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- Tasks: Lead initiatives to enhance public participation and transparency in government processes.
- Company: Join the Scottish Government, dedicated to improving lives through effective public service.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, inclusive environment, and a range of employee benefits.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in how the government engages with citizens and promotes accountability.
- Qualifications: Experience in public participation, engagement, and understanding procurement processes.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with opportunities for professional growth and development.
Locations: Edinburgh, United Kingdom; Glasgow, United Kingdom (Hybrid)
Working Pattern: Full Time
Number of Openings: 1
Apply Before: 03/09/2026, 11:59 PM
Role summary: Do you want to work in an internationally-facing team that works to improve Scottish Government’s approach to transparency, accountability and public participation? This role is based in the Open Government Unit in the Improving Public Engagement Division of DG Corporate. We are a small team with a large scope. This role reports to The Principal Research Officer line manager, alongside another Policy Officer. The team is overseen by the Head of Open Government. Our work focuses on developing and delivering Scotland’s Open Government Action Plan in collaboration with national and international civil society partners, with the aim of improving Scottish Government’s approach to transparency, accountability and public participation.
Responsibilities:
- Lead the establishment and management of a new Participation Dynamic Purchasing System
- Co-lead the establishment and management of Participation Champions Network
- Provide specialist information, guidance and support to policy colleagues planning their work, including development and delivery of training
- Support across Open Government Action Plan development and delivery: leading the collaborative work with commitment teams, stakeholder engagement, delivery of milestones under Participation commitment
- Deliver corporate requests and ad-hoc priorities to a high standard: minuting, briefing, PQs, FMQs, correspondence, FOIs
Qualifications and skills:
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:
- Public Participation and Engagement (Practitioner)
- Understanding of procurement and its role in policy decisions (Practitioner)
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. 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. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.
If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and presentation.
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.
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. Scottish Government staff in hybrid-compatible roles should aim to work in-person 40% of the time, either in an office or other agreed work location. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.
Security checks: Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions). 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 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. Apply before 23:59 on 9 March 2026. This post is open to internal candidates and Common Citizenship Organisations only.
Senior Open Government Policy Officer in Edinburgh employer: Scottish Government
Contact Detail:
Scottish Government Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Open Government Policy Officer in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to folks in the Open Government space on LinkedIn or at events. A friendly chat can open doors that applications alone can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for your interview by knowing the ins and outs of the Scottish Government's Open Government Action Plan. Show us you’re passionate about transparency and public participation!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! You might need to present ideas during the interview, so get comfortable sharing your thoughts clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Open Government Policy Officer in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Senior Open Government Policy Officer. Highlight relevant experience in public participation and engagement, as well as any procurement knowledge you have. We want to see how your skills align with our mission!
Craft a Compelling Supporting Statement: Your supporting statement is your chance to shine! Use it to provide specific examples that demonstrate how you meet the success profile. Keep it concise and focused, and remember, we’re looking for evidence of your skills and experiences.
Be Honest About AI Use: If you decide to use AI tools to help with your application, make sure everything you submit is truthful and reflects your own experiences. Plagiarism can lead to your application being withdrawn, and we definitely don’t want that!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our official website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the info you need about the role and our organisation there.
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Government
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of public participation and engagement, as well as procurement processes. Brush up on Scotland’s Open Government Action Plan and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals.
✨Showcase Collaboration Skills
This role involves working with various partners, so be prepared to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past. Highlight any experience you have in leading teams or projects that required stakeholder engagement.
✨Prepare for Practical Scenarios
Expect to face scenario-based questions during the interview. Think about how you would approach establishing the Participation Dynamic Purchasing System or managing the Participation Champions Network. Be ready to demonstrate your problem-solving skills.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions that show your interest in the role and the team. Inquire about the challenges they face in public engagement or how success is measured in their initiatives. This shows you’re genuinely interested and engaged.
