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.

Do you want to shape the delivery of Scotland’s Census, enabling governments and other public bodies to plan the services we all rely on, and telling the story of Scotland's people for generations to come? If so, this post could be for you.

We are the trusted producer of Scotland’s population statistics, including taking the Census of Scotland’s population every 10 years. The next Census is in 2031 and will be delivered in partnership with the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency (NISRA). This is one of the largest digital programmes delivered in Scotland, gathering data from every household across a population of c.5.7m. Census data is used by government, local authorities, health boards, the third and private sectors to plan national and local services and informs the allocation of billions of pounds of UK and Scottish Government public funds each year.

NRS is a Non-Ministerial Department of the Scottish Government & and our staff are part UK Civil Service, working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland.

We are looking for a skilled and motivated Senior Content Designer who will support teams to design products and services and that are user-centred and evidence-based.

You will collaborate with teams across the programme including operations, statistics, technology, policy, communications, finance, procurement and commercial. A significant part of the role will also be collaborating with other census taking offices in the rest of the United Kingdom. This is an exciting opportunity to design products and services that will support every household in Scotland.

You should note that Scotland’s Census is a time limited project which will run until 2032 depending on the role. Please contact the line manager named in this advert if you have any further questions.

Responsibilities

Agile working (content design)

• Work in agile teams and help them to manage and visualise outcomes, prioritise work, define scope and agree a minimum viable product (MVP).
• Adapt, reflect and be responsive to feedback.

Content concepts and prototyping

• Choose the best option to make content understandable to different audiences and show proposed approaches to content design through the creation of prototypes and content plans.
• Explain how the pattern choice or need for a new pattern, publishing approach and metadata will shape how the content will be published and managed.

Stakeholder relationship management (content design)

• Negotiate with stakeholders and influence decisions, dealing with challenging situations and removing blockers.
• Act as a point of escalation if stakeholder relationships break down or to support more junior members of staff.

Strategic thinking (content design)

• Create and implement content strategies and processes, balancing the business objectives and needs of users.

User focus (content design)

• Work within a multidisciplinary team to shape and record design decisions and design debt across complex user journeys, creating and advocating for content that meets the needs of users.
• Set performance measures for content to evidence how the design meets user needs and in turn supports business objectives.

User-centred (content design)

• Use data, research and evidence to plan, write, design and edit content across multiple channels that meets content styles and standards.
• Take responsibility for ensuring the quality of content from more junior colleagues (if you have them), coaching and guiding them to improve.
• Set review dates and monitor the effectiveness of content to make continuous improvements.
• Engage with and contribute to the Scottish Government content design community of practice.

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.

Candidates should note that office attendance will be needed at points in particular for collaboration sessions but there is currently no fixed set days in addition there will be occasional travel to other UK agencies. 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 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).

Vacancy closes at 12:00pm on Thursday the 9th April.

Selection Process

All applications will be invited to an informal discussion with the hiring manager.

Informal discussions are to be confirmed.

Further Information

If you have specific questions about the role, please contact david.grieve@nrscotland.gov.uk

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