Temporary Senior Policy Officer – Grade E3

Scottish Funding Council

. Support implementation of the Tackling Child Poverty funding project and other strategic skills policy areas .

Posted 11/9/2026full-timeEdinburgh • United KingdomSenior💰 £49,938 - £58,134 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates strong policy development and implementation capabilities, with high-level oral and written communication skills to effectively engage with stakeholders. Proven ability to manage relationships and deliver projects in a complex, politicised environment.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Policy DevelopmentStakeholder EngagementOrganisational SkillsProgramme ManagementCommunication Skills

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Policy ImplementationResearch and AnalysisProblem IdentificationRisk ManagementPresentation Skills

Soft Skills

Interpersonal SkillsTeam WorkingJudgementTrust BuildingCo-operation

Certifications & Qualifications

Degree Level Education (SCQF Level 9) or Equivalent Experience

Industry Keywords

Public BodyEducation PolicySkills PolicyStrategic ObjectivesGovernance Boards

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support implementation of the Tackling Child Poverty funding project and other strategic skills policy areas
Provide policy and delivery support
Work with internal and external stakeholders to support effective implementation
Contribute to development of SFC operational policy for strategic skills policy programmes
Prioritise policy and delivery implications for SFC and support delivery against strategic objectives
Identify and manage problems, risks and issues affecting successful delivery of key policy functions
Lead engagement and manage relationships with internal and external stakeholders
Provide briefings, advice and guidance to the Deputy Director Skills and Coherent Provision, senior leaders, governance boards and Scottish Government
Represent SFC at external meetings, conferences and events
Give presentations, chair meetings and facilitate discussions when required

Requirements

What you’ll need

Strong interpersonal skills, including experience of representation and building, developing and maintaining work relationships with internal and external stakeholders
Ability to foster a culture of trust, co-operation and team working to ensure projects are delivered to scope and time
Proven ability to research, analyse, understand and respond to complex issues appropriately, demonstrating good judgement
Ability to explain complex information to audiences with varying degrees of expertise
High-level oral and written communication skills
Strong policy development or implementation experience
Strong organisational and programme management abilities to cope with diverse and changing workload in a politicised environment
Desirable: experience of working in a public body, college or university sector, or within education and skills policy
Desirable: degree level education (SCQF level 9) or equivalent experience

Benefits

Comp & perks

Normal full-time hours of work are 35 per week; flexible working arrangements and flexi-time system
Annual leave entitlement of 30 days pro-rata, plus public and privilege holiday entitlement of 13 days pro-rata
Flexible hybrid working, including work from home anywhere in the UK for some of the time and regular in-person contact with colleagues
Annual pay review within the Scottish Government’s Public Sector Pay Policy framework
Eligibility to join the Civil Service Pension Scheme, including generous employer contributions; Partnership pension account option
Support for continuous professional development and access to the Civil Service Learning curriculum
Generous occupational sick pay
Free confidential advice and support through a 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
Special Leave (paid and unpaid)
Contribution to learning outside work through a Lifelong Learning Fund
Free winter flu vaccination
Access to occupational health support
Volunteering Days
Salary sacrifice cycle loan scheme
Cycle storage and shower facilities
Interest-free loan for bus or rail season tickets
Free office car parking on a first-come basis
Part-time or compressed hours considered
Flexible working scheme accommodating other commitments such as caring responsibilities
Secondment applications considered for most salaried fixed-term or temporary positions and many salaried permanent positions