Senior Policy Advisor

Salary 1
- The national salary range is £39,868 - £43,535 London salary range is £45,824 - £50,039 Your salary will be dependent on your base location

Number of jobs available 1
- 1

Detail of reserve list 1
- 12 Months

Region 1
- London, Scotland

City/Town 1
- Edinburgh, London

Building/Site 1
- DOVER HOUSE LONDON, SW1A 2AU, Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland EDINBURGH, EH3 7HW

Grade 1
- SEO

Organisation Grade for MoJ 1
- SEO

Post Type 1
- Permanent

Working Pattern 1
- Full Time

Role Type 1
- Policy

Job description 1

The Scotland Office supports the Secretary of State in promoting the best interests of Scotland within a stronger United Kingdom. It ensures Scottish interests are fully and effectively represented at the heart of the UK Government, and the UK Government’s responsibilities are fully and effectively represented in Scotland.

This role sits within the Policy Division of the Scotland Office and can be based in either Edinburgh or London.

The Policy Division is made up of four teams: Strategic Policy and Coordination; International Policy and Security; City Deals and Levelling Up; and Domestic Policy. This role sits within the Domestic Policy Team, which is further divided into small teams, with each leading on specific policy area priorities. As part of the role, you will work within the team responsible for policy in areas such as rural affairs (including, but not limited to, agriculture, fisheries, and environment), health, higher education, and culture policy.

This role will focus mostly on policies related to rural affairs, including how UK Government policies impact agriculture and fisheries sectors in Scotland. You will support Ministers in leading the Scottish Seafood Industry Action Group and in attending Inter-Governmental meetings in the remit of the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

The team and the wider Scotland Office cover a diverse range of high profile policy areas, within the context of our core function to support Ministerial priorities. As such, the post-holder will be required to work flexibly, collaborating within and across teams on new policy areas and priorities as they arise.

The role presents an interesting opportunity to both influence UK Government Departments to consider impacts of their policies on Scotland, and to understand Scottish stakeholders’ priorities from a UK Government perspective; considering where the UK Government can add value within the boundaries of the constitutional settlement. The team is led by a Grade 7 and works closely with other Scotland Office Divisions, as well as lead Government Departments and the other Territorial Offices. The team engages closely with key stakeholders, managing and developing relationships to inform Scotland Office positions.

We are looking for individuals who will bring positive energy, creativity and collaboration to the team. You should be policy curious and able to develop productive relationships across the UK Government, with external stakeholders, and the Scottish Government and its agencies. You will ensure Scotland Office Ministers are kept up to date with key activities and initiatives in Scotland and support Ministers and other UKG departments on opportunities to promote UKG policy in Scotland. Given the size of the department this role offers the unique opportunity to work closely with both Ministers and Special Advisors.

**Key responsibilities**

This is a fast paced, high output and varied role, including, but not limited to:

- Providing advice and support to the Secretary of State, Ministers and Special Advisors on your relevant policy areas;
- Working with other Government departments to influence, develop and implement plans to deliver UKG business in Scotland and ensure policy developed in Whitehall supports needs and opportunities across Scotland;
- Represent the Scotland Office in Whitehall and externally at meetings, working groups, events and with key stakeholders;
- Leadership and management of projects;
- Line Management of one HEO.

**Person Specification**

**Essential criteria**
- Ability to prepare clear and succinct policy advice, recommendations and briefings to Government Ministers, Special Advisors and senior colleagues.
- Ability to manage and respond appropriately to Ministerial and official correspondence and Government write-rounds.
- Effective communication and networking skills to secure confidence with those you are engaging with.
- Demonstrable experience of working across more than one policy area.

**Desirable criteria**
- Experience of working in a fast-paced environment, with high levels of personal autonomy.
- Knowledge of the Scottish political landscape and the Devolution Settlement.

**Behaviours**

We'll assess against these behaviours during the selection process:

- Delivering at Pace (lead)
- Leadership
- Making Effective Decisions
- Communicating and Influencing

Additional Information 1

**Sift and Interview dat