Description Job Description Would you like the opportunity to grow and develop your skills with a variety of development opportunities? The development and adoption of scientific and technological innovation within the NHS is critical to improving patient outcomes and the long term sustainability of our health services. Working as part of an enhanced innovation team and alongside colleagues within Chief Scientist Office, this is an opportunity to play a central role in the delivery of a key Programme for Government Commitment, engage with leading figures in industry, academia and the NHS, and drive programmes which change lives. The Innovation Unit is based within the Chief Medical Officer Directorate and Chief Scientific Advisor Division. It is focused on harnessing the transformative potential of scientific innovation to accelerate NHS reform. These should lower demand, increase productivity, reduce costs, improve patient outcomes, and support our vision of a Scotland where people live longer, healthier and fulfilling lives. The Unit leads on the PfG commitment to accelerate our ability to test and develop AI and other new technologies through our three Regional Innovation Hubs and provide new opportunities to grow Scotland’s cluster of life science businesses. This includes co-ordinating with colleagues across the Scottish Government, our Enterprise Agencies, other Devolved Government’s, UK Government Departments and NHS England. Responsibilities People management and development of one Innovation Policy Officer (one post). Drive delivery of specific Open Innovation Competitions. These include our mental health, eye health, reducing drug deaths, dementia, diabetes, dermatology, menopause, neonatal care and paediatric remote asthma management challenges (c. £9 million) and developing new competitions for 2025/26 (c. £2 million), including setting targets and agreeing procurement timelines. Policy design and development of our Innovation Fellowship programme (c. £1.5 million), including engaging with stakeholders on the design of the 2025/26 schemes. Working with NHS Golden Jubilee on the financial management of our National Innovation Fund (c. £10 million), including management and approval of project milestones and company disbursements, and cross-UK finance partnership arrangements. Lead on briefing and advice for senior officials and Ministers and correspondence (e.g. Ministerial, official, PQs, FoIs) on health innovation policy. Collaboration with colleagues within DG Health & Social Care and DG Economy on the design and development of an enhanced end to end innovation pathway for Scotland and delivery of our Programme for Government commitments. Responsibilities 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: Working with Ministers, Level 1 - Developing You can find out more about the skills required here: Policy Profession Standards Annex Behaviours: Making Effective Decisions - Level 3 Working Together - Level 3 Developing Self and Others - Level 3 Delivering at Pace - Level 3 How to apply Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (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 portfolio review. Assessments are scheduled for w/c 31/03/2025 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.