Inshore Marine Protected Area Policy Officer

This is an Expression of Interest (EOI) opportunity, available on a lateral move basis only. Applications are open to Core Scottish Government employees only.

Job Title – Inshore Marine Protected Area Policy Officer

Working Arrangement – Staff in roles compatible with hybrid working should spend 40% of their contracted working time working in person at their contractual workplace. More information can be found within Hybrid Working Policy. The role will involve significant travel across Scotland to support consultation events and stakeholder engagement.

Grade – B2

Advert type – level transfer

Duration – Temporary till 31st March 2027

Eligibility - Expressions of interest are invited from substantive colleagues on level transfer from Core SG only.

Skilled Worker Sponsorship not being offered

Skilled Worker sponsorship is not available for this role. As a result, we are unable to appoint candidates who require Skilled Worker sponsorship now or in the future. Applicants must have an existing and ongoing right to work in the UK.

Overview

The Marine Directorate sits within DG Net Zero and is part of the core Scottish Government. Its purpose is to manage Scotland's seas in line with the vision to deliver prosperity and environmental sustainability, working closely with a range of delivery partners. With 61% of the UK sea area, a fishing and aquaculture industry worth over £1 billion, 50,000 jobs in the marine economy and at least 6,500 marine species, this is a high-profile and fast-paced policy area.

The Marine Environment, Planning and Corporate Portfolio is responsible for ensuring the environmental protection of Scotland's marine area. This post sits within the Planned and Protected Seas Programme, which leads on the spatial protection of marine habitats and species and the ecosystems that support them, so that society continues to enjoy the natural goods and resources provided by our seas.

You will play a key role in supporting the development and implementation of fisheries management measures for Scotland's inshore Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) and Priority Marine Features (PMFs).

This varied and rewarding role offers the opportunity to work at the centre of marine policy delivery, supporting the publication of public consultations and accompanying evidence, coordinating the completion and clearance of statutory assessments, and helping to develop fisheries management measures from consultation towards implementation. You will also contribute to the development and clearance of statutory fisheries orders, support the management of consultation analysis, and assist with stakeholder engagement, communications and parliamentary business.

This varied and rewarding roleoffers you the autonomy to manage your own workload and work across teams to deliver transparent, inclusive, and well-governed marine policy. Thiswillensurepolicy proposals are evidence-based, legally compliant, and clearly communicatedand showthe Scottish Government’s approach to marine protection is transparent, consultative, and grounded in sound governance.