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 Reserved Benefits Social Security Unit is a positive, supportive unit with a strong focus on the development and wellbeing of staff. The Unit leads on providing internal advice and guidance on the operation of the UK Governments social security benefits and state pension. We work with officials across Social Security and the wider Scottish Government to impact the interactions between the reserved social security system and Scottish benefits. In recent years this work has focussed on the UK Governments benefit reform agenda and further change is expected over the remainder of the UK Governments parliamentary term.

This role would suit someone who can develop and maintain successful working relationships with external stakeholders, as well as with wider SG colleagues to support policy cohesion and the provision of high quality and accurate advice.

The role will also require analytical and strategic thinking to interrogate and understand the impacts of UK benefit changes. The post holder will be required to maintain and update core briefings and lines in response to emerging and fast-moving information and reporting on emerging UK Government changes. The role will include providing accurate and timely supporting briefing for a range of Ministerial and Parliamentary activities, including debates and stakeholder events.

Members of the Reserved Benefits Unit, are encouraged and supported to take ownership of their own role as well as striking a healthy work-life balance. This post will suit a proactive individual and will provide significant development opportunities for the right candidate.

The wider team is currently undergoing some restructure and will consist of 1 x C1, 3.5 x B3, 3 x B2 and 1 x B1. Final line management responsibilities are to be confirmed.

Responsibilities

• Developing and maintaining a detailed knowledge of specific UK Governments reserved benefits policies (specific benefits TBA).
• Collating and maintaining briefing lines and core briefs to support timely responses to advice and briefing requests.
• Maintaining an evidence base of analysis, research and data support policy development and positioning on the impact of UK benefit reforms.
• Building and maintaining effective relationships with wider Scottish Government colleagues, and external stakeholders, to support the effective communication Scottish Government policy positions in relation to reserved benefits and wider Scottish Government priorities.
• Lead on and support a wide range of corporate and ministerial briefing requirements including MiCases, PQs, FMQs and debate packs, providing accurate, high-quality advice to required timescales.

Working pattern

This role is a permanent level transfer position.

How to Apply

Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive B2 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.scot

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