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Would you like the opportunity to play a leading role in supporting Ministers shape the future of the UK and Scotland within it?
We are looking for Senior Policy Advisors at SEO grade to join the Office of the Secretary of State for Scotland (OSSS). These posts will be located in the Constitutional Division or Policy Division and the successful candidates will have the opportunity to participate in a wide range of policy functions and activity as part of their advisory role. The roles will fill immediate vacancies and vacancies expected to arise in the next 6-12 months.
We are looking for enthusiastic individuals who have experience in a policy environment or equivalent and are keen to take a leadership role while collaborating and building trust in a dynamic, fast-paced environment. The successful candidates will be expected to lead on a wide variety of work including policy, strategy and stakeholder management. Roles will provide opportunities for significant leadership, both internally and externally. The roles will also have an active role in supporting Ministers shape the future of the UK and Scotland within it.
The roles are stretching and will suit someone who is enthusiastic and proactive, with some experience in a policy environment or equivalent, who wants to take the next step in their career. The roles may be based in our London or Edinburgh office. The roles will have opportunities to directly support Ministers and you will develop a detailed understanding of the devolution settlement, working closely with the senior leaders across Whitehall, the Scottish Government, Scottish stakeholders, the Office of the Advocate General for Scotland and Special Advisors. Applicants should understand and have a keen interest in the contemporary political landscape, and be motivated by being involved in shaping the direction of the country.
Interviews will be conducted via video conference facilities. We are recruiting using Ministry of Justice terms and conditions. For substantive civil servants we are able to offer the MoJ terms or offer the option of a loan agreement with the home department. These roles are open to non-civil servants.
Main responsibilities may include:
- Leading on a number of key policy priorities relating to Scotland. This will involve working with OSSS Senior leaders and Special Advisors to drive forward and resolving devolution issues so far as they relate to Scotland.
- Leading on providing advice and support to OSSS Ministers for Committee appearances and in Parliament. This will include drafting written and oral briefing and advice in a clear, concise and timely fashion for Ministers
- Maintaining relations with other UK Government departments whose work has policy implications, ensuring effective OSSS input in to cross UK Government policy work.
- Collaborative cross-team and cross-division working to inform policy work on key legislation and policy/funding choices.
- Working with colleagues on ad hoc work strands of work, including on briefing for Ministers and on Parliamentary work, including PQs, Oral Questions, FOI requests and debates in Parliament.
- Some roles may include line management responsibility.
- Occasional travel between London and Scotland will be expected once social distancing measures have ended. (No relocation / excess travel will be given)
- The roles are likely to evolve to suit the strengths and development needs of the person.
Background
OSSS 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 OSSS you’ll get a huge range of opportunities to get involved in interesting and exciting pieces of work. We are part of the UK Governance Group, which brings together Cabinet Office’s Constitution Group, Wales Office, and the Office of the Advocate General, (the UK Government’s Scottish legal advisers). The role is a great opportunity to take the next step in your career and in particular, develop the following skills:
- Detailed understanding of devolution and the constitutional structures of the United Kingdom;
- Briefing a Secretary of State and other Ministers and working closely and frequently with Special Advisors and supporting on high-profile areas of policy development.
- Working at pace with colleagues across the UK Governance Group and Whitehall to deliver policy outcomes.
Essential criteria
- Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to distill complex technical and policy information at pace into key messages to either Ministers or senior managers.
- Excellent policy skills, including ability to analyse and use evidence to draft advice and briefing to Ministers or senior managers.
- The ability to build strong relationships with colleagues across organisational boundaries to deliver business objectives.
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