International Policy Officer

This role will provide policy support to the international team, including responding to member enquiries, supporting the geographic market Heads in maintaining the SWA’s market information, communication of updates and emerging challenges to members, and the updating of other relevant features of the SWA HUB.   

Longer-term research work to support the delivery of the international aspects of the SWA strategy will also be undertaken, with projects from colleagues resulting in self-managed reports and market or issue specific briefings.   

There is an opportunity to gain policy experience by taking responsibility for a specific policy area or emerging issues.  

The role will be based within the SWA’s international team and the post holder will be responsible for: 

Deliver SWA International Helpdesk service   

• Perform a triage role in responding to routine member enquiries e.g., on market requirements, market access barriers encountered or export statistics when required.   

• Liaise with market Heads incorporating their priorities into one’s own work programme.  

• Maintain a record of queries and support provided; analyse queries to identify trends and need for SWA policy work where member queries identify new issues.   

• Support the redevelopment of the SWA Hub, a member intranet providing information to member companies.  

Support the market analysis work of the International Team  

• Work closely with the market Heads to provide briefings, analysis, and maintain market information summary notes on individual export markets.  

• Develop and maintain an understanding of relevant export markets, supporting the market Heads on relevant international trade and regulatory barriers.   

• Regularly monitor and horizon scan for developments in international trade relevant to the industry.  

• Develop an understanding of the key long-term issues that the SWA and industry face, to support market Heads in lobbying on these issues. Assist in the engagement of in-market stakeholders including member companies, partner trade associations, and government officials via working groups and on a bilateral basis.   

Provide responsive support to the team   

• Provide internal support to International Team Members and colleagues from other departments when necessary.   

• In support of the SWA’s 2023-2028 strategy, work with colleagues to plan and organise an ongoing programme of Edinburgh and London-based events, receptions, and other stakeholder engagement opportunities.   

• Maintain the International team’s stakeholder engagement system. Act as a contact for members and wider stakeholders on given issues.  

SWA HUB database management   

• Keep up to date the parts of the SWA member-only HUB website for which the International Team is responsible.   

• Draft and share posts relating to export opportunities, industry news, events, and policy developments for member's information.   

Support the International Committee   

• Work with colleagues in International Team to develop and deliver monthly updates to members of the International Committee on the key issues the team are engaged on.   

• Work with leads to communicate priorities to member companies and explore new and innovative ways to deliver content.   

• Work with members of the team to ensure the effective functioning of the IC and its subsidiary Working Groups, including taking and drafting minutes and actions from meetings; preparing background documents; ensuring papers are issued timeously; organising in-person and online meetings.   

The Scotch Whisky Association works for and on behalf of our members to protect and secure a sustainable future for the Scotch Whisky industry.  We can offer the right candidate the opportunity to join a thriving industry of diverse opportunities, working collaboratively with passionate, knowledgeable colleagues.  

Our People and Culture Plan ensures employees are at the forefront of our minds. Some of our benefits are:  

• We review salaries regularly, working with external consultants to ensure our people are rewarded fairly.    

• We offer employer pension contributions matching employee contributions plus 3%, up to a maximum of 15%.  

• We have several engagement days throughout the year as well as activity days to take us away from the office to collaborate, communicate and strengthen our team.  

• We offer 25 days annual leave, as well as 3 additional days between Christmas and New Year and 9 public holidays.  

• Our people policies reflect our investment in both physical and mental wellbeing.  We provide a cycle to work scheme, BUPA healthcare (after two years’ service), life assurance and group income protection packages alongside retirement and financial planning training.   

• We offer personal and professional career development opportunities, with a focus on ensuring our people are equipped with the tools they need to do their job and progress their career.  

• Our flexitime and hybrid working policies support our people to find the best individual balance between work and life commitments. Our hybrid working policy requires 2 days per week in the office, we are open to considering flexible working requests.   

Applications and Equal Opportunities: 

We strive to foster a workplace which has equal opportunities for all employees.  We want to ensure that each person is included, feels valued and is respected. Every SWA employee contributes to our shared success, and we welcome you no matter your background, how you look or how you identify.   

In order to apply please download the application form (including job description) here. Your completed form should be sent to hr@swa.org.uk before the closing date of 9.1.2025 

To help us meet the aims and commitments in our equality, inclusion and diversity policy we ask you to download and complete a monitoring form although this is voluntary.  Please send your completed form to hr@swa.org.uk, separately from your application. The form is used to help us build a picture of how diverse our applicants are.  It will be separated from the rest of your application and will not be seen by members of the shortlisting or interview panels.   

We want to prepare candidates for our recruitment process so you know what will happen next.  Our provisional timeframes will see our applications window close on the 9th January 2025 with a first round of interviews to be held on the week commencing 20th January 2025. 

If you have any questions about the role or the SWA please contact us at hr@swa.org.uk.