assessments.

Education

This position requires:

• A Bachelor’s Degree or Undergraduate diploma from a legally recognized University, in a field related to the position including but not limited to: commerce, international business, accounting, management, finance, banking, economics.

Note: Candidates will be required to provide proof of their education.

Language

The Following languages and proficiency levels are required for this job. Candidates will be formally assessed or requested to provide proof of certification on these levels.

• An advanced proficiency level in English (written and spoken).

Experience

In order to perform the duties relevant to this job, a minimum of three years of recent* and direct experience in the following areas is required:

• Experience in business development, banking, and/or foreign direct investment attraction, including knowledge of the banking/financial sector.
• Experience in managing client and stakeholder relationships and in providing client service support to customers/clients.
• Experience in providing strategic advice, briefings, presentations, and written reports to management and/or clients on international business issues.

* Recent is defined as within the past eight years.

Knowledge and Competencies

All knowledge and competencies* will be assessed and must be met prior to appointment.

Knowledge:

• Knowledge of international business development practices, including excellence in client service delivery, global supply chain management, competitive intelligence gathering, and general project management principles.
• Knowledge of UK capabilities and global industry trends and developments in the Banking and Financial Services sector, including private equity, sovereign wealth funds, pension funds, family offices, foundations, and other institutional investors.
• Knowledge of UK government policies and programs, including trade, investment and innovation policies, programs and institutions, including local political and economic environment, business climate, government structure.
• Ability to use technology tools and databases, including but not limited to: Microsoft Windows, Microsoft Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Client Relationship Management Software.

Competencies:

• Networking and Alliance Building
• Strategic Thinking and Decision Making
• Judgement and Discretion
• Oral Interaction
• Initiative and Action Orientation
• Focus on Quality and Details
• Working with Others and Horizontal Leadership

Preference may be given to candidates who meet the Asset Qualifications. Where applicable, candidates must clearly demonstrate how they meet any asset qualifications.

Asset Qualifications:

• Ability to communicate effectively in French at an intermediate level or above, both orally and in writing.
• Graduate degree from a recognized university (Master’s degree or Ph.D.) in a field related to the position, including but not limited to: commerce, finance, banking and economics.
• Experience in project management.
• Experience working in an international context.

Operational requirements

Hours of Work: Normal hours of work for this position are in accordance with Locally-Engaged Staff regulations of 37.5 hours per week.

Overtime: Willingness to work overtime on short notice.

Travel: This position may require limited occasional travel domestically and/or internationally.

Annual leave: May be restricted during busy periods due to operational requirements.

In-Office Presence: The location of employment is full-time (5 days per week) in office at the High Commission in London. As per UK employment law, employees are eligible to request flexible working from the first day of employment which may be instated upon the completion of a 3 month in-office training period.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Conditions of employment must be met or complied with before being appointed to a particular position. They are to be maintained throughout the employment period.

• Valid work authorization: Ability to obtain and hold a valid work authorization covering the entire employment period.
• Security screening: Obtain and maintain a Reliability Status (security level) which includes a criminal and credit background check from the Government of Canada.
• Local address: Before an offer of employment can be made, successful candidates must provide a local residence address as proof of residence in the specified area of selection. This information is necessary to issue a letter of offer.