Trade & Investment Adviser (Business Development and Corporate sustainability)

Type of employment: Full-time, 2 years on a local contract
Starting date: 1 August 2025 or shortly thereafter
Location: Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Application deadline: 30 April 2025

Join the Danish Embassy in Vietnam and shape the future of sustainable trade

The Embassy of Denmark in Vietnam is looking for a dynamic and forward-thinking Trade & Investment Adviser with strong business acumen and a deep understanding of sustainability and trade promotion. This unique cross-sector role will focus on business development and value creation across the Embassy’s five target sectors: Agriculture & Food, Energy, Maritime & Defence, Health & Tech, and Sustainable Supply Chains.

You will be based either in Hanoi at the Embassy or in Ho Chi Minh City at the Danish Economic and Commercial Office (DECO), depending on your profile and preference. You will work closely with a team of experienced sector advisers in Vietnam and with colleagues across the other Danish Embassies in the South East Asia region.

About the Role

In this strategic, cross-cutting role, together with experienced colleagues, you will lead the development of new commercial initiatives, support Danish companies in accessing the Vietnamese market, and build compelling value propositions across sectors. You will also serve as the focal point for the Embassy’s sustainability advisory, helping Danish businesses navigate and comply with evolving regulatory frameworks and expectations e.g., coming from the EU.

You will operate at the intersection of diplomacy and trade, contributing to the strong bilateral relations between Denmark and Vietnam.

Key Responsibilities

• Advise and assist Danish companies with market entry and expansion strategies across the Embassy’s key sectors.
• Develop new concepts and commercial initiatives in close collaboration with sector leads, identifying value propositions and onboarding Danish companies.
• Serve as the main contact point for the Embassy’s corporate sustainability advisory, including stakeholder engagement in both Denmark and Vietnam.
• Monitor EU regulatory developments, especially on sustainability, and deliver tailored reports and insights to Danish companies.
• Build and maintain strong networks with local authorities, industry associations, and private-sector stakeholders.
• Contribute to strategic planning and execution of export and investment promotion activities, including trade missions and sector campaigns.

The Embassy charges for commercial services provided to Danish companies, and the position includes a set of both individual and team based hard and soft KPIs to ensure progress, quality, and value creation across activities.

Your Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Economics, International Trade, or a related field.
• A Master’s degree is an advantage.

Professional Experience

• Minimum 5 years of progressively responsible experience in business, international trade, CSR/sustainability or government.
• Experience working with Danish, Nordic or European companies and stakeholders is a plus.
• Familiarity with economic diplomacy, sustainability reporting, and market development is highly valued.
• Understanding of Vietnam’s business environment, regulations, and industry landscape.
• Experience working with SMEs and navigating public-private partnerships.

Skills

• Fluent in English – both written and spoken.
• Nordic language skill would be an advantage
• Excellent communicator and network-builder with a proactive mindset.
• Able to work independently and in cross-cultural teams.
• Strong planning, coordination, and problem-solving abilities.
• Tech-savvy: Proficient in MS Office and preferably CRM systems.

What We Offer

• A high degree of autonomy in an exciting, fast-paced environment.
• A meaningful, purpose-driven role contributing to sustainable development.
• Competitive salary based on qualifications and local conditions.
• A supportive, family-friendly workplace with strong work-life balance (40-hour work week, flex-time, generous leave).
• Opportunities for regional travel and professional development (on-the-job learning, MFA training, e-courses).
• Dedicated colleagues and an international atmosphere with strong team spirit.

 

Employment conditions

• You will be offered full time employment for 2-year contract with the possibility of extension subject to agreement by both parties.
• You are employed with a work week of an average of 40 working hours, including a 30 minutes daily lunch break.
• You will be entitled to 20 days of paid vacation per year.
• Your salary will reflect your qualifications, relevant experience and proven work-related results.
• Attractive health insurance.
• Benefits and other conditions will be based on the Embassy’s Staff Rules.

 

How to Apply

Send your application (cover letter, CV, educational documents, recommendations, and 2–3 references) in English to: [email protected]
Subject line: Application – Trade & Investment Adviser

Deadline: 30 April 2025

Please note only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. The selected candidate must present a clean criminal record and pass security clearance by Danish authorities prior to employment.

 

The Embassy is obliged to follow EU-rules of handling personal information (GDPR) when we receive and process job applications. Our processing of personal information will rely on your consent (art. 6, no. 1 litra a). Please read the privacy policy of the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs before applying (Privacy Notice (um.dk)). By sending your application, you actively consent to our processing of your personal information. In the abovementioned policy you can read more about your rights (among others your right to withdraw your consent), how we process your data and how to complain about our processing of your personal data.

 

Contact

For questions about the position, please contact: Mr. Lasse Pedersen Hjortshøj, Commercial Counsellor, Head of Trade and Economic Diplomacy - [email protected]

 

About Us

The Embassy of Denmark in Vietnam covers both Vietnam and Laos and is part of the Danish Foreign Service. With around 50 staff members across Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, the Embassy is a vibrant and ambitious workplace.
Learn more: www.vietnam.um.dk