Senior Policy Officer - ECU in Glasgow

This is an Expression of Interest (EOI) opportunity, available on a lateral move basis 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.

We have an opportunity for a B3 to join the Energy Consents Unit on a Managed move basis to support delivery of projects to be determined by Scottish Ministers under the Electricity Act 1989, alongside the delivery of Scottish consenting reforms enabled by new powers granted by the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025. The Energy Consents Unit (ECU) is a branch of the Energy and Climate Change Directorate, responsible for processing applications for energy infrastructure to be determined by the Scottish Ministers within relevant legislative and policy frameworks. The applications processed by the ECU make a significant contribution to the Scottish Government’s core purpose of promoting sustainable economic growth and to the delivery of Scottish Government’s energy policies.

Planning and Consents have been a key ministerial priority and there is an increased need to resource the related policy work that is associated with the unit. As a Senior Policy Officer, you will be an integral member of the Policy and Administration team, ensuring the smooth progression of applications. This is an opportunity to utilise your existing skills and experience to work on impactful changes that relate to both devolved and reserved legislation, all of which will effectively support the unit.

A significant aspect of this role will be to assist in the delivery of reforming Scottish consenting via new powers enabled by the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025. You will help develop the associated regulation-making powers, taking into account the formal consultation of stakeholders, in collaboration with colleagues in the ECU, SGLD and Parliamentary and Legislation Unit. This will result in the laying of secondary legislation and aim to support the broader Scottish Government aim of reducing timescales of applications for energy consent.

This position also includes managing all corporate work (including PQs, EIRs and Ministerial Correspondence) which derives from energy consents applications, due to the high level of scrutiny the work carries. You will join a supportive environment where staff are valued, empowered to take ownership of their work, and encouraged to develop their skills. This is an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys a fast-paced environment with experience in energy (including consents), stakeholder engagement, consultation, and parliamentary and legislative affairs.

Responsibilities

• Understand the rules: Demonstrate excellent knowledge of energy consenting processes and the relevant laws.
• Deliver reform of Scottish consenting: Support the required stakeholder engagement, consultation and implementation of regulations arising from new powers enabled by the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025.
• Handle incoming correspondence: Manage all corporate work (including PQs, FMQs, EIRs, Ministerial Correspondence) as directed by your line manager.
• Ministerial support: Provide support to Ministers, by developing relevant advice and briefing to progress overall objectives.
• Provide leadership: Support and manage junior members of staff to overcome obstacles to effectively deliver tasks such as managing unit mailboxes, complete related corporate tasks and ensure all relevant documents are properly filed in the electronic records system.
• Create clear processes: Turn high-level instructions into practical procedures that help colleagues process applications consistently, by demonstrating excellent knowledge of energy consenting processes and the relevant legislation and regulations.
• Build relationships: Help develop and maintain good working relationships with colleagues and external partners.

Success Profile

Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on, you should provide evidence of how you meet these in your statement.

Behaviours:

• Managing a quality service - Level 3
• Communicating and influencing - Level 3
• Delivering at pace - Level 3
• Seeing the big picture - Level 3

This role is a temporary position with an expected commitment of 6 months with a possibility of extension. 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.

Qualifications

Applications are invited from eligible staff in B3 for this vacancy, see guidance on Saltire for details on eligibility criteria: Temporary vacancies and lateral move opportunities. 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 Wednesday 10 June 2026.

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by panel. Shortlisted candidates who are considered to have the skills and experience will be invited to interview with the hiring manager and another panel member. The panel will recommend the candidate considered most suitable for the post. Interviews are expected to be scheduled for w/c 15 June 2026.

Further Information

If you have specific questions about the role, please contact insert contact details. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.