At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a dynamic team to process agricultural claims and provide top-notch customer service.
- Company: The Scottish Government is dedicated to improving lives across Scotland through various public services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a supportive work environment, competitive pay, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a fast-paced role that makes a real impact in the rural community.
- Qualifications: No specific experience required; just bring your enthusiasm and willingness to learn!
- Other info: This is an office-based, full-time position with standard hours of 35 per week.
The predicted salary is between 24000 - 36000 £ per year.
Would you like to work for a large, operational and delivery focussed area of SG in a role that is often fast paced, challenging and varied? Within the ARE Directorate, the Rural Payments, and Inspections Division (RPID) are accountable for the strategic process that regulates and oversees the payment of Agricultural grants and subsidies and related inspection regimes totalling £700m/annum. In the current programme, this is split between direct aid to farmers and crofters totalling £500m and a further £200m under the banner of the Scottish Rural Development Programme. It is also responsible for other regulatory activity and expert technical advice.
The Customer Service Branch in Benbecula are looking for an Administrative Officer to join them to help deliver their key responsibilities. You will be part of a small customer service team undertaking a wide variety of duties, including processing of claims and applications for a wide range of RPID administered schemes. They are also the primary point of contact for crofters and the rural community in the area and provide a professional and helpful point of contact for all. This is a key post for local delivery of high quality customer service in the RPID Benbecula Area Office.
Responsibilities
- Receipting, data capture, assessment and authorisations of applications and claims under a range of agricultural and environmental schemes.
- Dealing with telephone, written and face to face enquiries from both internal and external customers including assisting with registration and navigation of RPID's online systems.
- Using Rural Payments and Services and other IT systems, make assessments of information submitted on businesses and their applications, including data capture of information submitted.
- General administrative duties, including filing, acknowledgement and onward processing of mail, compilation of our inspection files and maintaining spreadsheet information.
- Reception Duty.
Success Profile
Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on.
Behaviours
- Communicating and influencing – Level 1
- Working together – Level 1
- Managing a quality service – Level 1
- Delivering at pace – Level 1
How To Apply
Apply online before 30 June 2025, providing a CV and Supporting Statement of no more than 750 words which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above. If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an in person Interview and Presentation. Assessments are scheduled for w/c 14 July 2025 however this may be subject to change. In the event of a tied interview/assessment score, merit order will be determined by score in the Behaviour Communicating and Influencing criteria.
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.
Working Pattern
Our standard hours are 35 hours per week. This role is office based.
Equality Statement
We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.
Further information can be found on our Careers Website.
Administrative Officer (Benbecula) employer: THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
Contact Detail:
THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Administrative Officer (Benbecula)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific responsibilities of the Administrative Officer role. Understanding the nuances of receipting, data capture, and customer service will help you demonstrate your knowledge during the interview.
✨Tip Number 2
Brush up on your communication skills, as this role requires effective interaction with both internal and external customers. Practising clear and concise responses can give you an edge in the interview process.
✨Tip Number 3
Research the Rural Payments and Inspections Division (RPID) and its impact on the agricultural community. Being able to discuss current issues or recent developments in this area will show your genuine interest in the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for the presentation component of the assessment by practising how to convey information clearly and confidently. This will be crucial in showcasing your ability to manage a quality service and deliver at pace.
We think you need these skills to ace Administrative Officer (Benbecula)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Read the job description thoroughly to understand the responsibilities and requirements of the Administrative Officer position. Make notes on how your skills and experiences align with the key duties mentioned.
Craft a Tailored CV: Ensure your CV highlights relevant experience, particularly in customer service and administrative roles. Use specific examples that demonstrate your ability to manage a quality service and deliver at pace, as outlined in the success profile.
Write a Strong Supporting Statement: In your supporting statement, provide clear evidence of how you meet the skills, experience, and behaviours listed in the success profile. Keep it concise and focused, ensuring it does not exceed 750 words.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and supporting statement for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application reflects attention to detail, which is crucial for an administrative role.
How to prepare for a job interview at THE SCOTTISH GOVERNMENT
✨Understand the Role
Make sure you thoroughly read the job description and understand the key responsibilities of the Administrative Officer role. Familiarise yourself with the specific duties, such as processing claims and handling customer enquiries, so you can discuss how your skills align with these tasks.
✨Showcase Your Customer Service Skills
Since this role involves a lot of interaction with customers, be prepared to share examples of your previous customer service experiences. Highlight how you've effectively communicated and resolved issues in past roles, as this will demonstrate your ability to provide high-quality service.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
The interview will likely include behavioural questions that assess your communication, teamwork, and service management skills. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers, ensuring you provide clear and concise examples from your past experiences.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Relevant IT Systems
As the role requires using various IT systems for data capture and assessment, it’s beneficial to have a basic understanding of similar systems. If you have experience with any relevant software or databases, be ready to discuss this during the interview to show your technical competence.