Description Are you an experienced policy professional looking for a new opportunity and would you like the opportunity to grow, develop and test your skills working on a high-profile Bill in a in a fast-paced Bill Team? The Scottish Government has committed to protect LGBTQI people from harm by introducing legislation to end conversion practices in Scotland. Conversion practices seek to change or suppress someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity. This post provides an excellent opportunity for a committed and driven person to make a significant and critical contribution to the development and delivery of this legislation. You will play a key role in shaping complex legislation within a high-profile and dynamic policy area. This varied role combines policy development, project management, and ministerial, parliamentary, and stakeholder engagement. The work involves sensitive policy analysis in an area of public and media interest, requiring careful handling of divided opinions and fast-paced activity during the parliamentary process. You will manage challenging timeframes, provide advice on the Bill timetable, and lead progress across the team while taking responsibility for specific policy areas and supporting other substantive elements of the Bill. This role sits within the Equality Division of the Directorate for Equality, Inclusion, and Human Rights. The Directorate’s purpose is to ensure that equality, inclusion, and human rights are central to everything the Scottish Government does, reducing inequality and advancing the delivery of key outcomes in the National Performance Framework. The Directorate also builds capability across the Government and the wider public sector to tackle inequality effectively, working closely with COSLA, public sector partners, third sector organisations, and others to mainstream and embed equality in all aspects of government policy and delivery. The Directorate fosters a friendly and supportive environment, offering the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to improving the lives of people across Scotland as part of a diverse and inclusive team. Responsibilities Policy responsibility for specific policy areas within the Bill, particularly the proposed new criminal offences, including the development of policy positions and instruction of legal drafting, with support to team members on other policy issues. Prepare high quality advice to Ministers, Cabinet papers and Ministerial papers to support decision-making and prepare briefing and speeches for Parliament and events as required. Project manage the Bill development process, including oversight of the legislative process and timetable, risk assessment and providing regular advice to Ministers, senior colleagues and others. Produce the accompanying Bill documents, including the Policy Memorandum, Explanatory Notes, Financial Memorandum, and Delegated Powers Memorandum, as well as impact assessments. Lead on relationship and engagement with specific stakeholder groups. Management and clearance of correspondence of routine business requests and other tasks to support the progress of the team including FOIs and MiCases. Support to other team members. Deputise for the Team Leader which can include team leadership, stakeholder engagement, ministerial support and leading meetings with Ministers. 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 Technical / Professional Skills: Policy Context and Purpose Participation and Engagement Behaviours: Communicating and Influencing Working Together Seeing the Big Picture Delivering at Pace How to Apply - Closing 2 February 2025 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 17 February 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 The team currently uses a hybrid working model, working remotely with attendance in office (alternating Edinburgh or Glasgow) at least once per week. In person attendance will also be required at meetings in parliament, evidence sessions and regular briefings with Ministers and stakeholders that will mostly take place in Edinburgh. These will become more frequent as the Bill progresses. 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.