Team Leader - Public Diplomacy C1

This opportunity is only open to internal Scottish Government applicants who are currently 'Priority Movers'. Applications from individuals not currently on the Priority Mover list will be rejected and not considered.

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
• 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.

Responsibilities

Develop and deliver the Scottish Government’s approach to public diplomacy and soft power, identifying key areas of focus and collaboration including, but not limited to: higher education, sport and culture, to enhance Scotland’s influence and reputation and help to grow the economy.

Ensure that the refreshed International Strategy and activity across the SG International Network reflects the new public diplomacy and soft power approach and coordinate with Network offices to ensure activity has greatest effect.

Take a strategic approach to identifying and gathering information on planned international activity across the Scottish Government and agencies, and exploring opportunities to add public diplomacy activity to this in places where it can have the greatest impact.

Build and maintain relationships with key sub-national, national and international partners, cultural and sporting institutions and other government partner.

Working with teams across the Directorate including Communications, lead on coordinating a strong, coherent programme of activity for Global Moments for the international network, including Burns Night and St Andrews.

Lead on the relationship with key public diplomacy organisations, including the British Council.

Working with teams across the Directorate, as well as Major Events, devise and deliver ideas to deploy public diplomacy activity around internationally important sporting events, including the Tour de France Depart and the Euros 2028.

Provide expert advice on public diplomacy and soft power and contribute to policy discussions on international relations and diplomacy.

Assess the impact of public diplomacy efforts and refine strategies based on data-driven insights.

Lead a team of four (including this post) and line-manage two B3s working on different areas of public diplomacy; there will also be a B1 officer.

Working pattern

This role is a permanent level transfer position.

How to Apply

Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive C1 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).

Selection Process

All candidates will be invited to an informal discussion with the Hiring Manager.

Informal discussion dates tbc.

Further Information

If you have specific questions about the role, please contact [email protected]

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