Business and Investment Specialist

Job Description

About ApexBrasil

The Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (ApexBrasil) promotes Brazilian products and services abroad, supporting the internalization of Brazilian companies, and attracts foreign investments into strategic sectors of the Brazilian economy.

To achieve its goals, ApexBrasil carries out several trade promotion initiatives such as prospective and trade missions, business matchmaking events, support to the participation of Brazilian companies in major international trade fairs, organizes technical visits for foreign buyers and opinion leaders to enhance their understanding of Brazil’s productive sectors, and carries out other initiatives to strengthen Brazil’s brand internationally.

In alignment with the Brazilian Ministry of Development, Industry, Commerce and Services, ApexBrasil also plays a leading role in attracting foreign direct investment to Brazil by identifying business opportunities, promoting strategic events and providing support to foreign investors willing to allocate resources in Brazil.

We are currently seeking a Business and Investment Specialist to join our team.

About this position

We are seeking a specialist with excellent self-management, communication and negotiation skills, as well as in-depth knowledge of the markets within the office’s area of coverage, including USA, Canada, Mexico, Central America and the Caribbean. The role includes designing and managing export promotion and investment attraction projects. The ideal candidate will be an entrepreneur with proactivity, excellent analytical skills and strategic vision.

Responsibilities

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• Develop projects related to business opportunities and commercial relationships for Brazilian products and companies, as well as projects related to investment opportunities in Brazil.
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• Support Brazilian companies and organizations in developing international commercial relationship opportunities, facilitating projects and business ventures within the area of operation of ApexBrasil’s overseas office.
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• Develop and manage professional networks within the regions covered by the office.
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• Monitor trade barriers and market-access opportunities for Brazilian products in the regions covered by the office, conducting research on local policies, regulations, and market trends that may positively or negatively impact Brazilian export sectors. Produce qualified market intelligence for Brazilian associations and companies to support the development of their export strategies, identifying relevant risks and trends.
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• Plan and execute trade promotion projects, including trade fairs, buyer projects, business matchmaking events, trade missions, mentoring programs, and webinars, while leading internal and external teams.
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• Build and develop networks with local companies and institutions, including consulates, embassies, industry associations, and businesses, creating programs and opportunities for Brazilian companies to engage with potential buyers and supporting the development of relationships that facilitate the export of Brazilian products.
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• Work collaboratively with ApexBrasil headquarters and other ApexBrasil offices in the United States, following institutional guidelines and adapting projects to the regional context.
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• Perform other activities related to business and investment functions, as well as internal requests and responsibilities.
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Why apply?

Great opportunity to work with a dynamic and global team in a multicultural and stimulating environment.

Base Salary: $96,917.42/ year

Benefits: Health and Dental insurance (employee and family), PTO including 22 days’ vacation, holidays and personal days, Parking, AD&D insurance.

Qualifications:

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• Bachelor’s degree in related field required.
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• Postgraduate studies (specialization, master's degree or equivalent) are desirable.
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• A minimum of 5 years of experience in International Business, Foreign Trade, International Relations, Business Management, Marketing and Project Management.
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• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel and Power Point).
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• Proficiency in Portuguese and English (mandatory).
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• Intermediate or advanced Spanish proficiency is desirable.
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Willingness to travel frequently (domestic and international).

Candidates who fail to meet any of the requirements will be disqualified from the selection process.

Additional skills and qualifications:

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• Excellent verbal and written communication and negotiation skills.
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• Exceptional organizational and negotiation skills, autonomy, and a proactive attitude.
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• Strong interpersonal skills.
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• Ability to adapt to multicultural environments.
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• Ability to work in a dynamic environment.
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• Customer and partner relationship management.
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• Proficiency in using Artificial Intelligence tools to enhance productivity.
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Selection Process*:

Application:

1) Fill in the form: -- Ea5jlHiOyklhuNIhatVjClJvqbEEAaEhlNUNUlZVlUwRTQ2TUtCMTY0SjhSWTZNUUZBRS4u &route=shorturl

2) Send copy of the following documents to: View email address on ziprecruiter.com

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• Resume;
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• Copy of academic certificates and diplomas;
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• In case of a foreign candidate (non-US Citizen), provide a copy of a valid work permit/visa.
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*Only completed applications will be considered. ApexBrasil does not sponsor work visas for employees. All communication must be done through the email: View email address on ziprecruiter.com

Selection Process Phases:

I) Resume screening and Work experience evaluation

II) Skills Assessment (Written Exam)

III) Oral Exam

Phase I - Resume screening and Work experience evaluation (eliminatory and ranking phase)

The academic background and work experience evaluation is determined by a points-based system as follows:

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• Master’s degree in related areas: 1 additional points (per additional certificate), up to a maximum of 2 points;
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• Relevant work experience: 1 point per year of work (per additional year), up to a maximum of 10 points;
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In the event two or more candidates receive the same score, the following additional criteria will be considered:

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• Score obtained for professional experience;
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• Additional points awarded for academic qualifications;
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• Previous experience, if any, working at another ApexBrasil office;
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• The extent to which the candidate’s field of expertise is relevant to the position;
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Up to 20 candidates who meet the requirements and the minimum qualifications will be considered to the next phase of the selection process: Skills Assessment (Written Exam).

Phase II – Skills Assessment (Written Exam)

The Written Exam will be held in person and will be conducted in English and Portuguese. Content that may be covered:

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• Knowledge of the markets covered by the office, including North America, Central America, and the Caribbean
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• Knowledge of the Brazilian market
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• Project and process management and related areas
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• International trade dynamics
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• ApexBrasil's Strategic Planning
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• Export/import operations, including Incoterms, logistics, and best practices
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• Business internationalization
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The minimum score required for a candidate to advance to the next phase is 60% of the maximum possible score on the Written Exam.

A maximum of 10 (ten) candidates with the highest results from Phase II will be selected to advance to the Oral Exam.

Phase III – Oral Exam

The Oral Exam will include questions designed to provide a better understanding of the candidate’s professional background, experience, interests, motivation, and overall suitability for the position. It will also include technical, situational, and behavioral questions. Content that may be covered:

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• Knowledge of the markets covered by the office, including North America, Central America, and the Caribbean
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• Knowledge of the Brazilian market
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• Project and process management and related areas
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• International trade dynamics
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• ApexBrasil's Strategic Planning
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• Export/import operations, including Incoterms, logistics, and best practices
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• Business internationalization
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Additional Information:

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• On the day of the written exam and oral examinations, candidates must present a valid original form of identification and arrive at least 20 minutes before the scheduled start time.
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• Candidates will not be permitted to enter the examination room after the scheduled start time of the exams.
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• ApexBrasil is an equal opportunity employer and considers qualified applicants without discrimination based on legally protected characteristics.
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Selection Process - Timeline:

The dates below are tentative and subject to change. Any changes to the selection process schedule will be communicated to candidates in advance.

1) Phase I - Application, Resume Screening and Work Experience Evaluation - September 29-October 07

2) Email notification to candidates selected to participate in Phase II (Written Exam) - October 09

3) Phase II: In-person Written Exam - October 13

4) Email notification to candidates selected to participate in Phase III (Oral Exam) - October 19

5) Phase III: Oral Exam - October 22-23

6) Final Results - October 27

7) Start Date - November 04