Trade Commissioner UAE/Consul General Dubai & Northern Emirates
Based in Dubai, you will draw on your commercial experience to lead your team, supporting New Zealand companies to scale and succeed across the United Arab Emirates, the Levant, and Africa.
Who we are:
New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) is New Zealand's international business development agency. We work with some of New Zealand’s most forward-thinking companies, helping them to grow internationally bigger, better, faster for the good of New Zealand.
Why you’ll love working here:
This role will appeal to you if you are passionate about New Zealand and keen to diversify your career by building your knowledge of other sectors and industries and gaining exposure to the public sector. You will represent New Zealand internationally and work alongside a highly committed, diverse team motivated by making a difference to New Zealand.
Based in Dubai, you will sit at the centre of NZTE’s engagement across key markets in the UAE, the Levant, and selected African economies. You’ll be part of the EMEA (Europe, Middle-East & Africa) senior leadership team, contributing to regional strategy and helping shape NZTE’s priorities in the Middle East and beyond.
What you’ll be doing:
The Trade Commissioner UAE/Consul General Dubai & Northern Emirates role is an important international role for NZTE, supporting New Zealand companies grow in a dynamic and fast changing economy. You will lead a diverse, multi-functional Dubai-based office, with responsibilities spanning trade, consular and partner-agency responsibilities. This includes close collaboration with other New Zealand government agencies, as well as customer managers and sector teams based in New Zealand.
Operating in a fast-moving and often ambiguous environment, you will be expected to think strategically, adapt quickly, and respond effectively to emerging opportunities and challenges.
You will build and maintain a strong network of in-market relationships to provide insight, advice, access and opportunity for New Zealand exporters. This includes raising the profile of New Zealand and companies through strategic engagement with senior business leaders, government stakeholders, and key influencers.
As part of the EMEA leadership team, you will be responsible for implementing NZTE’s strategic priorities across your markets of responsibility. You will identify, prioritise, and lead key initiatives that support long-term growth, including maximising the benefits of New Zealand’s most recent free trade agreements, such as CEPA and the forthcoming GCC Free Trade Agreement – both critical enablers of long-term growth in the region.
You will be helping ensuring strong collaboration across the EMEA region and with New Zealand-based teams, keeping customers and their growth ambitions at the centre of everything you do.
What you’ll need to be successful:
We’re seeking an experienced leader with strong commercial acumen and the maturity to operate independently in a geographically distant and complex environment.
You will bring:
Senior commercial leadership and judgment - Proven commercial acumen and experience in senior leadership, international business, commercial operations, or related fields.
Diplomatic and cultural intelligence - credibility operating in a dual trade and consular environment, with the ability to navigate diverse cultural and political contexts with confidence.
People and team leadership - a demonstrated ability to lead, coach and inspire multi-disciplinary teams, setting clear direction and accountability while fostering an inclusive and collaborative culture.
Stakeholder and relationship leadership - a strong track record of building trusted relationships with senior internal and external stakeholders, including government partners and business leaders up to board level.
Strategic autonomy - Confidence working independently while remaining aligned with NZTE’s global strategy and EMEA regional priorities.
Credible communication - Exceptional influencing and communication skills, with the presence and credibility to represent New Zealand effectively at senior levels.
Why you’ll love working here:
NZTE has a well-developed organisational culture where people are committed to the cause. The team is passionate about helping their customers succeed in the Middle East and you will love leading and working with great people. You’ll also enjoy being part of the senior leadership team setting NZTE’s strategy for the region and liaising with our people in New Zealand.
What’s next:
For more information please read the position description - Trade Commissioner PD and if this sounds like your next career move, apply online with an updated CV and cover letter. Applications close 11.59pm Monday 2 March NZT.
Before applying, please review the notes below regarding eligibility for this role.
- You must be a New Zealand citizen to be eligible for this role.
- This contract will be for a minimum fixed term of 3 years with the potential to extend to 5 years. Remuneration will be a competitive Expat Package.
- This role requires various vetting procedures including a National Security Clearance
Please use this self-check tool below to find out if you might be eligible to apply for a national security clearance: Eligibility self-check tool | Protective Security Requirements
Please note: The results are a guide only. If eligible, the official vetting process will still need to be completed. If you're not eligible, the factors that may contribute to this result will be provided.
We believe New Zealand is good for the World. New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) is an equal opportunity employer. At NZTE it is all about our people and we seek diversity of thought; we welcome and encourage you to apply regardless of ethnicity, gender, religion, age, neurodiversity or disability. If we need to make specific accommodations in any part of the interview process, please note this in your application or discuss with the Talent Acquisition Partner.