Scott Macdonald

Scott graduated from Kent in 2009 with a degree in Politics and International Relations and now leads the Threats Mitigation Unit at the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO).

His career has encompassed pivotal roles in international diplomacy, development, and national security, including spearheading responses to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and securing a substantial climate finance for Somalia.

Tell us about your career path since graduation.

In 2009, I joined the Foreign and Commonwealth Office internship programme, working on information management and consular strategy. I moved to Department for Business, Innovation and Skills working in the Secretary of State's Private Office, with a year out to work in a renewable research consultancy. I moved back to FCO to work on Syria, as external desk officer working on multilateral and bilateral negotiations including the initial Geneva peace negotiations. I returned to Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy to lead the development of the enterprise sections of the Industrial Strategy. I then took a role as Head of North Africa Regional Policy in Department for International Development, before being appointed Deputy Head of DFID Iraq. 

In 2020, I took over as portfolio lead for the Conflict Security and Stabilisation Fund in Eastern Europe and Central Asia as well as the Head of the Good Governance Fund. This included immediate development, humanitarian and stabilisation response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022.

In 2022, I was appointed Deputy Development Director in Mogadishu, returning in 2024 to lead part of the Foreign Secretary's Development Review and then appointed as Head of Threats Mitigation Unit. In 2022, I became an expert conflict adviser in state threats. I have been a Reservist since 2006, currently working on Security Capacity Building.

What does a typical work day look like for you?

As a head of unit, my day is focussed on ensuring that my team is delivering to the strategic direction set by Ministers. National Security, and countering Foreign Information Manipulation and Interference, is a Government priority. My team is the lead in FCDO on this agenda. This can include developing new policy, running campaigns or delivering projects in partner countries. As is always the case in the FCDO, working with our Posts and partner countries is a big part (and perk) of the role.

Can you share a professional highlight from your career so far?

In 2024, I led a campaign to increase access to climate finance for Somalia. By the end of the campaign, Somalia, one of the most climate vulnerable countries in the world, accessed $100m additional finance - more than any other fragile and conflict affected state or least developed country.

How did your time at Kent help you achieve your current career?

I started a different course at Kent, but the politics and international relations seminar leads and lecturers really focussed my interest. This direction, and the base I built in conflict resolution and ethics, has been critical to my role in international diplomacy and development.

What advice would you give to our current/prospective students who are looking to get into the same line of work?

Make the best use of the international links at the university, the alumni network and mentoring opportunities. Studying hard and getting good grades is the priority, but having a sense of what skills you need in the real world is something that can start, and be supported at Kent.

Did you get involved in any extracurricular activities as a student?

Lots of sport - kickboxing, rowing etc.

Do you have a favourite memory from your time at Kent?

Presenting my dissertation. Presenting skills have become one of my top strengths. Testing this at University, and scoring well, gave me the courage to use it more in the workplace.

Is there anything you would do differently if you could repeat your time at Kent?

Speak to the careers office early. I went back to Kent after graduation for support on applications etc. Wish I had done so earlier.

Are you still in touch with other Kent alumni or academics?

Yes. I have done some mentoring and presentations at university. My best man was a life-long friend made at Kent.

What are your future ambitions?

I will continue to develop and promote within central government.