Policy Manager (AVE Scheme) in Glasgow

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

The Supporting Access and Social Security Strategy Unit is a positive, supportive unit with a strong focus on the development and wellbeing of staff. A vacancy has arisen to join the Unit to manage AVE Scheme policy, ensuring that disabled people are able to access essential mobility support that meets their needs, into the future. The post holder will also work closely with other policy managers across the Unit, remaining engaged in the Supporting Access, public service integration and Benefit Take-Up policy agendas to ensure strategic join-up across these important areas.

In this role, the post holder will have a primary focus on improving the client experience of the existing social security system – a key strategic priority for social security policy over the next five years. The role would suit someone who can take a strategic view whilst developing policy that is closely informed by operational, technical and delivery insight. You will have experience of driving successful working with internal partners from a variety of professions for this purpose as well as in managing complex external stakeholder relationships to gain insight for policy development and deliver for the people of Scotland. The successful candidate should therefore be able to demonstrate positive and proactive relationship management skills. The role will also require analytical and strategic thinking, and the navigation of often complex policy scenarios to map out effective policy solutions. It will involve Ministerial engagement and the production of timely, high-quality advice. As such it would suit a proactive individual and will provide significant development opportunities for the right candidate.

Responsibilities

• Lead management and ongoing development of AVE Scheme policy, ensuring the scheme continues to deliver essential mobility support for disabled people in Scotland.
• Lead engagement and work with key internal partners, including in Social Security Scotland, to ensure effective delivery of the Scheme into the future.
• Engage collaboratively across the Unit with fellow policy managers to ensure join-up across relevant policy agendas, including the Supporting Access to Social Security, public service integration and Benefit Take-Up agendas.
• Producing timely and high-quality advice to Ministers; including briefings, policy papers and contribute to external publications to set out the Scottish Government’s position on relevant policy areas.
• Work collaboratively with key internal partners, including analytical, finance and Social Security Scotland colleagues as subject matter experts on key pieces of work and as part of the policy development process.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with external stakeholders and commercial and delivery partners, ensuring effective management of agendas relative to Scottish Government objectives.

Qualifications

• Experience of developing and leading policy work and providing clear advice and recommendations to Ministers and/or senior colleagues.
• Demonstrable ability to work collaboratively with a range of colleagues and stakeholders to define issues, develop solutions and deliver shared priorities.
• Proven skills in understanding complex information and communicating this to others in a clear, concise manner.
• Ability to work as part of a small team and larger unit effectively planning, managing and delivering work to achievable timescales by identifying key milestones and deliverables, and maintaining and contributing to your own and the team’s wellbeing.

Behaviours being Tested

• Making effective decisions
• Communicating and influencing
• Working together
• Changing and improving

Additional Information

• Minimum Time in Post: You will be expected to remain in post for a minimum of three years unless successful at gaining promotion to a higher Band or Grade.
• Working Pattern: The post is a full-time role, however applications from people wishing to work an alternative working pattern will be considered.
• Location / Hybrid-Working: Post is Glasgow or Edinburgh based and subject to Scottish Government hybrid working arrangements, there may be a need to attend either location as per business needs.

How to apply: If you are interested in this post please submit your CV and a note of interest setting out details of how you meet the essential criteria for the post. This should be no longer than 500 words.

Closing Date: 23:59pm on Thursday 4 June.

Selection Process: The selection process will be short and light touch. Candidates who are considered to have the skills and experience will be invited to an interview with the hiring manager. They will recommend the candidate considered most suitable for the opportunity.

For any questions relating to your expression of interest please contact: elizabeth.hurst-high@gov.scot