At a Glance
- Tasks: Represent Scotland's interests in London and engage with international stakeholders.
- Company: Scottish Government’s London office, promoting trade and diplomatic relations.
- Benefits: London Weighting pay supplement and relocation allowance available.
- Other info: Full-time role with flexible working options and opportunities for career growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Scotland's international relations and policy development.
- Qualifications: Must be a substantive B3 employee with strong networking skills.
The predicted salary is between 40500 - 49500 £ 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.
The Scottish Government’s London office has a fantastic opportunity to join the team representing Scottish interests in London, offering an unrivalled opportunity to combine policy advice, diplomatic engagement and exposure to Ministers and other senior stakeholders.
You will be based at Scotland House London in a distinctive partnership between Scottish Government, Scottish Enterprise/SDI, Visit Scotland and Scotland Food and Drink. Scotland House provides a platform for the development of trade and investment links, the deepening of Scotland’s international networks and diplomatic relations, the strengthening of government to government relations and facilitation of collaboration on economic, academic and innovation projects and partnerships.
You will have the opportunity to represent Scotland’s interests in London. You will also work in a cross-agency environment, working within a diverse team to deliver tangible outcomes across a broad suite of policy priorities. As a representative of the Scottish Government, political acuity will be important as you facilitate our engagement with the international community to deliver our priorities as defined in the latest Programme for Government. The role will be cross-government and cross-agency, working closely with our platform partner SDI in particular, to support the delivery of a comprehensive work programme to promote top Scottish Government international and economic priorities, providing exposure to international counterparts.
Responsibilities
- Build and maintain strong internal stakeholder networks, engaging with cross-government policy colleagues to build relationships and widen networks to further develop Scotland’s international relations.
- Build, maintain and widen strong external stakeholder networks, including with diplomatic missions, the Scottish diaspora, academia and think tanks to support the aims of the Scottish Government’s refreshed International Strategy.
- Lead the planning and delivery of ministerial programmes and policy promotion events which deliver high profile and meaningful engagements to leverage London networks of influence and promote Scotland’s international priorities.
- Lead delivery of comprehensive and ambitious programmes to grow international partnerships and economic benefits for Scotland in areas of thematic responsibility including Culture & Creative Industries.
- Represent the Scottish Government at a range of levels, and across a diverse spectrum of diplomatic and policy specific networking events, and gather, analyse and report intelligence from a range of sources on UK, European and International current affairs to inform the Scottish Government’s policy agenda.
- Lead Ministerial briefings and play an active role in Scotland House London’s corporate activity including correspondence (FOIs) and organisational development (Away Day) activity.
Qualifications
This role is 3 years with 1 year potential extension subject to agreement. The post is full time at 35 hours per week, office-based and features regular evening working. This is supported by flexible working options subject to discussion and business need. The Scotland House London team agreement sets out an expectation of 80% in-person activity across engagement in the office and at stakeholder meetings and events.
How to Apply
Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive B3 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). Vacancy closes at 11:59pm.
Selection Process
All applications will be invited to an informal discussion with the hiring manager. Informal discussions are to be confirmed.
Further Information
If you have specific questions about the role, please contact Bronach Hughes, Head of UK, EU and International Relations at Scotland House London at bronach.hughes@gov.scot.
Pay supplement
This post attracts London Weighting (~£4,140 per annum in addition to salary, subject to tax); and a relocation/accommodation allowance for staff relocating from Scotland. Further information is available via HR Relocation Services.
Deputy Head of UK, EU and International Relations -B3 in London 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Deputy Head of UK, EU and International Relations -B3 in London
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Scottish Government, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Scottish Government and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Deputy Head of UK, EU and International Relations -B3 in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Scottish Government and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Government
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Scottish Government, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Scottish Government.