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, successfully delivering a radically different Scottish benefits system integral to eradicating child poverty, tackling root causes of inequality and creating a fairer Scotland.
Our devolved benefits now provide crucial help to two million people, and, as well as keeping 50,000 children out of relative poverty this year through the Scottish Child Payment, our benefits support disabled people and their carers and help pensioners to heat their homes.
We now have a rare vacancy to join our 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 will suit someone with excellent communication and people skills and who can quickly establish successful strong relationships with a wide range of SG stakeholders.
The role requires 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.
A key part of the role is the ability to confidently but collegiately challenge and/or re-word briefing lines or draft Ministerial speeches to ensure that every sentence is as jargon-free, clear and crisp as possible, as well as being immediately understandable at the first time of reading by anyone with no prior specialist knowledge of the subject in question.
The post-holder will need to liaise closely as well with Comms/News colleagues to ensure consistency between external and internal SG messaging on social security, which is particularly important in light of intensive Parliamentary and media commentary around devolved benefits spending, where the Unit leads on co-ordination of rebuttal.
This post will therefore suit someone who is proactive, resourceful, thrives on the unexpected and can see the join-up in issues that might at first sight appear unrelated, as well as having the ability to balance rigorous attention to detail with always keeping the bigger picture in mind.
The post offers significant development opportunities for the right candidate, with members of the unit previously moving to a wide-range of high-profile or promoted posts, including in Ministerial private offices, strategic resilience and key SG policy roles – such as, in the case of the long-standing previous holder of this post, a move to Exchequer to lead SG’s relationship with the Scottish Fiscal Commission.
The unit consists of 1 x C2, 2 x C1once this post is recruited), 2 x B3, 2 x B2 and 1 x B1
Responsibilities
Working pattern
This role is a permanent level transfer position.
How to Apply
Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive C1 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 11:59pm
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 SSD_WFP@gov.scot
Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.
The devolved government for Scotland is responsible for matters that are devolved from Westminster. Areas of responsibility include the economy, health, education, justice, rural affairs, environment, and transport.
