The British Government is an inclusive and diversity-friendly employer. We value difference, promote equality and challenge discrimination, enhancing our organisational capability. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender identity, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status or other category protected by law. We promote family-friendly flexible working opportunities, where operational and security needs allow. The FCDO operates an agile workforce and to facilitate this, you may be required to undertake other duties from time to time, as we may reasonably require. Job Category Other British Government Departments (Partners across Government, including UK Visas) Job Subcategory Scottish Government / Scotland House Brussels Job Description (Roles and Responsibilities)
Are you passionate about advanced technologies, innovation and international trade? Do you bring strong market insight, commercial judgement and an established Brussels‑based network?
Scottish Development International (SDI) is now recruiting a Senior Trade Specialist – Advanced Technologies to work at the Scottish Government EU Office. This is a unique opportunity to shape Scotland’s international trade ambitions, support high‑growth companies, and build impactful partnerships across Belgium and the wider Benelux region.
Who are we?
Scottish Development International (SDI) is Scotland’s global trade and investment organisation, working to strengthen Scotland’s international economic position. We support Scottish companies to grow internationally, attract inward investment, and position Scotland as a world‑leading destination for innovation, science and technology.
Our Benelux team operates at the crossroads of EU policy, innovation networks and global markets, working closely with government, industry, academia and research institutions across Europe.
Our daily work relies on the input of dedicated individuals who engage on many different topics and activities. We seek to employ a diverse range of candidates who bring their own talents and perspectives to the role. We have a strong corporate agenda that ensures we create a positive and inclusive working environment where everyone is valued for their contribution.
Main purpose of the role
As Senior Trade Specialist – Advanced Technologies, you will lead SDI’s trade development activity across advanced technology and innovation‑driven sectors, supporting Scottish companies to enter and grow in the Belgian and wider EU market.
You will provide expert market insight, develop strategic partnerships, identify EU innovation and funding opportunities, and act as a trusted adviser to businesses, stakeholders and government partners.
What you will do
1. Identify and develop new trade and export opportunities for Scottish companies operating in advanced technology sectors, including life sciences, applied technologies, data, photonics, space and fintech.
2. Provide high‑quality, tailored advice to Scottish companies on EU market entry, internationalisation and commercial growth.
3. Build and maintain strong relationships with EU institutions, innovation clusters, incubators, academia, industry bodies and government stakeholders across Benelux.
4. Lead the development of EU innovation partnerships, funding opportunities and collaborative programmes that support Scottish start‑ups, scale‑ups, universities and research centres.
5. Deliver against Scottish Government trade and innovation strategies, helping position Scotland as a centre of excellence for advanced technologies.
6. Work closely with colleagues across SDI, the FCDO and wider UK Government to deliver joined‑up trade and investment outcomes.
7. Plan and deliver high‑impact events and activities, including trade missions, conferences, webinars, roadshows and Ministerial visits.
What you will love about this role
8. A high‑profile, externally facing role with real influence across European innovation and trade networks.
9. The opportunity to work at the heart of EU policy and technology ecosystems in Brussels.
10. Meaningful impact — supporting cutting‑edge Scottish businesses to scale internationally and succeed in Europe.
11. A collaborative, international working environment within the British Embassy Brussels and SDI’s global network.
12. Exposure to a wide range of stakeholders, from start‑ups and universities to EU institutions and senior government partners.
13. The chance to shape new initiatives, partnerships and programmes in a fast‑moving, future‑focused sector.
Don't miss out on this fantastic opportunity!
Essential qualifications, skills and experience
Our Ideal Candidate shows:
14. Full professional proficiency in English and French and / or Dutch (written and spoken, minimum of C1 level for CEFR framework*);
15. Significant experience (minimum 5 years) in trade promotion, international business development, commercial operations;
16. Strong understanding of government policy and innovation coexistence;
17. Established professional network in Brussels and/or the Benelux region, with the ability to build trusted relationships quickly across institutions, industry and innovation stakeholders;
18. Knowledge of Benelux tech and corporate ecosystems;
19. Excellent communication skills, with the confidence to influence, present and engage credibly with senior external partners;
20. Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deliver at pace and work autonomously;
21. A collaborative, consultative approach and the ability to work effectively across teams, cultures and geographies.
Desirable qualifications, skills and experience
Nice to have:
22. Experience in project or programme management, particularly within innovation, trade or publicly funded initiatives;
23. Prior exposure to EU institutions, funding mechanisms or collaborative innovation programmes, including Horizon‑style or cross‑border initiatives;
24. A solid understanding of government policy environments and how policy, regulation and innovation intersect with international trade;
25. Experience of public speaking, stakeholder briefings or representing an organisation externally, with the ability to communicate complex topics clearly and confidently.
Required behaviours Communicating and Influencing, Delivering at Pace, Making Effective Decisions, Seeing the Big Picture Application deadline 29 March 2026 Grade Higher Executive Officer (HEO) Type of Position Full-time, Fixed term, with possibility of renewal Working hours per week 36.25 Region Europe, Eastern Europe & Central Asia Country/Territory Belgium Location (City) Brussels Type of Post British Embassy Number of vacancies 1 Salary Currency EUR Salary 7,330.94€ Type of Salary monthly Start Date 1 June 2026 Other benefits and conditions of employment
This is a full-time, fixed term with possibility of renewal contract for 12 months, 5 working days (36.25 hours net) per week.
The monthly gross salary for this position is 7,330.94€, HEO level. In addition, we offer an extensive salary package, which includes a 13th month, luncheon vouchers, pension scheme, optional hospitalisation insurance (subject to monthly employee contribution), reimbursement of public transport and a lot more. We offer more days of annual leave than the Belgian requirements.
Please note that Belgian nationals will be paid their salary gross and are expected to comply with their tax obligations through completion of a tax return to the Belgian authorities. Non-Belgian nationals will receive their salary net, minus the deduction of an equivalent level of Belgian tax retained at source. Further information on this will be given to candidates during the recruitment process.
The starting date will be agreed between the parties.
Staff recruited locally by the British Diplomatic Missions in Belgium are subject to Terms and Conditions of Service according to local Belgian employment law.
The successful candidates will be subject to professional background checks and security clearance.
Passport: officers are expected to be in possession of a passport due to the possibility that they may be asked to undertake business travel.
Visa/work permit requirements: Candidates must currently hold the independent right to live and work in Belgium and be prepared to ensure that right remains throughout the scope of the contract. The British Embassy does not sponsor visas or work permits. Please note that it is your responsibility to ensure you meet the legal requirements to live and work in this country.