About the Embassy

The British Embassy Berne is part of the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office’s world-wide diplomatic network, representing British political, economic and consular interests overseas.

Scottish Development International (SDI) is Scotland’s international trade agency helping Scottish companies internationalise and playing a valuable role in the British Embassy’s commercial outreach.

Ready to launch your career and join us at the forefront of Europe's most exciting space tech hub?

From leading Europe's small satellite manufacturing to establishing next-generation spaceports in the High North, Scotland has emerged as a powerhouse in space innovation. We’re building tomorrow's space economy today and seeking an ambitious professional to help shape this growing industry as well as other advanced technologies from Scotland in Switzerland.

Based at the British Embassy in beautiful Berne, you'll be at the heart of Europe's innovation ecosystem and working closely the UK’s Department for Business and Trade, you will be responsible for strengthening innovation partnerships with Swiss stakeholders to help Scottish companies internationalise.

What makes this role unique?

• Being part of Scotland's booming advanced technology sectors, where we're leading Europe in small satellite manufacturing, launch capabilities and space data.
• Work with cutting-edge companies across multiple tech domains - from space to climate solutions, photonics, and financial technologies.
• Drive innovation partnerships between Scottish and Swiss institutions and contribute to the UK’s economic growth.

Your Impact:

• Build and nurture strategic relationships with key stakeholders both in the private and governmental sectors.
• Help Scottish companies break into new international markets and identify commercial opportunities.
• Deliver valuable market analysis and insights that shape business decisions. Your advice will count.

What Makes You Ideal:

• Strategic mindset with a talent for spotting opportunity.
• Natural relationship builder who can navigate complex stakeholder landscapes across countries and industries.
• Passion for emerging technologies and their real-world applications.

What will you be expected to achieve?

• Provide expert support and advice to Scottish companies wishing to enter the Swiss markets within advanced technologies with a key focus on space, finance and climate.
• Deliver against Scottish international trade strategies and advance Scotland as a centre for technology innovation.
• Build strategic relationships with Swiss organisations, private / public, that increase Scottish trade by identifying export opportunities.
• Lead on the development of innovation partnerships and networks with Swiss stakeholders such as incubators, clusters, academia and industry bodies.
• Collaborate with colleagues from across the UK Government as well as Swiss governmental departments, agencies and Cantons.
• Facilitate key events and activities which support Scottish trade work in the DACH including webinars, conferences, roadshows, trade missions, Ministerial visits, virtual or otherwise.
• Support Scottish Government activity in the region as well as Scottish and UK Ministerial visits.

Essential skills, qualifications and experience:

• Knowledge of Swiss tech and corporate ecosystems.
• An experienced networker with existing corporate relationships in Switzerland / DACH.
• A fast learner who can demonstrate initiative, resilience, and adaptability.
• A team player with a consultative approach who can collaborate within a geography and virtually,
• Fluent written and spoken English as well as German (minimum level required C2 under the CEFRL* or equivalent).

Desirable:

• An understanding of government, policy and the role it plays international trade.
• Experience of working in an international trade promotion environment.
• Experience of public speaking and an ability to demonstrate credibility and expertise on complex issues.