Senior Agri-Environment Policy Advisor in Edinburgh

Business Area/Directorate – Agriculture Policy Division / Agriculture and Rural Economy (ARE)

Location – Saughton House, Edinburgh

Working Arrangement – Staff in roles compatible with hybrid working should aim to spend 40% of their contracted working time working in person at their contractual workplace.

Grade - B3

Advert type - Temporary Promotion

Duration - 6 months

Eligibility - Expressions of interest are invited from eligible staff in Bands A - B for this vacancy. Applicants must have an existing and ongoing right to work in the UK.

Overview: This is a key post for the delivery of current and emerging policy supporting on-farm nature restoration which is one of the five objectives of agriculture reform. This post involves maintaining delivery of current agri-environment policy and working with others across the Directorate in developing future agri-environment policy in the context of the Agriculture Reform Programme. In addition, the post holder assists in integrating agricultural policy, particularly on the environment, with colleagues across government including EnFor and NatureScot, as well as liaising with external stakeholders such as Environment Link, NFUS and Soil Association.

Responsibilities:

• Lead on organic farming policy.
• Lead on policy aspects for delivery and operation of Agri-Environment Climate Scheme in 2026-27.
• Work closely with colleagues in APD and RPID on the Agriculture Reform Programme including future agri-environment measures.
• Work closely with colleagues to represent agri-environment interests in associated policies such as the Biodiversity Strategy Delivery Plan and future nature targets under the Natural Environment Bill.

Qualifications:

Success Profile: Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of behaviours, experience and technical criteria that candidates will be assessed on.

Experience:

• Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work as part of a team and build collaborative relationships at a senior level with internal and external stakeholders to influence others towards a common goal or vision.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills particularly in engaging with a range of people at all levels and preparing written policy advice or briefings for senior officials or Ministers.
• Strong analytical skills with an ability to make sound recommendations to inform and support the development of evidence-based policy making.
• Experience of managing change with the ability to ensure priorities are achieved on time whilst creating a positive culture for improvement and constructively challenging the status quo.

Behaviours:

• Changing and Improving (Level 3)
• Leadership (Level 3)
• Communicating and Influencing (Level 3)
• Delivering at Pace (Level 3)

Working Pattern: This post is a full-time role for 6 months, but we welcome applications from staff with different working patterns. Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role, including Flexi-leave.

If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.

Further Information: Further information about this opportunity is available from Michael.O'Neill@gov.scot

How to Apply: Please submit an Expression of Interest (maximum 500 words) outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team. Please align this to how you meet the behaviours and experience listed in the Success Profile above.

Vacancies close at 11:59pm on the date displayed in the table, unless otherwise stated on the job advert.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience.

If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an informal discussion. Discussions are scheduled for late August/early September however this may be subject to change.

Temporary Promotion: Please click on the link to access further guidance and information on overview and eligibility.

Recruitment Principles: As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.

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 observing the Civil Service Code and 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.

Security checks: Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed.

Equality statement: We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.

Further information: Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website.