Skills Policy Advisor

Our Mission

OPITO is committed to strategic growth and diversification, aiming to increase global adoption of its products and services by up to 30% by 2028. Through technology and innovation, OPITO will develop pioneering solutions that leverage cutting-edge advancements. A focus on data-driven intelligence will enable OPITO to harness insights into global workforce and safety trends, ensuring informed decision-making. In alignment with social value principles and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, OPITO will enhance educational opportunities, promote inclusive career pathways, support economic growth, and drive industry innovation and infrastructure. Lastly, through business effectiveness, OPITO will implement targeted and measurable continuous improvement initiatives, ensuring operational excellence across all aspects of its operations.

Company Overview

Operating for over 50 years, OPITO is an industry-owned organisation, headquartered in Aberdeen, Scotland.

We drive consistency and safety compliance across global standards and qualifications, creating workforce development solutions. OPITO is a global leader in workforce safety, leading the skills focused dialogue with international governments as our industry prepares to meet Net Zero targets.

Each year, more than 500,000 people are trained to OPITO standards through one of over 240 OPITO approved centres operating across 50 countries globally.

With operational hubs in five key regions – UK and Europe, Middle East and Africa, Asia Pacific, the Americas and Brazil – OPITO drives safety and competency improvements across a diverse range of industries

Our Values

At OPITO, we are committed to fostering an inclusive, dynamic, and engaging workplace where individuals can bring their authentic selves to work. We value diversity, collaboration, and a spirited approach to our mission, believing that a strong team is built on mutual respect, passion, and a shared commitment to excellence.

Guided by our core values, we are steadfast in our commitment to:

• Integrity – Acting with honesty and responsibility in all that we do.
• Collaboration – Working together to achieve common goals and drive success.
• Adaptability – Embracing change to stay ahead in a dynamic environment.

Key Responsibilities

Your responsibilities may include but not limited to:

• Monitoring and reviewing international policy and regulatory developments, with an initial focus on Malaysia and Southeast Asia.
• Collecting and analysing workforce, skills, and policy data to identify emerging trends, risks, and opportunities in international markets.
• Supporting the development of evidence-based insights and visualisations that inform OPITO's policy positions, international strategies, and Advisory Services work.
• Developing and maintaining relationships with key government departments, regulators, and industry associations internationally.
• Preparing policy briefings, position papers, and advocacy strategies to support OPITO's international engagement.
• Representing OPITO at international forums, conferences, and working groups.
• Coordinating and overseeing the work of local policy consultants and partners, ensuring impact.
• Identifying and scoping opportunities for OPITO's Advisory Services in international markets.
• Working closely with other functions (Strategic Partnerships, Quality Assurance, Product Development, etc.) to ensure international policy engagement is joined-up and impactful.
• Contributing to the development of OPITO's international strategy and market-entry plans.
• Providing policy input to OPITO's data and research projects to ensure global relevance.
• Tracking and reporting on policy influence and stakeholder engagement outcomes to demonstrate the role's impact.
• Any other duties commensurate with the level of responsibility of this role.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities – Essential vs Desirable

Essential

• Experience in government relations, policy analysis, or international affairs.
• Strong stakeholder management and diplomacy skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple priorities.
• Cross-cultural awareness and ability to operate in diverse international contexts.
• Ability to use digital tools and data platforms for policy monitoring, stakeholder mapping, and reporting.

Desirable

• Knowledge of energy sector policy, ideally in skills, training, or workforce development.
• Experience working in Southeast Asia or other emerging markets.
• Fluency in additional languages relevant to target regions.
• Familiarity with international standards and regulatory frameworks.
• Experience in measuring and reporting policy impact.