Description Are you a veterinary professional ready to make a real impact on animal health and welfare in Scotland? The Veterinary Advisor provides professional advice and direction within the Scottish Government, and particularly to Ministers and policy colleagues in relation to the health and welfare of kept animals and the veterinary aspects of public health. It is the job of the Veterinary Advisor to provide high quality veterinary direction and advice in a timely manner to support the effective development and delivery of Animal Health and Welfare policies in Scotland. The Veterinary Advisor also leads on the delivery of inspections, controls and other services by operational partners, setting standards, monitoring and improving performance and ensuring value for money. Responsibilities Providing veterinary direction to the development, maintenance and implementation of policies on animal health and welfare, and veterinary public health, with a particular focus on animal welfare. Providing veterinary advice to Ministers and colleagues on the prevention and control of notifiable and other animal diseases, the protection of animal welfare, and the facilitation of trade in animals and their product. Making veterinary decisions where there is high impact and high uncertainty, taking into account policy considerations and ensuring that those decisions are based on the best available evidence. Contributing to the design, development and implementation of national policy initiatives and reforms, undertaking important roles on programme boards, project teams and working groups. Representing the Scottish Government, safeguarding and promoting its interests and position. Monitoring and improving the performance of bodies that deliver animal health and welfare policies. Success Profile Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on. Qualifications Essential Qualifications Veterinary Degree and Fellowship or Membership of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons. Professional/Technical Requirements: A good understanding of State Veterinary Medicine A good understanding of general veterinary practice and livestock farming Ability to analyse complex information and draw scientifically sound conclusions Ability to work with specialists and others to develop and communicate evidence to inform and influence action Professional recognition, with the ability to influence and persuade others Experience Proven track record of working with colleagues or stakeholders to deliver outcomes. Self-management, prioritising your own workload. Key Behaviours Making effective decisions (Level 4) Working together (Level 4) Communicating and influencing (Level 4) Managing a quality service (Level 4) 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 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 a written analysis exercise Assessments are scheduled for w/c 03/02/25 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. Apply before (12/01/2025 - 23:59 ) Contact Name Jesus Gallego Contact e-Mail Jesus.Gallego gov.scot