International Relations - Desk Officer (Canada and Australasia)

This is an Expression of Interest (EOI) opportunity, available on a lateral move basis only. Applications are open to Core Scottish Government employees only. Job Title – International Relations - Desk Officer (Canada and Australasia) Business Area/Directorate – International Relations, Population and Migration Division, Directorate for Culture and External Affairs. Location – Victoria Quay, Edinburgh or Atlantic Quay, Glasgow Working Arrangement – Staff in roles compatible with hybrid working should aim to spend 40% of their contracted working time working in person at their contractual workplace. More information can be found within Hybrid Working Policy Grade - B2 Advert type - Level Transfer Duration - Permanent Eligibility - Expressions of interest are invited from substantive colleagues on level transfer from Core SG only Skilled Worker Sponsorship not being offered Skilled Worker sponsorship is not available for this role. As a result, we are unable to appoint candidates who require Skilled Worker sponsorship now or in the future. Applicants must have an existing and ongoing right to work in the UK. Overview This role sits within the Scottish Government’s International Relations Unit and is responsible for advancing Scotland’s interests and relationships primarily with Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The post-holder will play a key role in strengthening bilateral relationships, supporting overseas offices, and delivering Scottish Government priorities in relation to diaspora engagement and international collaboration. The role is outward-facing and relationship-driven, requiring close working with overseas offices (particularly the SG Canada Office based in Ottawa), diplomatic missions in the UK, Scotland House London, and a wide network of internal and external stakeholders. It also involves a strong corporate element, ensuring high-quality support to Ministers and contributing to the Scottish Government’s official record. The post holder will lead on the development and management of Scotland’s bilateral relationships with Canada, Australia and New Zealand, while also contributing to wider team objectives such as the Scottish Government diaspora engagement policy. Key responsibilities Act as the central link with the Canada Office, ensuring alignment with SG priorities; build and manage relationships with the Canadian High Commission, Quebec Representation and key provinces; facilitate ministerial and stakeholder engagement; and identify collaboration opportunities across cultural, economic and policy areas. Lead engagement with both High Commissions, develop relationships with key partners (including SDI and FCDO), and support ministerial engagement, inward visits and joint initiatives. Support delivery of the Scottish Connections framework, including secretariat support and fund administration; promote initiatives across Canada and Australasia; and embed diaspora objectives in policy and geographic work. Deliver high-quality briefings, correspondence, parliamentary material and FOI responses; support ministerial activity; and maintain accurate corporate records. Work collaboratively across teams and with Scotland House London; contribute to team resilience and knowledge sharing; and embed equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of work. Success Profiles Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of behaviours, experience and technical criteria (if applicable) that candidates will be assessed on. Experience: Experience working with internal and external stakeholders Experience supporting Ministers and working on corporate products such as briefings, PQs and FOIs. Behaviours: Seeing the big picture (level 3) Delivering at pace (level 3) You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here: Success profiles: candidate guide - gov.scot Working Pattern This post is a full-time role, but we welcome applications from staff with different working patterns, proposed working patterns will be assessed against the business requirements for this post. Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role, including Flexi-leave. Scottish Government staff in hybrid-compatible roles should aim to work in-person 40% of the time, either in an office or other agreed work location. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us. Further Information Further information about this opportunity is available from Olivia Pires ([email protected]) How to Apply Please submit an Expression of Interest (maximum 500 words), describing how your skills, qualities and experience make you suitable for the role. You should make particular reference to, and structure your supporting statement around, the Success Profile noted in the job advert. Vacancies close at 11:59pm on the date displayed in the table, unless otherwise stated on the job advert. Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action. Please see our candidate guidance for more information on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in recruitment. If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an informal discussion. Discussions are to be confirmed. Recruitment Principles As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases. About us 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 observing the Civil Service Code and 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 . Security checks Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions). You can find out more about BPSS on the UK Government website , or read about the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide . 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.