At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive impactful policy change and engage with key stakeholders in Scotland.
- Company: Nesta is the UK's innovation agency for social good, tackling society's biggest challenges.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, hybrid working, private medical insurance, and flexible hours.
- Other info: Diverse candidates are encouraged to apply; flexible working arrangements available.
- Why this job: Join a mission-driven team dedicated to creating a sustainable future and improving lives.
- Qualifications: Experience in Scottish government policy, excellent communication skills, and strong relationship-building abilities required.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 58000 £ per year.
Nesta Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom Join or sign in to find your next job Join to apply for the Policy Advisor role at Nesta Nesta Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom Join to apply for the Policy Advisor role at Nesta This range is provided by Nesta. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more. Base pay range Direct message the job poster from Nesta We are recruiting for a Policy Advisor based in Nesta’s Scotland Office. About Nesta We are Nesta, the UK’s innovation agency for social good. We design, test and scale solutions to society’s biggest problems. Our three missions are to give every child a fair start, help people live healthy lives, and create a sustainable future where the economy works for both people and the planet. For over 20 years, we have worked to support, encourage and inspire innovation. We work in three roles: as an innovation partner working with frontline organisations to design and test new solutions, as a venture builder supporting new and early stage businesses, and as a system shaper creating the conditions for innovation. Harnessing the rigour of science and the creativity of design, we work relentlessly to change millions of lives for the better. Find out more at nesta.org.uk . Whatever it takes Everyone works at Nesta because we are driven by a deep commitment to our missions. A guiding principle of our culture is that we do whatever it takes to achieve them, bringing our best to all our work. How will a Policy Advisor contribute to Nesta’s success? The Policy Advisor will work to drive impact across Nesta’s three missions. We believe policy change is a major route to impact at scale and this role will bring direct policy expertise, policy and political insights to our work, and ensure innovation is a cornerstone of policy thinking and development. The team You will be part of Nesta’s policy team. Based in the Scotland office, you will work closely with the Head of Scotland, Scotland based Mission teams, UK policy and communications colleagues as well as wider teams across Nesta as required. The role You will be expected to: Develop targeted engagement plans to build awareness, influence and credibility with key government, political and wider sector stakeholders Support influencing on set-piece opportunities e.g Holyrood election, Bill processes and party conferences Identify opportunities, scope, deliver and iterate specific policy projects Provide political/governmental/sector intelligence and insights to inform the evolution of policy work and maximise policy impact of wider Nesta projects Develop policy change proposals, policy notes, briefings and support development and delivery of a policy communications plan Support development of policy maker thinking to improve the design and delivery of policy via events, products and direct engagement. Support work to collaborate and convene across a wide range of stakeholders as required Understand and learn from what works, building and honing Nesta’s policy shaping capabilities Provide rapid responsive support on priority requests as required. The person Demonstrable understanding of how the Scottish government and parliament develops and implements policy and the role of evidence in this process Proven experience in influencing Scottish Government policy, expertise and a strong professional network preferrably in one of our three mission areas Excellent communication and presentation skills. You can explain complex topics in simple terms and write clearly and concisely, adapting your communication to suit different audiences Strong ability and experience in building relationships with senior level policy stakeholders and decision makers Strong ability to manage and develop yourself at work. You demonstrate high levels of initiative, ability to meet deadlines while juggling multiple priorities and willingness to take responsibility for your own workload and professional development Excellent teamwork and collaboration with a collaborative and solution-focused approach to problem-solving. Willingness to work flexibly on policy topics outside of immediate expertise or preferred areas of interest Ability to interpret and summarise qualitative and quantitative data, academic evidence and government policy papers and to quality check and synthesise findings with ease. Experience influencing the legislative process Experience in working with media and policy team colleagues to shape political discourse and respond to relevant policy debates. What we offer Salary: £49,200 - £65,800 (offers are expected to be made towards the bottom of the band) plus array of benefits, including private medical insurance, dental insurance, the ability to buy and sell annual leave, eyecare vouchers and more Location : This role is based in Edinburgh, hybrid working arrangement with a minimum of two days in the office Term : Fixed term contract/Secondments considered / 12 months Hours: This is a full-time role but we offer a range of flexible working arrangements and encourage our people to take advantage of them. Many do. Reports to: Head of Scotland Flexibility: This role is available to be a job-share. Making an application To apply for this role, please submit your application before 8am on 16th June 2025. First round interviews will be held virtually