Job Description

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

The Social Security Directorate is responsible for the largest and most complex transfer of powers since devolution, delivering a radically different benefits system and overseeing development and implementation of policies designed to alleviate poverty and support disabled people to live full and independent lives.
We now have a rare vacancy to join the Directorate’s fast-moving, friendly and informal Parliamentary Unit, which writes and co-ordinates extensive Ministerial & SCS briefing on social security issues, as well as overseeing the Directorate’s legislative programme.

The post holder will have strong opportunities for exposure to Ministers and will work with colleagues from across the Directorate, Social Security Scotland and beyond to work on high-profile Parliamentary set pieces with considerable scope for career development in a supportive and collegiate environment. This role would suit someone who can establish successful relationships with a wide range of SG stakeholders and the successful candidate should be able to demonstrate positive relationship building and strong people skills.

The role will also require considerable political acuity and strong analytical and strategic thinking in response to often complex policy scenarios to support the provision of timely and accurate briefing.

This post will suit a proactive individual who thrives on the unexpected and will provide significant development opportunities for the right candidate, with members of the unit previously moving to a wide-range of promoted posts, including in private offices, strategic resilience and key SG policy roles.

As part of a small unit, you will be expected to work collaboratively and flexibly to support the priorities of the Unit and Division, adapting to a shifting policy environment and reprioritising activities to respond to emerging needs.

The unit consists of 1 x C2, 2 x C1 (with a third C1 post currently being recruited), 2 x B3 (with this post taking that to 3 x B3) 2 x B2 and 1 x B1

Key Responsibilities:

• To work with the Briefing & Legislation C1 team leader on a programme to review legislative regulations on each of our main benefits to confirm policy intent is appropriately met and reflected in day-to-day delivery practice.

• To work with the Briefing & Legislation C1 team leader to co-ordinate the directorate’s work with communications colleagues both in SG News & Social Security Scotland to facilitate efficient preparation of effective external comms positions and to maintain a bank of impactful and consistent media lines on social security issues.
• To work closely with the two existing B3 post-holders in the unit to ensure continuity and consistency in various corporate and briefing workstreams such as MiCases, PQs and the weekly FMQ brief as well as debate packs, providing accurate, high-quality advice to required timescales.
• To build successful and credible relationships with wider Scottish Government colleagues and internal stakeholders.

Working pattern

This role is a permanent level transfer position.

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 12:00pm on Friday 10 April.

Selection Process

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

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

Further Information

If you have specific questions about the role, please contact SocialSecurityDirectorate_Resourcing@gov.uk

Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.