Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- 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 work model with opportunities for professional growth and development.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
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: As a Senior Open Government Policy Officer you will focus on the establishment and management of a new Participation Dynamic Purchasing System and of a new Participation Champions Network. In this role, you will lead work that involves applying procurement processes, supporting public participation and engagement, and collaborating with partners to drive improvement and change in line with our Open Government ambitions.
- 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.
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 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
✨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! If you're invited to present, make sure you can clearly communicate your ideas and how they align with our goals. Confidence is key!
✨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 follow the process!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Open Government Policy Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Supporting Statement: Make sure your supporting statement is tailored to the role. Highlight how your skills and experiences align with the responsibilities of the Senior Open Government Policy Officer. We want to see your passion for transparency and public participation shine through!
Be Specific with Examples: When discussing your experience, be specific! Use concrete examples that demonstrate your understanding of public participation and procurement processes. This helps us see how you can contribute to our team and the Open Government Action Plan.
Keep It Concise: Remember, you have a 1000-word limit for your supporting statement. Be concise and to the point while still providing enough detail to showcase your qualifications. We appreciate clarity and brevity!
Check for Accuracy: Before hitting submit, double-check your application for any errors or inaccuracies. We want to see your best work, so make sure everything is truthful and reflects your own experiences. And don’t forget to apply through our website!
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 Your 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 situational questions during the interview. Think about challenges you’ve encountered in previous roles related to public participation and how you overcame them. This will demonstrate your problem-solving skills and adaptability.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t forget to ask questions! Inquire about the Participation Dynamic Purchasing System and the Participation Champions Network. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you understand their expectations better.
