Description Would you like to work in a high-profile and rewarding policy area? This role offers the opportunity to work on ministerial priorities focused on protecting children in Scotland. The Child Protection Unit is part of Children’s Rights, Protection and Justice Division within Children and Families Directorate. Our mission is to uphold the rights and improve practice to prevent, respond and support recovery from harm for all of Scotland’s children. There may be some adjustments to business responsibilities as the Unit works flexibly to cover shifting priorities. The successful candidate will support policy work across the unit in line with ministerial priorities. This includes supporting the recently formed National Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation Strategic Group to deliver its aims by providing secretariat for the Group, liaising with Police Scotland and the Office of the Chief Social Work Advisor and external stakeholders, and supporting the colleague leading policy development in this critical area. This role will also support work on the development of child protection processes. This is a complex but rewarding policy area which is central to the protection of children across Scotland. Child protection processes have an interface with other Children and Families Directorate polices, including priorities such as Children’s Hearing Redesign, GIRFEC policy and implementation of The Promise. The post holder will therefore need to work with colleagues across the unit and wider teams, as well as with external stakeholders. Responsibilities Briefing and advice (for senior officials and/or Ministers). Correspondence (e.g. Ministerial, official, PQs, FoIs). Drafting and preparation of official documents (including guidance, publications). Communications activity (incl. media, speeches, visits). Participation and engagement (with partners, stakeholders, public). Collaboration with other areas within government to progress policy outcomes. Policy design and development (incl. strategy, appraisal, impact assessment, monitoring, evaluation etc). Policy delivery. Governance and risk management. Financial management of policy activity (including grants and other funding, budget management). Qualifications Behaviours: Making Effective Decisions – (Level 3) Communicating and Influencing – (Level 3) Working Together – (Level 3) Delivering at Pace – (Level 3) You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here: Success Profiles - Civil Service Behaviours (publishing.service.gov.uk) How to apply Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 750 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 a presentation. Assessments are scheduled for w/c 26/03 onwards, however this may be subject to change. 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.