Job Description

This six-month interim role will lead preparatory work for a priority project across Scotland’s international network, helping to strengthen coordination, alignment and delivery readiness. The postholder will work closely with colleagues across the Scottish Government, international offices and key stakeholders to gather evidence, assess current approaches, identify risks and dependencies, and develop recommendations to support future implementation. The role requires strong project management, stakeholder engagement and analytical skills, alongside the ability to produce high-quality briefings and advice for senior audiences. The postholder will also contribute to wider policy and corporate responsibilities, supporting Scotland’s international objectives and helping to improve the effectiveness of the international network.

The Directorate for Culture and External Affairs (DCEA) brings together the Scottish Government’s work on Culture, Population and Migration, International Climate Change, External Affairs and International Development. The Directorate leads engagement at home and internationally to enhance Scotland's reputation, increase sustainable economic growth, pursue strategic interests overseas, and strengthen international partnerships.

This post sits within the International Strategy and Reputation Division, which works to strengthen Scotland's international impact by:

• Developing and implementingScotland’s International Strategy with a focus on continuous improvement

• Engaging on the international elements of inter-governmental relations across the UK and the development of our network of international offices.

• Improving Scotland’s wellbeing and influence globally by maximising international opportunities across economic, cultural and policy assets
• Building Scotland’s global reputation as a destination to live, work, study, visit and do business

This interim 6-month post will play a key role in supporting preparatory work for a priority project across the international network, focusing on strengthening coordination, alignment and delivery readiness to support effective future implementation.

Key Responsibilities

1. Priority Project - Preparatory Work for International Network

• Lead and coordinate preparatory work for a priority international network project, focused on improving the alignment and delivery of Scotland’s international activity.
• Work closely with colleagues in DITI, international offices, and key partners toto gather insights, identify requirements and assess current delivery approaches.
• Map key stakeholders, dependencies, risks and implementation considerations to inform future delivery planning.
• Develop recommendations, frameworks and supporting materials to support decision-making and readiness for implementation.
• Capture lessons learned and provide recommendations to support longer-term improvements beyond the life of the post.

2. Policy, Briefing and Corporate Responsibilities

• Work with colleagues to contribute to policy briefings and maintain alignment with wider international priorities
• Undertake FoIs, Parliamentary Questions (PQs), Ministerial Correspondence (MICASE) and briefing duties as required
• Maintain awareness of wider policy developments impacting international activity

Success Profile

Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on.

Find out more about Success profiles: candidate guide - gov. scot

Technical/Professional skills:

• Working Internationally - Level 1 -Developing
• Governance and Project Delivery - Level 2 - Practitioner
• Multilevel Government - Level 1 - Developing
• Evaluation – Level 1 – Developing

You can find out more about the skills required, here: Policy Profession Standards Annex (publishing.service.gov.uk)

Experience

Essential:

• Experience of delivering or supporting project scoping and design work, producing clear options and practical recommendations
• Strong ability to build relationships and collaborate across teams and stakeholders
• Proven analytical skills, with the ability to gather insight, identify issues and propose solutions
• Excellent communication skills, including drafting clear briefings and materials for senior audiences
• Ability to work at pace, manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality outputs to tight deadlines

Desirable:

• Experience working in an international, external affairs or network-based environment

Behaviours

• Seeing the Big Picture – Level 3

• Working Together – Level 3

• Communicating and Influencing – Level 3

• Delivering at pace – Level 3

You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here: Behaviour levels - Success profiles: candidate guide

Working pattern
This role is a temporary level transfer position.

The post is a full-time role, but staff with different working patterns are invited to apply, and we will assess proposed working patterns against the business requirements for this post.

Our standard hours are 35 hours per week, and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role, including Flexi-leave. Scottish Government staff in hybrid-compatible roles should aim to work in-person 40% of the time, either in an office or other agreed work location.

How to Apply