Description Job Description Are you looking for a high-profile, engaging, and rewarding senior policy role that can make a real positive difference in the development of a new approach to delivering cancer care? Despite recent advances, cancer remains the largest burden of disease across Scotland and has seen an ongoing increase in incidence. 1 in 2 will develop cancer in their lifetime. You will support priority programmes of work within the Cancer & Rehabilitation Unit, ensuring the delivery of the Cancer Strategy and Action Plan, with 136 actions to be delivered by 2026. Our aim is to improve cancer survival and provide excellent, equitably accessible care. The unit provides policy support to Cancer Waiting Times and the Centre for Sustainable Delivery’s Cancer Programme. The Unit also holds responsibility for Robotic Assisted Surgery Policy and Rehabilitation Policy; however, it is not expected that this post will lead on these policies. This is a particularly exciting time to be involved in cancer policy as we develop a new approach to delivering care, through a nationally supported population-based NHS Scotland Oncology Service. You will also take an active role in leading the development of the next Cancer Action Plan due to launch in 2026, giving consideration to our Monitoring and Evaluation Framework. Cancer policy is a high-profile area and receives significant ministerial, parliamentary and media attention. There is a high level of exposure to Ministers, and you can expect to support them on visits, in debates, at events and in meetings. You should have a high degree of political awareness, be capable of working autonomously in a fast-paced environment and be able to provide support across the unit and to the wider organisation. While located in the Directorate for Chief Operating Officer NHS Scotland, you will regularly work across Health & Social Care Directorates. Regular engagement with stakeholders, including Health Boards, the third sector, research and clinical communities, and the public, will be required. You will be joining a driven and supportive team of 8 other Civil Servants, including 2 other Senior Policy Officers who will provide some peer support. The team is also supported by a Clinical Advisor in addition to the National Radiotherapy Lead, the Senior Medical Officer for Oncology and a Professional Advisor for Allied Health Professionals. Responsibilities Line manage one policy officer and actively manage the National Radiotherapy Lead, overseeing the delivery of the 13 actions within the National Radiotherapy Plan. Lead on key areas of policy within the Cancer Strategy and Action Plan, building and maintaining effective relationships with a range of public, professional and internal stakeholders to do so. Lead on Monitoring and Evaluation of Cancer Strategy, working with social research and analytical colleagues to continuously develop on our theories of change and report indicators. Take an active role in leading the development of the next cancer action plan and supporting the development and publication of required annual cancer action plan progress reports. Support the Oncology Transformation Programme in delivering on the NHS Scotland Oncology Service. Lead policy contract management for evaluation of the Cancer Strategy with regards to health inequalities, contracted until 2026. Provide oversight of grant management to a third sector organisation. Provide high-quality advice to Ministers through ministerial support in debates, on visits and at events, with delivery of briefings, submissions and speeches as required. Respond and support others to respond to a high level of correspondence such as PQs and micases, FOIs and media requests. 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. Experience: The ability to analyse information from a range of sources and provide solutions. Behaviours: Changing and improving (Level 3) Delivering at pace (Level 3) Working together (Level 3) Communicating and influencing (Level 3) 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 written analysis exercise. Assessments are scheduled between 10/03/2025 and 17/03/2025 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.