At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead policy on Free Trade Agreements and shape Scotland's trade strategy.
- Company: Scottish Government, driving economic transformation through international trade.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, career development, and a chance to influence Scotland's economy.
- Other info: Flexible working patterns welcomed; excellent growth opportunities within the government.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Scotland's trade policies and engage with key stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Strong policy development skills and experience in stakeholder engagement.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
This is an Expression of Interest (EOI) opportunity, available on a lateral move basis only. Applications are open to Core Scottish Government employees only.
Location – VQ/AQ
Working Arrangement – Staff in roles compatible with hybrid working should aim to spend 40% of their contracted working time working in person at their contractual workplace. More information can be found within Hybrid Working Policy.
Grade - B3
Advert type - Level Transfer
Duration - Permanent
Eligibility - Expressions of interest are invited from substantive colleagues on level transfer from within core SG only. Skilled Worker sponsorship is not available for this role. As a result, we are unable to appoint candidates who require Skilled Worker sponsorship now or in the future. Applicants must have an existing and ongoing right to work in the UK.
Overview
Are you looking for a role that sits at the heart of the Scottish Government’s plans to transform the Scottish economy? The International Trade Strategy Team are seeking a Senior Policy Advisor to lead policy on Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) and on the Scottish Government’s strategic approach to trade policy. You will join the Directorate for International Trade and Investment’s (DITI) International Trade Policy and Subsidy Control Division. The division provides expert analysis on trade policy issues, defending and promoting Scotland’s trade interests in a way that also helps meet its economic, social, and environmental aims. You will manage a B2 team member, leading policy on FTAs, developing and coordinating Scottish Government input into the development and implementation of future UK trade arrangements and trade deals, including the high-profile UK-USA Economic Prosperity Deal (EPD) negotiations. You will also lead policy on the Scottish Government’s strategic approach to trade policy, linked to wider trade and investment plans, including the strategic approach to export policy. You will engage with stakeholders and the UK Government, handling briefing and correspondence on all of those issues.
Responsibilities
- Lead on Free Trade Agreement policy, particularly the development and coordination of the Scottish Government’s input into UK FTAs and other trade negotiations, and the rollout of the UK Trade Strategy. This includes preparing briefing and Ministerial advice on the ongoing UK-US trade negotiations, including Memoranda of Understanding.
- Lead from a policy perspective, in collaboration with OCEA, on projects to further develop and utilise trade data, such as on the impacts of trade deals on Scotland, including economic modelling of specific trade deals.
- Lead on developing the Scottish Government’s strategic approach to trade policy, including advising new Ministers on options and working with policy leads across Government and stakeholders to build on the existing policy framework.
- Represent SG in engagement with the UK Government on trade agreements and other relevant trade policy issues, including work with the Department for Business and Trade and other DGs on the Inter-ministerial Group for Trade Forum and Senior Officials Group to protect and promote Scotland’s interests.
- Provide direct line management and support to 1 x B2 member of staff.
- Build expertise in trade policy and be proactive in seeking personal development opportunities.
- Deputise for the Team Leaders and work flexibly across the team, as required.
Priorities in DITI change over time, and may do so in particular in response to changing Ministerial priorities following the election in May 2026. As is expected across SG, staff are expected to be flexible to enable the Directorate to respond to new priorities. As such the responsibilities set out in this job description may need to adapt. The team deals with a wide variety of trade policy issues and we work flexibly to ensure we meet our objectives.
Qualifications
Success Profile
- Experience: Evidence of strong policy development skills, with experience of using a range of evidence research and stakeholder engagement to ensure well informed policy advice and decisions. Proven ability of developing and maintaining relationships across the Scottish Government and UK Government and of using strong oral and written communication skills to influence a range of audiences, ideally in an international context. Evidence of considering wider interests across the organisation in developing or delivering an area of policy.
Behaviours
- Seeing the Big Picture – Level 3
- Making Effective Decisions – Level 3
- Communicating and Influencing – Level 3
This post is a full time role, but we welcome applications from staff with different working patterns, proposed working patterns will be assessed against the business requirements for this post.
Further Information
Further information about this opportunity is available from Monika Dybowski [monika.dybowski@gov.scot]
How to Apply
Please submit a CV (by attaching this to your applicant profile) and an Expression of Interest (maximum 1000 words) outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team. Vacancies close at 23:59pm on Tuesday 4 August.
Selection Process
Applications will be reviewed by panel. Shortlisted candidates who are considered to have the skills and experience will be invited to interview with the hiring manager and another panel member. The panel will recommend the candidate considered most suitable for the post.
For any questions relating to your expression of interest please contact Monika Dybowski [monika.dybowski@gov.scot]
Apply before: 4/08/2026 (23:59). This post is open to substantive grade colleagues in core SG only.
FTA Coordination Senior Policy Advisor employer: Scottish Government
The Scottish Government offers a dynamic and supportive work environment, where you can make a significant impact on customer service and safeguarding across Scotland. With a strong focus on employee development and innovation, you will have access to numerous growth opportunities while working alongside a dedicated team committed to excellence in public service. Join us in shaping a high-performing organisation that values collaboration and strives for transformative results.
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Some tips for your application 🫡
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