At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead Scotland's trade policy and engage with key stakeholders on impactful issues.
- Company: Scottish Government's Directorate for International Trade and Investment.
- Benefits: Opportunity to influence trade policy and support economic growth.
- Other info: Temporary maternity cover role with flexible responsibilities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in trade, human rights, and climate policy.
- Qualifications: Must be a substantive C1 grade employee with relevant experience.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.
This opportunity is only open to applicants who are currently 'Priority Movers'. Applications from individuals not currently on the Priority Mover list will be rejected and not considered.
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.
Managing up to 3 B3s, you will lead the Scottish Government’s strategic approach to trade policy, linked to wider trade and investment plans, and the Scottish Government’s policy approach to a number of specific trade-impacted or impacting policy issues, including human rights and climate. You will engage with Ministers, colleagues, delivery bodies, stakeholders and the UK Government in doing so.
Responsibilities- Lead the Scottish Government’s strategic approach to trade policy, including leading work reviewing our current approach (the ‘Vision for Trade’), advising Ministers on options following the 2026 election, and leading any subsequent publications or internal documents.
- Working with colleagues in the Scottish Government’s Export Policy Team, Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Development International, lead and deliver a strategy to increase coherence between trade policy and other business support interventions to better support business and boost economic growth.
- Lead the team’s work on trade-related human rights issues and the Scottish Government’s human rights due diligence guidance for public bodies. This high profile area of work with significant public and parliamentary interest includes providing advice to Ministers on a range of human rights issues, including in relation to Russia and the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
- Lead the team’s work on the trade-related aspects of climate/environmental policy. This includes trade positions on the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, opportunities in relation to Environmental Goods and Services and wider coherence between climate, environment and trade.
- Provide strategic leadership on plans to improve trade data infrastructure.
- Provide direct line management and support to up to 3 B3 members of staff.
- Build expertise in trade policy and be proactive in seeking personal development opportunities.
- Deputise for the C2 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 recent election. As is the case across the Scottish Government, 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.
In terms of this particular post, the current postholder manages 3 B3s and has the range of responsibilities set out above. However, given the breadth of the current remit and the duration of this opportunity, we expect to make some modifications to the range of responsibilities of this role on a temporary basis.
QualificationsThis role is a temporary position for maternity cover (approximately 12 months) starting September 2026.
How to ApplyApplications for this position will only be accepted from substantive C1 grade employees. Please submit a statement outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team (maximum 500 words). Vacancies close at 23:59pm on Wednesday 3 June.
Selection ProcessAll applicants will be invited to an informal discussion. There will be no formal testing or assessment. Discussions are expected to be scheduled for w/c tbc.
Further InformationIf you have specific questions about the role, please contact helen.clifford@gov.scot. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.
International Trade Official - C1 employer: Scottish Government
As an employer, the Scottish Government offers a dynamic and supportive work environment where you can make a meaningful impact on trade policy and economic growth. With a strong focus on employee development, you will have opportunities to enhance your expertise while working collaboratively with Ministers and stakeholders on critical issues such as human rights and climate policy. Located in Scotland, this role provides a unique chance to contribute to the nation's strategic trade initiatives in a flexible and engaging atmosphere.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land International Trade Official - C1
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the trade policy field and let them know you're on the lookout for opportunities. You never know who might have the inside scoop on openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those informal discussions! Brush up on your knowledge of current trade issues, especially those related to human rights and climate. Being well-informed will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! Think about examples from your past where you've led a team or project, especially in areas relevant to trade policy. This will demonstrate your capability to manage and guide others effectively.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It's the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team and contributing to Scotland's trade interests.
We think you need these skills to ace International Trade Official - C1
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your statement, make sure to get straight to the point. We want to see your relevant skills and experience without any fluff. Stick to the 500-word limit and ensure every word counts!
Show Your Passion for Trade Policy:Let us know why you’re excited about this role! Share your thoughts on trade policy and how it impacts Scotland’s economy, society, and environment. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely interested in making a difference.
Tailor Your Application:Make sure your application speaks directly to the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Highlight your experience with human rights, climate policy, or trade data infrastructure if applicable. We want to see how you fit into our team!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our official website. It’s the best way to ensure we receive your application and can consider you for this exciting opportunity. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Government
✨Know Your Trade Policy Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in Scotland’s current trade policies and the specific issues mentioned in the job description, like human rights and climate. Brush up on recent developments and be ready to discuss how these impact trade strategy.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Since this role involves managing a team, prepare examples of your leadership experience. Think about times when you’ve successfully led projects or initiatives, especially in a policy context, and be ready to share how you motivate and support your team.
✨Engage with Current Events
Stay updated on current events related to international trade, especially those affecting Scotland. Being able to discuss recent news or changes in trade agreements will show your passion and understanding of the field.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
At the end of your discussion, have some insightful questions ready for your interviewers. This could include inquiries about the future direction of trade policy or how the team plans to tackle emerging challenges. It shows you’re engaged and thinking critically about the role.
