Principal Geospatial Data Analyst

Scottish Government; City of Edinburgh; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A governmental organization in Scotland is seeking a Geospatial Analyst to lead high-profile analysis that supports planning policies. The role requires translating complex spatial data into insights for ministers and leading meetings related to data analysis. Candidates should have expertise in geospatial methods, strong analytical skills, and the ability to manage data projects. This crucial position plays a key role in promoting sustainable development and effective data use across the Scottish public sector.

Qualifications

• Experience in geospatial analysis and policy development.
• Strong understanding of data management and quality control.
• Ability to lead workshops and communicate insights effectively.

Responsibilities

• Lead design and delivery of geospatial analysis for planning policy.
• Translate complex data into actionable insights for ministers.
• Manage data quality, visualisation, and analysis projects.

Skills

Geospatial analysis

Data visualization

Analytical skills

Project management

Problem-solving

Job description

Are you passionate about using geospatial data to drive innovation and improve outcomes across Scotland?

The Geographic Information Science and Analysis Team (GI-SAT) sits within the Data Division of the Digital Directorate. Our vision is a planning system that uses data insights and analytics to learn from the past and models the future to support evidence-based policy development and outcomes, ensuring that the planning system becomes an enabler of sustainable development, supporting our net zero interests and bringing people together to deliver great places

GI-SAT forms part of the corporate GIS specialism within the Scottish Government, providing a dedicated geospatial information support service and robust analytical evidence to support all policy areas within the Scottish Government and the wider Scottish public sector. The team also manages the Public Sector Geospatial Agreement (PSGA) on behalf of all Scottish public sector organisations and drives the use of corporate geospatial data, analysis, and software, ensuring it effectively supports collaboration and strategic decision-making across the organisation and its partners in the wider Scottish public sector.

This role is specifically tasked with providing analytical support to the Planning, Architecture, and Regeneration Division.

Responsibilities

• Leads the design and delivery of high-profile geospatial analysis to support planning policy, working closely with senior officials and providing direct analytical advice to ministers.
• Acts as the principal geospatial advisor for planning policy, translating complex spatial data into actionable insights and ensuring alignment with strategic policy objectives and key data processes within the Scottish planning system.
• Leads strategic-level meetings and workshops related to data analysis matters.
• Produces written and verbal thought leadership output on data analysis matters.
• Represents the data analysis function in management meetings with technical and non-technical colleagues.
• Is actively involved in the wider data community within the organisation and influences/works with their peers to co-develop best practice.
• Leads data quality management, data linkage, data visualisation, and a portfolio of data analysis projects, and allocates and develops resources as necessary.
• Applies their IT and mathematical expertise to ideate and advise on new data analysis methodologies and tooling.
• Can foresee areas that can generate data issues and proactively develops problem-solving capabilities.