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Overview
The busy Constitutional Policy team in the Scotland Office is responsible for overseeing and coordinating the department’s work on Constitutional Policy relating to the Union and supporting our Ministers in delivering their objectives in this context. The team leads on a range of issues, from considering the implications of UK Parliament legislation on the devolution settlement, making sure the devolution settlement functions effectively and other constitutional matters.
We are looking for an enthusiastic individual who is keen to manage multiple projects whilst collaborating and building trust in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. You will have the opportunity to work closely with Ministers and senior leaders across Whitehall, the Scottish Government and Special Advisors.
The post holder will need to be able to develop an excellent understanding of the legislative and parliamentary context to the UK Government’s work.
Background
SO supports the Secretary of State for Scotland 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.
In the department you’ll get a range of opportunities to get involved in interesting and stimulating pieces of work. The role is a great opportunity to develop the following skills:
- Briefing Ministers and working closely and frequently with Special Advisors and supporting high-profile areas of policy development.
- A detailed understanding of devolution.
- A detailed understanding of how parliament and legislation works.
- Working at pace with colleagues across the UK Governance Group and Whitehall to deliver policy outcomes.
Main responsibilities may include:
- Lead on specific projects and policy areas within the Constitutional policy team.
- Monitoring and communicating relevant activity in the UK Parliament.
- Maintain and build relations with a wide-range of UK Government colleagues to ensure the office is best able to support Ministers in delivering their objectives. There will be particularly close working with SO Special Advisors, the Office of the Advocate General for Scotland, Cabinet Office and that other Territorial Offices.
- Lead on oversight, assurance and analysis of significant public and Ministerial correspondence on constitutional issues. This will involve oversight of the work of an EO member of the team, and putting in place processes to ensure SCS and Ministerial sign-off and assurance at the appropriate points.
- Producing briefing for Oral Questions, debates and select committee appearances in both the UK and Scottish Parliaments.
- The Department offers the post holder the opportunity to lead and be involved in a range of corporate activities, depending on development needs and career aspirations.
Essential criteria
- Strong planning and organisational skills including, strong self direction and the ability to balance competing priorities to meet tight deadlines.
- Good verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
- Adaptable, demonstrating flexibility in supporting colleagues in a fast paced environment.
Competencies
- Communicating and Influencing
- Delivering at Pace
- Working Together
- Making Effective Decisions
Salary, Working Arrangements & Further Information
The Scotland Office is committed to promoting a diverse and inclusive community - a place where we can all be ourselves and succeed on merit. We offer a range of family friendly, inclusive employment policies, flexible working arrangements, people engagement forums, facilities and services to support people from different backgrounds have a rewarding career.
The role can be located in either our London or Edinburgh offices.
We are recruiting using Ministry of Justice terms and conditions.
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