Investor relations position

Francophiles with a penchant for business may find this job puts the ooh la la back into their career.

The Invest In France Agency (IFA) is an official government agency with 21 offices in 12 countries in Europe, North America and Asia devoted to advancing long-term investments that generate economic growth and employment opportunities in France.

The company's Hong Kong office is looking for an investor relations manager to identify companies in Hong Kong and southern China with the potential to invest in France.

'This is an important role to the company because the investor relations manager's tasks involve the services and the image of France as well,' said Joelle Huang, director of IFA Hong Kong, which was established in 1994 and operates under the authority of the French Trade Commission in Hong Kong.

The position will be exciting for someone who enjoys diversity in their work as each investment project is different.

Each day will find the appointee organising contacts and scheduling business meetings with potential local investors to promote the French government's incentives for investment.

'This is not only a job of promoting investment opportunities in a governmental agency, but also a very passionate job of promoting the new image of France,' Ms Huang emphasised, adding that the agency had 100 staff worldwide and three in the local office.

Certainly not a desk job, this role places emphasis on conducting public relations activities, which include participation in seminars where the successful candidate will present the many opportunities for investing in France. Confidence in public speaking is a must.

It is also important for the incumbent to report activities to the offices in Hong Kong and Paris.

'This person will need to report, according to our procedure, to the Paris head office, and to do the project's follow-up,' said Ms Huang, adding that it was essential for candidates to be able to speak and write in English, Cantonese, Putonghua and French.

Interested candidates should be degree holders in a business-related discipline and have prior experience in business or strategic development.

Applicants should also have strong computer skills in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint and Excel.

A strong interest in economic intelligence and the various business environments in China is essential, as is the desire to travel to Shenzhen once a month to meet clients. Travel to the headquarters in Paris will also be expected twice a year for training and to meet colleagues.

As expected of a public role, the successful candidate will have to be outgoing, energetic and have excellent communication skills. Since this person will be generating their own contacts and working with a small team, being responsible and organised will make the job easier.