A new chapter in British-Swedish relations: H.E. Mrs Samantha Job CMG MVO

16 January 2025

In September 2024, Samantha Job CMG MVO took up the role of His Majesty’s Ambassador to Sweden, bringing with her a wealth of experience in diplomacy and a clear ambition for deepening the bond between the United Kingdom and Sweden. In this exclusive feature, the Ambassador shares insights into her previous career, thoughts on her new role, and reflections on the enduring relationship between our two nations.

Ambassador Job’s journey into diplomacy began with a childhood shaped by international experience and a sense of duty. “My parents met in the Royal Air Force. I was born outside the UK and had lived in three different countries by the time I was six,” she reflects. “I grew up with a sense of public service and that the world was big and exciting. I liked the idea of working internationally and helping to make the world a safer place.”

These early influences eventually led to a distinguished career in foreign policy, specialising in security and defence. Now, her deep understanding of these fields plays a crucial role in strengthening UK-Sweden relations.

Strengthening security ties
Sweden and the UK have collaborated for a long time on security and defence, a bond that has only grown stronger with Sweden’s NATO membership. “We work together as NATO partners and regional partners through the Joint Expeditionary Force,” she explains. “In every area of defence - air, sea, land, cyber, space - our troops train together and exercise together.”

Ambassador Job also highlights the broader scope of cooperation in the sphere: “On security more broadly, we work together right across government - economic security, climate security, national security, terrorism. Defence industry collaboration is as close as it has ever been.” Central to this partnership is their shared support for Ukraine, a key focus for both nations.

Building on strategic foundations
The UK-Sweden Strategic Partnership, signed in 2023, has already achieved significant milestones. Reflecting on its progress, Ambassador Job says, “It was really striking that we have achieved so much, in such depth, across the partnership. But also that both sides are already expanding the partnership into new areas.”

These areas include recent cutting-edge collaborations on space, life sciences, and the green energy transition. She believes that the partnership’s strength lies in its breadth and potential for further growth. “You get the idea - it’s really broad and deep,” she adds.

The power of people
Beyond policies and agreements, Ambassador Job emphasises the importance of personal connections in sustaining the UK-Sweden relationship. “All relationships come down to people. The more we get to know each other, the more we understand each other. Then we can build new areas for collaboration or tackle problems together.”

She hopes to see increased exchange between the two countries, whether through tourism, education, business, or government initiatives. “I would like to see more Swedish visitors to the UK, and the same in return,” she says.

Embracing Sweden
Since her arrival in Sweden, Ambassador Job has immersed herself in the country’s culture and history. “I studied history at university, so I was blown away by the Vasa Museum,” she shares. Highlights of her time include exploring Visby while learning Swedish and visiting cities such as Gothenburg, Karlskrona, and Malmö. Looking ahead, she looks forward to head to Sälen and Kiruna.

Yet, her most memorable moment so far has a royal touch to it: “Hands down, the most memorable day was presenting my credentials to His Majesty the King,” she says with a smile.

On being asked what has surprised her the most during this first period in Sweden, she shares: “It was when I went to the Governor’s crayfish party at Uppsala Castle, and I was one of five people brought on stage and serenaded in front of 500 other guests.” She also adds what might surprise her Swedish hosts - or dare we say, spark some controversy in a coffee-loving nation like Sweden: “I don’t drink coffee.”

Advice for future diplomats
For people considering a career in diplomacy, Ambassador Job offers practical and encouraging advice: “To succeed in diplomacy, you need to be interested in people, be resilient, and have a sense of humour - because things often go wrong.” She stresses the value of diverse academic backgrounds and individuality, adding, “Be yourself - the really skilled senior leaders are comfortable in their own skin. Don’t rule yourself out or think that there aren’t diplomats like you. While we are a pretty diverse bunch, we could definitely do with more diversity.” And encourage “If there aren’t diplomats like you, maybe there should be!”

As Ambassador Job settles into her role, her vision for the UK-Sweden relationship is both pragmatic and forward-thinking. Whether navigating high-level security discussions or celebrating cultural traditions at a Swedish crayfish party, H.E. Mrs Samantha Job CMG MVO exemplifies the enduring spirit of collaboration between the United Kingdom and Sweden.