Policy Officer (Grade E2) Temporary 6 to 9 Months

Scottish Funding Council; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 30,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A public funding organization in Scotland is seeking a Policy Analyst to support the development and analysis of policies related to tertiary education and research. The role involves conducting policy analysis, drafting documents, and working collaboratively with stakeholders. Candidates should have a degree or equivalent experience, along with strong communication and organizational skills. This is a fixed-term position for 6 to 9 months, with virtual interviews commencing in October 2025.

Qualifications

• Degree level education (SCQF level 9) or equivalent experience.
• Previous policy research, development and analysis experience.
• Effective oral and written communications skills, with the capacity to analyze complex issues.
• Good interpersonal skills with experience in building and maintaining work relationships.
• Effective organizational and project/programme management abilities.
• Good IT skills, competent in using standard MS packages (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams).
• Demonstrable ability to work under pressure and manage competing demands.

Responsibilities

• Undertake policy analysis and development supporting SFC's strategic policy function.
• Draft submissions and documents for various internal and external colleagues.
• Share updates on key policy drivers and developments with colleagues.
• Provide policy advice and guidance to stakeholders.
• Collaborate with stakeholders on policy developments.
• Contribute flexibly to other teams within SFC.

Job description

To support the development and analysis of policy for a range of SFC functions relating to tertiary education and research. To analyse, research and evaluate policy, working collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to support the delivery of SFC’s core duties.

This role is fixed term for 6 to 9 months. We are happy to consider this role as a secondment opportunity.

Virtual interviews will take place week commencing 6 October 2025.

Key Responsibilities

• To undertake policy analysis and development which supports SFC’s strategic policy function.
• Coordinating and drafting submissions, documents, and presentations for a variety of internal and external colleagues, including committee and board papers and consultation responses.
• Be aware of the key policy drivers, priorities and developments within the Scottish and UK tertiary and skills environment, sharing relevant updates with colleagues.
• Provide policy advice, insights, and guidance to internal and external stakeholders on a range of policy areas.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders on policy developments, building sustainable relationships with sector colleagues.
• Contribute flexibly to the work of other teams within SFC and deputise for other colleagues as appropriate and when required.

It is important through your Cover Letter or Personal Summary that you give evidence of proven experience of each of the following essential criteria:

Essential

• Degree level education (SCQF level 9) or equivalent experience.
• Previous policy research, development and analysis experience.
• Effective oral and written communications skills, including the capacity to analyse, understand and respond to complex issues in an appropriate manner.
• Good interpersonal skills, with experience of building/developing and maintaining work relationships with external and internal stakeholders, as well as working flexibly with colleagues in other parts of the organisation.
• Effective organisational and project/programme management abilities, including good personal time management.
• Good IT skills, competent in using standard MS packages. (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams)
• Demonstrable ability to work under pressure, with flexibility to manage a diverse range of competing/conflicting demands, prioritising work effectively, and to reacting positively to change.

Desirable

• A good understanding of the higher and further education, and skills, policy environment.
• A good understanding of the current Scottish and UK political environment.