Trade & Commercial Advisor – Technology & Services

Overview

• Become a critical partner to NZ companies wanting to grow in the UAE, Qatar and the Levant.
• Consulting, advising and working with a customer portfolio selling technology solutions into a range of verticals and Enterprise level solutions.
• Full-time, permanent opportunity available based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
• ***Are you an experienced commercial leader looking for a strategic, purpose***
• ‑
• ***driven role where you can apply your deep tech and market expertise to help ambitious businesses scale internationally?***
• New Zealand Trade and Enterprise (NZTE) works with some of New Zealand's most innovative and forward-thinking companies, helping them grow internationally.
• Our people are based in 37 offices, working across 24 time zones and 40 languages to support New Zealand businesses in over 100 countries.
• NZTE's purpose is simple - to grow New Zealand businesses internationally, bigger, better, faster, for the good of New Zealand.
• As our Trade & Commercial Advisor in Dubai, you will help our customers - New Zealand Businesses – to grow and thrive in the UAE, Qatar, and the Levant, focusing on Technology & Services.
• Our Dubai office offers a fast paced, fun and stimulating environment with a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region and work alongside a talented, diverse, international team.
• This role offers a rare opportunity to work at the intersection of entrepreneurial commercial strategy, international growth and national economic impact.
• What you'll be doing
• As a Trade & Commercial Advisor, you will join a team that is passionate about representing New Zealand in the UAE and be responsible for coaching and guiding New Zealand businesses to commercial success in the UAE, Qatar, and the Levant markets.
• This role is part of our customer facing team, working alongside your customers to deliver their goals with a wide range of comprehensive and business focused advice and in-market introductions.
• This role will see you have a dedicated focus on growing customers in the Technology & Services sector as you will be responsible for supporting a portfolio of companies selling technology solutions into them.
• You will inherit an active portfolio of tech and services companies spanning multiple sectors at different growth stages; from health-tech, SaaS products, fin-tech to ed-tech and more.
• You will provide strategic guidance across market entry, customer development and expansion, drawing on your commercial judgement, sector knowledge and in‑market networks. you will support the development and execution of business models that support leadership teams to navigate the nuances of operating successfully.
• You will proactively support New Zealand companies to execute their business growth plans in the region, including providing introductions, market analysis, and research.
• Your consultative approach, ability to activate your networks and business credibility will be highly valued, as will your ability to identify the markets future trends.
• A superb relationship manager and team player, you will be part of a dedicated, hardworking team within a truly global organisation.
• What you'll need to be successful
• You will bring 10+ years of senior‑level commercial experience within the technology sector.
• This role requires a resilient and energetic individual who has significant business experience, diplomatic skills, and deep established networks in the region.
• You will also be a self-starter who is proactive and driven.
• You'll have knowledge of local customs and business practices as well as a strong desire to continue expanding this knowledge.
• In addition to this knowledge, having excellent English skills and having Arabic language capability would be advantageous.
• You will possess a deep knowledge of the tech sector and be highly versed in a range of trade and economic issues with solid experience across a variety of business disciplines such as business consulting, sales, marketing, account management, project management through multiple roles in your career.
• You also will have demonstrated a proven ability to turn market knowledge and data into insights that are actionable for our customers is key.
• As is the planning, time management and organisation skills that will be critical to your success in this busy and varied role.
• Your ability to assess business strengths, risks and opportunities, and translate insight into practical growth strategies as well as your ability to ask the right questions and guide smart growth decisions will be integral to your success in the role.
• Why you'll love working here
• NZTE is a truly global organisation, giving you a wonderful experience of working with different cultures with over a hundred countries as part of our everyday.
• We know that life is not all about work and flexible working at NZTE is standard practice.
• We will give you the right technology to allow you to work anywhere and balance your time.
• Career development is another huge part of working at NZTE and we will help you with your aspirations and work with you to get you there – being a learning environment that encourages adventure and experimentation, what better place to grow your career!
• What's next
• If this role sounds like you, and you have an interest in New Zealand, have a read of the Business Development position description here, and if you are interested,
• apply with your CV and Cover Letter in English before Monday May 19 2026 at 9pm GST (Dubai local time)
• *Please note:*
• *- This is a 'locally engaged' position, New Zealand Consulate-General will be your sponsor in the UAE for a work permit.
• This role will travel often within the UAE, Qatar, Levant, and Saudi Arabia.*
• *- This role is internally known as a Business Development Manager.*
• *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.*