Description Job Description Do you want to help maximise the impact of Scottish public procurement spend to enable delivery of sustainable outcomes and support Ministerial priorities and ambitions? This is an exciting opportunity for two Procurement Specialists to work in our Procurement Policy team within the Scottish Procurement and Property Directorate. You will be working in a supportive environment to set procurement policy and strategy for Scotland, accelerating our progress to meet the ever-increasing level of ambition on delivering impact through procurement. Priorities include: developing and maintaining a framework of procurement policy and legislation to deliver social and economic impact, enable climate action and promote innovation; researching and benchmarking opportunities for improvement and setting out and acting upon recommendations to drive change; and supporting public bodies in mainstreaming sustainable procurement decisions, maximising the benefits of procurement spend for Scotland. The work of the Branch is varied, fast-paced and high profile and has contact with Ministers and senior internal and external stakeholders. Responsibilities Developing guidance and support mechanisms to enable the wider public sector to achieve Scottish Government policy priorities through public spend. This will involve working in partnership with colleagues across the Directorate, the wider Scottish Government and a range of external stakeholders. Supporting, and where appropriate lead, reviews and analysis activities, informing and developing proposals to continuously improve the development and implementation of procurement policy and improve ways of working. Providing advice and guidance to a wide range of stakeholders involved in the practical application of the public procurement rules and policy, giving due consideration to sustainable approaches. Preparing and contributing to relevant Ministerial Correspondence, Parliamentary Questions and event briefings, often at short notice to tight timescales. Responsibilities Qualifications This is a specialist role which requires evidence of continuous professional development, including external, advanced level professional accreditation or working towards accreditation of CIPS, WCC Advanced Practitioner Certification or relevant equivalent; or a commitment to attaining such an accreditation once in post. ‘Equivalent’ may include accreditation from another relevant professional body or a relevant academic qualification at degree or post graduate level. Significant evidenced experience operating and delivering at an advanced level may be considered as equivalent when accompanied by a commitment to attain an accreditation once in post. Success Profile Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on. Technical / Professional Skills Procurement Strategy and Policy - Developing / Working Knowledge Leading and Influencing - Developing / Working Knowledge You can find out more about the Procurement Skills Required here: Procurement Competency Framework Experience Evidence of good written and verbal communication skills and of interpersonal skills. The ability to interpret and analyse complex and/or technical information accurately and present it in a concise, consistent and engaging way to different audiences. Experience of working collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders. Evidence of being able to work autonomously, delivering objectives and outcomes in a fast-paced environment. Demonstrate strong planning and organisational skills in managing challenging workloads and being able to respond flexibly to changing priorities. Adaptable to new ways of doing things, and willing to contribute ideas for continuous improvement. Behaviours Seeing the Big Picture You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here: Behaviour levels - Success profiles: candidate guide - gov.scot How to apply Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 1000 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above. If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and presentation. Assessments are scheduled for w/c 28th April however this may be subject to change. Qualifications About Us The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles. Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland. We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer. As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules. Working Pattern Our standard hours are 35 hours per week. We offer a range of flexible and hybrid working options depending on the needs of the role. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us. Equality Statement We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them. Further information Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes. Pay Supplement The posts attract a procurement pay supplement, currently £2,250, subject to minimum eligibility criteria which includes a minimum of 3 years’ experience in a procurement or commercial role, 1 year at this level and a commitment to continuous professional development (CPD). Pay supplements are discretionary payments designed to address recruitment and retention issues caused by market pressures and are subject to regular review and affordability.