Policy Adviser (SEO)

Ministry of Justice; City of Westminster; Hybrid; GBP 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

A UK Government Department seeks an enthusiastic individual to join the Energy and Net Zero team. This role involves leading responses to economic challenges related to energy policy, developing strong relationships across government, and drafting policy advice. Ideal candidates will possess excellent communication skills, strategic thinking ability, and organizational skills, with a focus on Scotland-related energy initiatives. Competitive salary and various benefits are offered, emphasizing a supportive work environment.

Benefits

Annual leave up to 30 days

Choice of pension schemes

Extensive training and development opportunities

Family friendly policies

Qualifications

• Baseline Personal Security Standard (BPSS) required.
• Experience working in a fast-paced environment is desirable.
• Ability to prepare clear and succinct policy advice.

Responsibilities

• Lead the Department's response to Grangemouth and related economic shocks.
• Engage on the future of North Sea oil and gas.
• Build relationships with other government departments.

Skills

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Strong communication and interpersonal skills

Ability to think strategically

Strong planning and organisation skills

Job description

Role Overview

Are you good at forming professional relationships? Able to get to the nub of policy matters and propose solutions that will have real impact? Looking for a role where your creativity and communication skills will be valued, and where you will have the autonomy to work on interesting projects supporting a key UK Government priority? If you are ready to take the next step in your career, then we are looking for an enthusiastic and talented person to join our busy and friendly Energy and Net Zero team located in the Domestic Policy Group of the Policy Division in the Scotland Office, based in Edinburgh or London. The Scotland Office supports the Secretary of State for Scotland to deliver the Prime Minister's priorities in Scotland. We are Scotland's voice in Whitehall and the UK Government's voice in Scotland, and we ensure Scottish issues are fully and effectively represented at Westminster and across Government. That gives us a job like few others in government. The Energy and Net Zero team is responsible for providing ministers, special advisers and senior officials with advice on energy and net zero matters as they relate to Scotland. The team plays a crucial role in shaping UK energy policy and influencing how it will impact Scotland. As such the Energy and Net Zero team is involved in a wide range of issues, including investment in and the development of clean and low carbon energy projects and innovative green technologies in Scotland; the UK Government's Clean Power 2030 Action Plan; the future of North Sea oil and gas and the transition to Net Zero.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Department's response to Grangemouth, Mossmorran and related economic shocks, with the flexibility to adapt to changing/arising priorities (75%).
• Lead the Department's engagement on the future of North Sea oil and gas and the Transition to Net Zero, with the flexibility to adapt to changing/arising priorities (25%).
• Build trusting and strong relationships with other UK Government departments and the Scottish Government.
• Develop a strong network across Whitehall, to advise on policy developments, in particular devolution assessments and ensuring UK Government policy decisions are relevant, applicable and impactful in a Scottish context.
• Quickly develop a strong grasp of the policy priorities and objectives for the Secretary of State, and the ability to source and use the expertise of policy officials across Whitehall to progress these.
• Represent the Scotland Office in cross‑government meetings and at meetings, working groups, and other events with external stakeholders.
• Draft briefing and correspondence.
• Line management of x1 HEO.

Qualifications and Experience

Baseline Personnal Security Standard (BPSS)

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills involving a wide range of stakeholders, both internal and external, at all levels.
• Ability to think strategically, making links across organisational and subject boundaries to deliver shared outcomes.
• Strong planning and organisation skills including the ability to balance competing priorities to meet tight deadlines.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience of working in a fast‑paced environment, with high levels of personal autonomy.
• Ability to prepare clear and succinct policy advice, recommendations and briefings to government ministers, special advisers and senior officials.
• Experience of working in one or more policy areas simultaneously, or a demonstrable ability to quickly develop a credible level of expertise and judgement.
• An understanding of Scotland and the work of the Scottish Government would be advantageous, but not essential.
• Line management experience.

Behaviours

• Making Effective Decisions
• Leadership
• Communicating and Influencing (lead)
• Delivering at Pace

Equal Opportunities

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

Salary & Benefits

• National salary range: £42,914 - £46,182.
• London salary range: £49,325 - £53,081.
• Annual leave: 25 days on appointment, increasing to 30 days after five years’ service; scheme to buy or sell up to three days leave each year.
• Additional paid time off for public holidays and 1 privilege day; pro‑rata leave for part‑time and job‑share posts.
• Pension: Choice of pension schemes available.
• Training: Extensive range of training and development opportunities.
• Employee networks: Opportunities to join networks for minority ethnic origin, disability, caring responsibilities, women and LGBTQ+ employees.
• Family friendly policies: Options for reduced hours or job share.
• Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
• Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.