Foreign Direct Investment Specialist (FDI)

Our client is a sounded government agency supporting the business development of Italian companies abroad and promoting foreign investment in Italy.

In addition to its headquarters in Rome, ITA operates worldwide through a vast network of offices linked to Italian embassies and consulates, working closely with local authorities and businesses.

With a modern and dynamic organization, ITA provides information, assistance, consulting, promotion, and training to small and medium-sized Italian enterprises.

Through its Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) Unit, facilitates the establishment and development of foreign companies in Italy by:

• Promoting business opportunities

• Assisting foreign investors in establishing or expanding operations

• Supporting investors throughout the entire investment lifecycle

• Offering high-level advisory services for strategic investments

Role Overview

This role is focused on supporting Egypt-based and regional (African) direct investment in Italy, raising awareness of Italy's business and regulatory environment, and assisting companies and investment groups evaluating strategic expansion,

industrial partnerships, or corporate structuring in Europe.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in investment banking,

management consulting, or investment promotion - preferably with experience in both Egypt and Italy (in the private or public sector) - and a proven track record in attracting and supporting foreign investors.

The role is for a one-year contract, with the possibility of extension for an additional term of one year less one day (the 'Extended Term'), subject to approval by the ITA.

Key Responsibilities

1- Lead Generation

• Identify, contact, and engage with suitable leads and investment projects.
• Target companies with potential interest in greenfield investments, expansions, or mergers and acquisitions in Italy.
• Generate and qualify leads through emails, referrals, networking, and event participation.
• Adopt a methodical approach to follow-ups, ensuring relationships are nurtured and maintained.

2- Investor Engagement and Sales Support

● Manage relationships with prospective and existing investors.

● Assist in developing presentations and marketing materials.

● Support marketing campaigns, including executive missions to Italy.

● Conduct competitive and sectoral intelligence gathering and analysis.

● Prepare management reports on sales and marketing activities. Marketing and Outreach.

● Collaborate with the Cairo Office, the FDI Office in Rome and with local authorities and businesses.

● Implement marketing strategies locally, including event organization, PR, targeted brochures, and social media campaigns.

● Identify relevant conferences, exhibitions, and speaking opportunities in Egypt and, where relevant, in selected African markets.

Job Duties

● Conduct meetings with companies and organizations in Egypt, selected African markets, and Italy.

● Research and/or collect market information with reference to targeted industry sectors.

● Assist visiting ITA staff or partners on business trips to promote inward direct investment from the Egyptian and regional market to Italy.

● Follow up to enquiries from potential investors.

● Build and manage contacts with potential and existing investors through meetings, telephone calls and emails or other modes of contact to be determined by Identify and recommend conferences, seminars, exhibitions and speaking engagements for participation in Egypt and, where relevant, in the region.

● Organize seminars, receptions and other promotional events according with the activities plan provided by Detailed record of meeting notes to be shared periodically with the Investment Coordination Office in Rome.

● Develop and maintain the ongoing DB with companies' contact information as a result of meetings, workshops or other networking activities.

● Submit a structured quarterly report and a bi-weekly update to Head Office.

● Provide a final comprehensive report at the end of the term.

Requirements

Qualifications and Skills

• A Degree in Finance, Economics, Political Science or a related field.
• Solid background in investment banking, management consulting, investment promotion, or a related field (in the private or public sector) involving strategic and operational support activities for attracting foreign investors - with a strong network across different industry sectors.
• Demonstrated success in lead generation and investor engagement.
• Strong understanding of global FDI dynamics and the Egyptian economic/financial framework.
• Deep knowledge of the industrial frameworks of Italy and Egypt.
• Excellent communication skills and high attention to detail.
• Proficiency in English; Arabic language skills are required. Italian language skills are a plus.
• Proficient in MS Office (Excel, PowerPoint); excellent knowledge of databases such as Pitchbook, Capital IQ, and FDI Markets.
• Strong organizational and time management skills; ability to prioritize, multitask, and work flexibly.

An Examination Committee is appointed, consisting of three members and a recording secretary.

There will be an interview in English, divided into a technical part and an attitudinal part. The technical part of the interview will be based on the following topics:

● Investment attraction competencies: proven experience in attracting FDI (Foreign Direct Investment), promoting investment opportunities, or in related roles, with a strong passion for fostering investment prospects.

● Organizational competencies in the context of high-impact investment promotion activities such as seminars, roadshows, and networking events that highlight Italy's investment potential.

● Market Intelligence competencies: knowledge of global economic trends, market dynamics, and best investment practices, providing valuable insights to investors, with a particular focus on the Egyptian industrial ecosystem as well as the broader finance and investment landscape.

Regarding the general criteria for evaluation, the oral examination aims to:

● Verify the candidate's adequate level of knowledge of the topics covered by the

exam;

● Assess, through an overall evaluation of the candidate, their ability to communicate clearly and concisely, demonstrate logical reasoning, make connections between concepts, provide reasoned summaries, and exhibit maturity, balance, and suitability for carrying out the tasks related to the position at the ICE Office in Cairo.