Senior Policy Advisor

Description
Would you like the opportunity to grow, develop and test your policy and line management skills working in a fast paced policy team? 

The Senior Policy Advisor role forms part of the Food Standards Scotland Policy and Regulatory Affairs Division, with the post being in the Regulated Products Branch.

The post holder will ensure that Food Standards Scotland (FSS) has specialist policy expertise, including in the relevant assimilated EU and domestic law and any repatriated EU functions. You will also lead on the drafting of any new legislation, authorisation documents and guidance needed to support changes to food law and enable businesses to trade in Scotland, in the context of any agreed UK framework for these policy areas. 

You will lead a small team with responsibility for FSS's regulatory policy functions relating to regulated products, overseeing the provision of independent advice in these areas to Scottish Ministers, businesses, enforcement authorities and consumers, as well as the provision of policy support to FSS generally. The work will involve significant internal and external collaboration and engagement, both within FSS and with a wide range of other Scottish and UK government departments, enforcement authorities, and stakeholders including the food industry.

Responsibilities
Responsibilities

• Lead on development and delivery of policy and legislation at Scottish, UK and International levels. Develop subject specific knowledge and expertise in the relevant policy areas and legislative requirements.

• Provide technical policy support for the operational delivery of FSS's responsibilities in these policy areas, this may be on a Scottish basis or providing Scottish support to a UK/GB process.

• Advise senior FSS officials on the provision of advice to Scottish ministers.

• Lead on the preparation of Ministerial submissions, briefings, impact assessments, consultations, and guidance material on all matters relating to these policy areas.

• Lead on the preparation of draft Scottish authorisations and work with solicitors from the Scottish Government Legal Directorate on the drafting of legal provisions and supporting guidance.

• Lead on the drafting of corporate briefing documents relating to these policy areas, including papers for FSS senior management and the Board, correspondence with consumers and stakeholders, media briefings and other written material as required.

• Oversee responses to enquiries from external stakeholders on matters relating to these policy areas.

• Direct line management responsibilities for a small team.

Qualifications
Success profile Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on.   Technical / Professional Skills:

• Policy Context and Purpose - Level 1.
• Participation and Engagement - Level 1.
• Parliament and Law - Level 1.

You can find out more about the skills required here   Behaviours:

• Leadership - Level 3.
• Working together - Level 3.
• Delivering at pace - Level 3.

You can find out more about Success Profiles here: Success profiles: candidate guide -
  How to apply   Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 1000 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the behaviours listed in the Success Profile above.   In the event of a high number of applicants, we will conduct an initial sift based on the lead criteria of the experience. Candidates who pass the initial sift will have their applications fully assessed against all remaining criteria outlined in the Success Profile.    Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.     Please see our candidate guidance for more information on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in recruitment.   If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and presentation. Assessments are scheduled for w/c 26 January 2026, however this may be subject to change.   About us  

Food Standard Scotland (FSS) was established by the Food (Scotland) Act 2015 as a non-ministerial office, part of the Scottish Administration, alongside, but separate from, the Scottish Government. Our primary concern is consumer protection – making sure that the food is safe to eat, ensuring consumers know what they are eating and improving nutrition.

Food Standards Scotland (FSS) has a wide and diverse remit which covers all aspects of the food chain which can impact on public health – aiming to protect consumers from food safety risks and promote healthy eating. Our mission is to be Scotland's leading authority on food safety, standards and healthy eating; using data and evidence to provide assurance and advice that inspires consumer confidence and improves public health.

Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland. We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer. As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules.   Working pattern   Our standard working hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the post. This role is hybrid compatible. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.    FSS employees currently work in a hybrid fashion. FSS's Head Office is based in Pilgrim House in Aberdeen, and travel to meetings at this office would be expected on occasion. We do invite applications from outside this area, and there would be opportunities to work from an alternative Scottish Government building.   Security checks   Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions).   You can find out more about BPSS on the UK Government website, or read about the different levels of security checks in our Candidate Guide.    Equality statement   We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.    Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.   Further information   Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.   Apply before: 4 January :59)   This role is open to internal candidates and Common Citizenship organisations only. 

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