Head of Economics and Trade - SG EU Office

Are you looking for a unique role that offers the opportunity to lead economics and trade policy work as part of the Scottish Government’s EU office in Brussels?

You will contribute to a crucial EU business area with particular relevance for Scotland and with a direct contribution to the FM’s priority to promote economic growth. 

You will build and maintain a network of contacts in the EU institutions, EU member state representations and beyond to promote Scottish Ministers’ views on the development of the EU/UK relationship; the internal EU agenda and how this impacts market access opportunities for Scottish businesses; and support investment promotion work in Belgium. You will also have the opportunity to contribute to hosted events at Scotland House Brussels which combine gravitas (whether in policy, academic or cultural terms), promotion of Scotland’s cultural heritage and a memorable sense of occasion and enjoyment.

The Scottish Government EU Office in Brussels builds relationships and partnerships that help us deliver for Scotland and enhance Scotland’s reputation in the EU. Negotiations on an improved EU/UK relationship provide an important element of this work and we work to ensure Scotland’s key priorities are taken forward.

• Advise Ministers and Officials on EU Policy Interests and, where possible, influence key decisions in the EU for the benefit of Scotland. 
• Provide up to date analysis, information and advice on developments in EU Institutions and relevant wider EU context for Ministers and Officials.
• Agree policy priorities and a strategic approach to European trade and single market policy with officials and Ministers. 
• Monitor EU trade and economic policy developments, gathering and analysing intelligence, including from Scottish businesses, and using this to identify opportunities and risks to follow up with policy areas in Scotland. 
• Build and maintain reach and reputation within key institutions including Member States, third countries and regional representations, European Commission and European Parliament.
• Establish and utilise networks of key contacts in Brussels and facilitate networking for SG officials. Attend conferences, workshops and wider policy events.
• Promote Scottish examples of best practice and raise Scotland’s profile and reputation in Brussels. 
• Support policy teams in benchmarking and international comparison work to ensure best practice and lessons are included in policy development in Scotland
• Support Ministers and Officials in their strategic engagement with the EU, in collaboration with SG policy leads, support Ministers and officials to engage with EU institutions and other stakeholders.

Success Profile

Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on.

Technical / Professional Skills:

• Policy Context and Purpose - Practitioner
• Working Internationally - Practitioner

You can find out more about the skills required, here: Policy Profession Standards Annex

Experience: 

• Ability to develop and maintain load-bearing relationships with a network of contacts, including international contacts
• Knowledge of at least one of: the economic and enterprise ecosystem in Scotland; EU law structures and procedures; and the devolution settlement in the policy areas covered by this portfolio.

Behaviours:

• Seeing the Big Picture - Level 4
• Communicating and Influencing - Level 4

You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here: Behaviour levels - Success profiles: candidate guide - gov.scot

How to apply

Apply online providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 1500 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the skills and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above.

If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and presentation.

Assessments are expected to be in early August however this may be subject to change.

The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles.

Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland.

We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer. 

As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules.

Working Pattern

Our standard hours are 35 hours per week.  We offer a range of flexible and hybrid working options depending on the needs of the role. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for,  please contact us.

Equality Statement

We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.  

Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.

Further information

Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website.

Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.