Policy Official - B3

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.

This role sits within the International Strategy and Reputation division and supports the delivery of Scotland’s international objectives by ensuring the effective operation and coordination of the global network of offices. It combines operational leadership, governance and policy responsibilities, acting as a key point of contact for staff overseas and providing guidance on HR, corporate and operational matters.
The postholder oversees network coordination, workforce planning and key governance forums, while identifying and managing operational, financial and compliance risks.

The role also contributes to intergovernmental relations work, providing advice on UK and international policy developments and supporting senior officials and Ministers. Overall, it plays a central role in maintaining a well-managed, connected and strategically aligned 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 on engaging at home and internationally to enhance Scotland's reputation and increase sustainable economic growth, pursue our interests overseas and strengthen our international relationships and partnerships. This post sits within the International Strategy and Reputation division, which aims to strengthen Scotland's international impact by:

• Developing and implementing Scotland’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 economic and social wellbeing and influence by realising internationally the full benefits of our assets, including brand, sports, culture, events and progressive policies such as culture

• Creating the conditions for arts festivals to thrive and for the culture sector to thrive internationally

• Communicating with international audiences and helping to build and develop Scotland’s reputation as the best place to live/work, study, visit and do business.

Roles and responsibilities

• Plan, coordinate and deliver the annual leadership event for the Scottish Government’s international network, ensuring it supports collaboration, capability-building and strategic coherence ‑building and strategic coherence.
• Maintain, develop and continuously improve comprehensive guidance for international network staff covering recruitment, postings, induction, operational support, and end-of-tour processes. ‑of‑tour processes.
• Provide support to Deputy Directors with recruitment and workforce planning, including maintaining an accurate forward plan
• Act as a central point of contact for international network staff, providing clear advice, signposting and support on HR, corporate and operational issues
• Support operational assurance across the international network by identifying emerging operational, financial or compliance risks, ensuring appropriate escalation, and contributing to mitigation planning.

• Oversee regular meetings across the international network, including the Heads of Office and Network Management Team, ensuring meetings are purposeful and contribute to improved coordination, consistency and operational effectiveness. Provide secretariat support for key governance groups as required.

• Act as the primary contact between DCEA and FCDO across One HMG matters, attending relevant meetings and supporting finance matters as required

• Work with colleagues across government to develop and implement policy on international aspects of the review of Intergovernmental Relations (IGR), ensuring devolved interests are properly represented.

• Maintain situational awareness of emerging international policy developments across UKG and the devolved governments, analysing implications for Scotland and providing advice to senior officials and Ministers.

• Undertake FoIs, PQs, Micase and briefing duties as required for the division’s policy area.