UK DSE Desk Officer Position Available In Jefferson, Alabama

Within the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), UK Defence and Security Exports (UKDSE) leads on helping the UK’s defence, security, and cyber industries reach global markets, while also attracting inward investment. These sectors are vital to the UK’s national security and prosperity – and are integral to our wider diplomatic and economic relationships. We are looking to bring in energetic HEOs to join our Middle East, Southern Europe, or Asia Pacific Teams. The individuals will play a pivotal role in helping UK businesses tap into regional opportunities in defence, security, cyber, and wider industrial supply chains. You will also collaborate across government to ensure the UK remains a key partner in UK efforts to these markets and promote a key UK growth sector. If you thrive in a fast-moving environment, are keen to work on a high-profile and strategically important mission, and enjoy delivering real impact that resonates beyond Whitehall, then we want to hear from you. These positions sit within UKDSE Regional Directorate 1 and 2 teams.

You will:

Lead on stakeholder engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with UK industry, trade associations, and international businesses and government organisations in your region, as well as colleagues across Whitehall (e.g. MOD, FCDO, NCSC, Home Office, DSIT).

Support industrial partnerships:

Identify, develop, and deliver projects that strengthen collaboration between the UK and your markets – particularly in defence, security, cyber, and emerging technology fields.

Coordinate operational delivery:

Contribute to planning and running trade missions to your countries, manage inward delegations, and support key defence/security events in the UK and overseas.

Shape communications:

Develop and share compelling content about the UK’s partnership with your markets – both externally (e.g. briefings for industry) and internally (e.g. ministerial advice, cross-government updates).

Build team capability:

Help improve processes, documentation, and knowledge management so that UKDSE can respond swiftly to new developments, ensuring consistent and joined-up support across multiple projects. The role will have a particular emphasis on broader defence, cyber and security, industrial and supply chain opportunities. It will involve working with relevant experts, industry partners, and cross-government teams to foster cutting-edge collaboration in these domains.

What Makes This Role Exciting:

International Exposure:

You will represent the UK Government in engagements with global industry figures, trade associations, and sometimes foreign government representatives.

Strategic Impact:

Your work will directly contribute to advancing the UK’s standing as a key partner in global defence and security.

Variety & Challenge:

You will juggle multiple projects that blend operational delivery, policy coordination, event management, and relationship-building -offering a steep learning curve and rapid professional growth.

Team Culture:

You will be part of a supportive, collaborative team that prizes proactivity, fresh thinking, and a willingness to tackle new challenges as they emerge.