week beginning 30 June . We expect second round interviews to take place face to face in Edinburgh week beginning 7 July. At Nesta, we believe that a diverse workforce leads to an organisation that is more innovative, more creative and gets better results. We want our workforce to represent the diversity of the people and communities we serve. We also want our workplace to be one where different experiences, expertise and perspectives are valued, and where everyone is encouraged to grow and develop. This means that when we are recruiting, we actively seek to reach a diverse pool of candidates. It also means that we are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that potential employees may need to in order to be successful. We recognise the importance of a good balance between work and home life, so we do everything we can to accommodate flexible working, including working from home, compressed or part-time hours, job shares and other arrangements. Please just let us know in your application or at any stage throughout the process (and beyond) if these are options you’d like to explore. Seniority level Seniority level Mid-Senior level Employment type Employment type Full-time Job function Job function Consulting and Project Management Industries Non-profit Organization Management Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Nesta by 2x Get notified about new Policy Advisor jobs in Edinburgh, Scotland, United Kingdom . 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Policy Advisor in Edinburgh employer: Nesta
Nesta is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises innovation for social good. Based in Edinburgh, the Policy Advisor role provides opportunities for professional growth and collaboration with key stakeholders, all while enjoying flexible working arrangements and a comprehensive benefits package that includes private medical insurance and the ability to buy and sell annual leave. At Nesta, we are committed to diversity and creating an inclusive environment where every employee can thrive and contribute to meaningful change.
Contact Details:
Nesta Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Policy Advisor in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the current policy landscape in Scotland, especially regarding Nesta's three missions. Understanding recent developments and key players will help you engage effectively during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the policy sector, particularly those who have experience with the Scottish Government. Building relationships can provide valuable insights and potentially lead to referrals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss specific examples of how you've influenced policy in the past. Be ready to articulate your approach and the outcomes, as this will demonstrate your expertise and fit for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Stay updated on Nesta's projects and initiatives. Showing genuine interest in our work and how it aligns with your values during interviews can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Policy Advisor in Edinburgh
Understanding of Scottish government and parliamentary processes
Policy development and implementation expertise
Strong professional network within Scottish Government
Excellent communication and presentation skills
Ability to simplify complex topics for diverse audiences
Relationship building with senior policy stakeholders
Project management and multitasking abilities
Initiative and self-management skills
Teamwork and collaboration skills
Flexibility in working on diverse policy topics
Data interpretation and synthesis skills
Experience influencing the legislative process
Media engagement and political discourse shaping
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role:Before applying, make sure you fully understand the responsibilities and expectations of a Policy Advisor at Nesta. Tailor your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with their mission and the specific requirements outlined in the job description.
Highlight Relevant Experience:In your CV and cover letter, emphasise your experience in influencing policy, particularly within the Scottish government context. Provide concrete examples of past projects or roles where you've successfully engaged with stakeholders or contributed to policy development.
Showcase Communication Skills:Nesta values clear and concise communication. Use your application to demonstrate your ability to explain complex topics simply. Consider including a brief example of a time when you effectively communicated a challenging concept to a diverse audience.
Demonstrate Initiative and Flexibility:The role requires a proactive approach and the ability to manage multiple priorities. In your application, share instances where you've taken the initiative in your work or adapted to new challenges, showcasing your problem-solving skills and flexibility.
How to prepare for a job interview at Nesta
✨Understand Nesta's Mission
Before your interview, make sure you thoroughly understand Nesta's three missions. Be prepared to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals of giving every child a fair start, promoting healthy lives, and creating a sustainable future.
✨Showcase Your Policy Expertise
Highlight your experience in influencing policy, particularly within the Scottish government. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've successfully navigated the legislative process and built relationships with key stakeholders.
✨Communicate Clearly and Concisely
As a Policy Advisor, you'll need to explain complex topics simply. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and concisely, adapting your communication style to suit different audiences, which is crucial for this role.
✨Demonstrate Flexibility and Initiative
Nesta values individuals who can manage multiple priorities and take responsibility for their own workload. Be prepared to discuss instances where you've shown initiative and flexibility in your work, especially in areas outside your immediate expertise.
