Job Description

This opportunity is only open to internal Scottish Government applicants who are currently 'Priority Movers'. Applications from individuals not currently on the Priority Mover list will be rejected and not considered.

The Scottish Government is supporting an exciting programme of major events over the coming years, building on the 2026 Commonwealth Games to include the 2027 Tour de France Grand Depart, the FIA World Rally Championships, UEFA EURO 2028 and Scotland’s portfolio of world class golf championships. These events are important drivers of Scottish Government outcomes, helping to promote inclusive economic growth, and showcase Scotland internationally and create social benefits.

Project Officers within the Division are responsible for supporting the planning and coordination of Scottish Government support for these events to ensure they are delivered safely, securely and successfully and we achieve strong value for money for our investment. Many of our events are being hosted alongside other nations so there is a strong element of inter-governmental relations to our work, requiring the development and maintenance of effective stakeholder relationships.

This role may be deployed across any of our major event projects. It will predominantly support the respective Project Manager / Team Leader to enable the delivery of the project. It is a broad role and will include leading on and coordinating elements of the six aspects of a project (scope, schedule, finance, risk, quality and resources). The role will also include grant management and supporting policy development and then assuring delivery of this.

The delivery of major events is complex and timebound. No one organisation is in overall control of delivery so the postholder will need to be adept in working in partnership with a wide range of partners to achieve their objectives. It is essential that they are comfortable working in complex stakeholder environments and delivering a range of tasks to tight deadlines.

Key Responsibilities

Tasks expected of a Project Officer will vary depending on the needs of the major events they are working on, but are likely to include:

• Produce planning documentation, such as project delivery plans and monitoring progress against the plan.
• Leading on delegated project tasks to be agreed with the successful applicant, working closely with relevant stakeholders to progress tasks and presenting project information/updates to the project manager.
• Maintain the key project logs, including risks, issues, dependencies, assumptions, lessons learnt and provide key reports, escalating when required.
• Support the project manager by ensuring project compliance with governance processes and procedures, including drafting of relevant papers and reporting.
• Supporting the Project Manager to deliver benefits of the event. As part of benefits management the post holder will support coordination and alignment of policy, work with other policy areas as needed to ensure a strategic, cross-government approach to policy ambitions and delivering longer term wider social impact from the event.
• Develop collaborative and productive working relationships with key stakeholders to support project delivery.
• Supporting the delivery of the Scottish Government’s interests during event time, including the Ministerial programme and operation of SG or wider stakeholder coordination centres.
• Grant development and management to ensure money is spent in accordance with the grantee’s terms and within the correct timescales.
• Collate and manage project reports, ensuring that project guidelines are followed, quality standards are met and that the work undertaken meets requirements.
• Develop and deliver an evaluation approach that captures impact, identifies lessons learned and ensures insights are used to drive continuous improvement.
• Provide clear, succinct, accurate advice and briefing for senior officials and Ministers. Oversee responses to correspondence, FoIs, FMQs and PQs, ensuring timely and high-quality responses.

This post could involve line management of colleagues within Major Events Division.

Technical / Professional Skills:

Planning and scheduling *PractitionerRisk and issue management *PractitionerStakeholder engagement*

Practitioner

You can find out more about the skills required, here.

Experience:

1. Working in a project delivery role within a project or programme and have demonstrable experience and knowledge of the key principles of PPM (e.g. planning, risks and issues, stakeholder engagement).
2. Policy development and delivery.

Working pattern

This role is a permanent level transfer position.

Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role, including Flexi-leave. Scottish Government staff in hybrid-compatible roles should aim to work in-person 40% of the time, either in an office or other agreed work location. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.

How to Apply

Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive B3 grade employees.

Please submit a statement outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team (maximum 500 words).

Vacancies close at 23:59pm on Thursday 29 October.

If you have questions about your application, please contact david.torz@gov.scot

Selection Process

All applicants will be invited to an informal discussion with the hiring manager. There will be no formal testing or assessment.

Discussions are expected to be scheduled for w/c TBC.

Recruitment Principles

As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.