At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead stakeholder engagement for Scotland's Census 2031, shaping vital public services.
- Company: Join a trusted organisation delivering Scotland’s population statistics.
- Benefits: Permanent role with opportunities for professional development and collaboration.
- Other info: Dynamic role with potential for career growth beyond the census project.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on Scotland's future by engaging diverse stakeholders.
- Qualifications: Experience in stakeholder management and willingness to pursue professional qualifications.
The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 € per year.
This opportunity is only open to applicants who are currently 'Priority Movers'. Applications from individuals not currently on the Priority Mover list will be rejected and not considered.
Do you want to shape the delivery of Scotland’s Census, enabling governments and other public bodies to plan the services we all rely on, and telling the story of Scotland's people for generations to come? If so, this post could be for you.
We are the trusted producer of Scotland’s population statistics, including taking the Census of Scotland’s population every 10 years. The next Census is in 2031 and will be delivered in partnership with the Office for National Statistics (ONS) and Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency (NISRA). This is one of the largest digital programmes delivered in Scotland, gathering data from every household across a population of c.5.7m. Census data is used by government, local authorities, health boards, the third and private sectors to plan national and local services and informs the allocation of billions of pounds of UK and Scottish Government public funds each year.
We are looking for a Stakeholder Engagement Lead to support the delivery of the next census, where you will be responsible for leading and delivering a comprehensive stakeholder engagement strategy for Scotland's Census 2031. This is a significant and complex role: as a statutory exercise for every household in Scotland, the census requires engagement with a wide and diverse range of stakeholders across the programme lifecycle.
You should note that Scotland’s Census is a time limited project which will run until 2032 depending on the role. Staff who are on permanent contracts will remain with NRS after this time whilst a new, suitable role is found. Please contact the line manager named in this advert if you have any further questions.
ResponsibilitiesWorking closely with communications, community engagement, policy, digital and statistical colleagues, you will lead the development of strong relationships with key stakeholders, securing their understanding, buy-in and active support for the programme. Specifically you will:
- Lead the strategic identification, analysis and prioritisation of stakeholders across the census 2031 lifecycle, using appropriate tools and frameworks to map influence, interest, risk and engagement needs.
- Develop, maintain and own a census‑wide stakeholder engagement strategy, ensuring alignment with programme objectives, equality considerations and delivery timelines.
- Act as a senior adviser to programme leaders on stakeholder sentiment, risks, opportunities and emerging issues, providing clear, evidence‑based recommendations.
- Assist in ensuring stakeholder insight is fed into programme design and delivery decisions.
- Support mitigation of delivery and reputational risks by proactively identifying stakeholder‑related issues and leading appropriate engagement responses.
- Capture lessons learned from census engagement activity and previous censuses, ensuring these inform future phases and post‑census evaluation.
- Deliver briefings, presentations and awareness sessions on the census programme and engagement approach to a range of audiences, including senior stakeholders and Ministers.
- Build effective relationships across the UK census system, helping to share insight, manage cross‑cutting stakeholder issues and support the programme’s strategic partnerships.
Applicants will have or be willing to work towards a professional level qualification, such as APMG’s Change Management, APM’s PMQ or Axelos’ P3O qualifications.
ExperienceSignificant experience of leading stakeholder engagement and management in a complex, large-scale programme environment. The postholder will have a demonstrable track record of developing and implementing stakeholder strategies and engagement plans that support delivery, ideally in a public sector or nationally significant context.
Working PatternThis role is a permanent level transfer position. Candidates should note that office attendance will be needed at points in particular for collaboration sessions but there is currently no fixed set days; in addition, there will be occasional travel to other UK agencies. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.
How to applyApplications for this position will only be accepted from substantive C1 grade employees. Please submit a statement outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team (maximum 500 words). Vacancies close at 23:59pm on Thursday 28 May.
Selection ProcessAll applicants will be invited to an informal discussion. There will be no formal testing or assessment. Discussions are expected to be scheduled for w/c tbc.
Further InformationIf you have specific questions about the role, please contact james.gosling@nrscotland.gov.uk. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.
Stakeholder Manager (Census 2031) - C1 in Edinburgh employer: Scottish Government
As a pivotal player in shaping Scotland's Census 2031, we offer a unique opportunity to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to the delivery of essential public services. Our collaborative work culture fosters professional growth, allowing employees to develop their skills in stakeholder management within a significant national programme. With a commitment to inclusivity and support for career progression, we ensure that our team members are equipped to make a meaningful impact on Scotland's future.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Stakeholder Manager (Census 2031) - C1 in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections and let them know you're on the hunt for a Stakeholder Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those informal discussions! Brush up on your knowledge about Scotland’s Census and think about how your experience aligns with their needs. Show them you’re not just another candidate, but the right fit for the team.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After your discussions, send a quick thank-you email. It shows your enthusiasm and keeps you fresh in their minds as they make decisions.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Stakeholder Manager (Census 2031) - C1 in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Audience:Before you start writing, take a moment to understand who will be reading your application. Tailor your language and examples to resonate with the values and goals of the Census 2031 team. We want to see how you can contribute to shaping Scotland’s future!
Be Concise and Relevant:You've got a maximum of 500 words, so make every word count! Focus on your relevant skills and experiences that align with the role. We’re looking for clear connections between your background and the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Show Your Passion:Let your enthusiasm shine through! Explain why you’re excited about the opportunity to lead stakeholder engagement for Scotland's Census 2031. We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about making a difference in their communities.
Proofread Like a Pro:Before hitting submit, give your application a thorough proofread. Typos and grammatical errors can distract from your message. We want to see your professionalism, so take the time to polish your statement and ensure it reflects your best self!
How to prepare for a job interview at Scottish Government
✨Know Your Stakeholders
Before the interview, research the key stakeholders involved in Scotland's Census 2031. Understand their roles and how they impact the programme. This will help you demonstrate your knowledge and show that you're ready to engage effectively with them.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led stakeholder engagement strategies. Highlight any complex programmes you've managed and the outcomes of your efforts. This will illustrate your capability for the role.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions about how you would handle various stakeholder-related challenges. Think through potential scenarios and prepare your responses, focusing on your problem-solving skills and ability to build relationships.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
During the interview, practice clear and confident communication. Be prepared to deliver briefings or presentations as you would in the role. This will showcase your ability to convey information effectively to diverse audiences.
