At a Glance
- Tasks: Support international policy initiatives and coordinate events for the Scotch Whisky industry.
- Company: Join the Scotch Whisky Association, a leader in promoting and protecting the industry.
- Benefits: Flexible working hours, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace welcoming diverse backgrounds and experiences.
- Why this job: Kickstart your career in international trade and make a real impact in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Strong organisational skills and a passion for international trade or public affairs.
The predicted salary is between 32792 - 32792 £ per year.
The Scotch Whisky Association (SWA) is the trade association for the Scotch Whisky industry. We support and represent our members across a wide range of priorities, including industry promotion, regulatory and legal matters, sustainability, international market access and protecting the Scotch Whisky category worldwide. We are recruiting an International Policy Officer to provide policy and operational support to our International Team. This is a varied role combining visits and events coordination with policy support across selected Asia‑Pacific markets, tackling non‑tariff barriers and market access issues affecting the Scotch Whisky industry.
This role would suit someone in the early stages of their policy, public affairs or external relations career, or someone looking to move into international trade and market access work from another relevant sector. You do not need to be an international trade specialist already, but you will need to be organised, curious, a strong communicator and confident working with a range of colleagues, members and external stakeholders.
Role purpose
The International Policy Officer will provide policy and operational support to the International Team, combining responsibility for visits and events coordination with policy support across selected Asia‑Pacific markets, non‑tariff barriers and market access issues for the Scotch Whisky industry. The role offers an early‑career professional, or someone moving into a new sector, the opportunity to develop operational, stakeholder engagement and policy skills in a varied and outward‑facing environment.
Key responsibilities
- Visits, events and stakeholder coordination: Coordinate the planning and logistics of inward and outward visits, ensuring programmes are well‑organised and professionally delivered. Provide administrative and logistical support for team events, including trade and industry events hosted or attended by the International Team. Support the International Director and other senior team members with programme planning, travel arrangements and logistics for outward visits. Liaise professionally with members, overseas stakeholders, venues, suppliers and colleagues to support the smooth delivery of visits and events. Help ensure relevant information, actions and follow‑up points from visits and events are recorded and progressed appropriately.
- Asia‑Pacific policy support: Support the Head of Trade responsible for the Asia‑Pacific portfolio, including work on selected emerging markets in the region. Support the Head of Trade with the Association’s Asia‑Pacific and India working groups, including scheduling meetings, preparing papers, taking minutes and following up agreed actions. Monitor and horizon‑scan for relevant trade, regulatory and market access developments across selected Asia‑Pacific markets. Contribute to draft briefings, market summaries and member communications on Asia‑Pacific issues. Provide additional coordination and policy support as trade negotiations and market access issues develop.
- Non‑tariff barriers and market access: Provide support to the team’s market access work, taking responsibility for defined geographic or cross‑cutting non‑tariff barrier issues as agreed. Support work on implementation issues arising from the entry into force of the UK/India trade agreement, including tracking member queries, coordinating input from colleagues and members, and helping progress agreed actions. Maintain accurate records of issues, actions and stakeholder engagement relating to agreed market access workstreams. Work with International Team colleagues to identify recurring issues, member concerns or emerging barriers that may require further policy or engagement activity.
- Team and member support: Support the effective running of International Team meetings, working groups and member engagement activity as required. Prepare clear notes, summaries, updates and correspondence for internal and member audiences. Maintain accurate records and support the use of relevant systems, including stakeholder or member information where required. Provide flexible support to International Team colleagues, including picking up agreed ad‑hoc tasks during busy periods.
Person specification
Essential:
- Strong organisational and coordination skills, including the ability to manage logistics, competing priorities and multiple stakeholders.
- Clear written and oral communication skills, including the ability to prepare accurate notes, summaries or briefings.
- Confidence engaging professionally with a range of internal and external stakeholders.
- An interest in international trade, policy, public affairs, market access or external relations.
- Good attention to detail, with the ability to follow through on actions and maintain accurate records.
- Collaborative, flexible and constructive team member.
Desirable:
- Experience or knowledge of international trade policy, market access issues and/or the Asia‑Pacific region.
- Experience in a trade association, membership organisation, government, public affairs or policy environment.
- Experience supporting events, visits, working groups or stakeholder meetings.
- Familiarity with CRM, stakeholder management or member information systems.
Behaviours and ways of working
- Accountability: Follows through on agreed actions, manages recurring responsibilities reliably, and flags issues or delays early.
- Respect: Works professionally with colleagues, members and external stakeholders, communicates clearly, and is considerate of others’ time and priorities.
- Curiosity: Shows interest in international trade and market access issues, asks good questions, and is willing to build knowledge in new areas.
General: Carry out any other reasonable duties consistent with the scope and purpose of the role.
International Policy Officer employer: The Glenturret Distillery
The Scotch Whisky Association is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Edinburgh with the flexibility of hybrid working. Employees benefit from a strong commitment to professional development, inclusive culture, and the opportunity to engage with international trade issues that shape the Scotch Whisky industry. With a focus on collaboration and support, this role provides a unique chance to grow within a prestigious organisation while making a meaningful impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land International Policy Officer
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We think you need these skills to ace International Policy Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Motivation:In your cover letter, make sure to highlight why you're passionate about working in the government and public sector. Employers love to see candidates who are not just looking for a job, but who genuinely want to contribute to their community and make a difference. Let us know what drives you to apply to The Glenturret Distillery!
Emphasise Relevant Skills:This is the time to flaunt those transferable skills like communication, teamwork, and analytical thinking! Make sure your CV reflects any experience you have in volunteering or community service, as these are super relevant in the public sector. We want to see how your background can contribute to The Glenturret Distillery's mission!
Tailor Your CV for Entry-Level:For an entry-level role, let’s keep the focus on your academic achievements, relevant coursework, and any internships or part-time roles that highlight your skills. Make it easy for us to see your potential – remove any unrelated jobs that might clutter your CV. Highlight how your background aligns with the work done at The Glenturret Distillery.
Follow Application Guidelines:Government roles often come with specific application requirements, such as forms or additional documentation. Make sure to tick all the boxes when applying through our website. Double-check that you’ve included everything requested – we wouldn’t want you to miss out on opportunities at The Glenturret Distillery because of a missing document!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Glenturret Distillery
✨Know Your Public Sector Values
Understand the core values and mission of public service, especially as they relate to The Glenturret Distillery. Be ready to explain why you want to work in the government-public sector and how your motivations align with serving the community.
✨Be Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect to face situational questions that gauge your decision-making and problem-solving skills. For example, they might ask how you would handle a situation where a policy you support is met with public criticism, so think about your responses ahead of time!
✨Research the Specific Role You'll Play
As an entry-level candidate, demonstrate your understanding of the specific department or area you'll be involved with. Familiarise yourself with current projects or challenges The Glenturret Distillery is facing, as this will show your enthusiasm and preparedness.
✨Prepare to Discuss Public Accountability
Working in the public sector means being accountable to the populace. Be prepared to discuss how you would ensure transparency and build trust as a representative of The Glenturret Distillery. Reflect on how you would communicate effectively with the public and stakeholders.
