Project Officer

This is an Expression of Interest (EOI) opportunity, available on a lateral move basis only. Applications are open to Core Scottish Government employees only.

Job Title - Project Officer

Business Area/Directorate - Major Events Unit

Location - Victoria Quay

Working Arrangement – Staff in roles compatible with hybrid working should spend 40% of their contracted working time working in person at their contractual workplace. More information can be found within Hybrid Working Policy

Grade- B3

Advert type-Level Transfer

Duration- 10 months (August 2027) with a possibility of extension.

Eligibility- Expressions of interest are invited from substantive colleagues on level transfer from Core SG only.

Sponsorship: Skilled Worker sponsorship is not available for this role. As a result, we are unable to appoint candidates who require Skilled Worker sponsorship now or in the future. Applicants must have an existing and ongoing right to work in the UK.

We have an opportunity for a B3 Project Officer to join the Major Events Unit on a temporary basis as maternity cover to support the delivery of the 2027 Tour de France.

The Major Events Unit are looking for maternity cover for a Project Officer until at least August 2027, that will primarily be responsible for supporting the planning and delivery of the 2027 Tour de France Grand Départ in Scotland.

The Project Officer is responsible for supporting the Project Manager and Project Director to enable the delivery of the project. This broad role will include leading on and coordinating elements of the six aspects of a project (scope, schedule, finance, risk, quality and resources) primarily through responsibility for maintaining and presenting key documentation, engaging with key partners and stakeholders and general coordination of day-to-day project tasks.

The post holder will work with the Team Leader focusing on project planning, budgeting, assurance, and social impact elements, working alongside a wide range of key delivery partners and stakeholders to ensure the success of the project. Utilising core PPM principles, the post will have a key role in ensuring that the event’s aims, objectives and deliverables are tracked and managed, ensuring that the 2027 Tour de France delivers strong outcomes for the people of Scotland. It will require the ability to build close working relationships, strong planning and organisational skills, and balance competing priorities whilst ensuring delivery of high-profile work.

Whilst the main focus will be on the 2027 Tour de France, there may also be opportunities to be involved in other events where responsibility lies elsewhere within the team and wider division such as; annual golf events, World Rally Championships, the UEFA European Football Championship in 2028 and wider events strategy and policy work. On this basis, the post-holder should be open to working flexibly across the division if the need arises.

This is a great opportunity to join a high performing, supportive Division, with the Unit consisting of a C2, 2xC1, 2xB3 (one of which is this role) and 3xB2 (two of which are currently being recruited). The post provides an opportunity to use and enhance operational delivery, problem solving, and project management skills in a fast paced, challenging environment.

Responsibilities

Line management of 2xB2 members of staff.

Support the Team Leader to ensure rigorous project management and provide assurance for senior officials and Ministers for major events projects funded by the Scottish Government across all areas, including comms, budget, risk assessment, resourcing, policy benefits management and operational delivery. This will include leading for the team on programme assurance – working and reporting across all grades.

Contribute to cross-SG and Ministerial engagement work to ensure a collaborative approach to policy development and project delivery in relation to major events.

Identify gaps and opportunities in major event planning, develop success measures and carry out appropriate impact assessments for projects as appropriate.

Support the Team Leader in external engagement, representing the Scottish Government with senior stakeholders and contributing to the review and preparation of grant agreements and reporting arrangements.

Provide clear, succinct, accurate advice and briefing for senior officials and Ministers. Oversee responses to correspondence, FoIs, FMQs and PQs, ensuring timely and high-quality responses.

Develop and implement plans to identify lessons from all stages of the planning and delivery of major events, supporting continuous improvement across SG supported event projects.

Provide support to other areas of the Major Events Unit and Division as required.

Success Profile

Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on, you should provide evidence of how you meet these in your statement.

Behaviours

Delivering at pace – Level 3

Seeing the big picture - Level 3

Making effective decisions - Level 3

Communicating and influencing - Level 3

You can find out more about Success Profiles on gov.scot.

Working pattern

This role is a temporary position with an expected commitment of a minimum of 10 months with a possibility of extension.

This post is a full-time role, but we welcome applications from staff with different working patterns, proposed working patterns will be assessed against the business requirements for this post.

Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role, including Flexi-leave. Scottish Government staff in hybrid-compatible roles should aim to work in-person 40% of the time, either in an office or other agreed work location.

How to Apply

Please submit an Expression of Interest (maximum 500 words) outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team. Please align this to how you meet the behaviours, experience and technical skills listed in the Success Profile above.

Vacancies close at 23:59pm on Friday 30 October.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

Please see ourcandidate guidance for more information on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in recruitment.

If invited for further assessment, this will consist of a light-touch interview, scheduled for w/c TBC.

For any questions relating to your expression of interest please contact [email protected]

Recruitment Principles

As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principlesand we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.

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 observing the Civil Service Codeand 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. Find out more about what we offer.

As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules.

Security checks

Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions).

You can find out more about BPSS on the UK Government website, or read about the different levels of security checks in ourCandidate Guide.

Equality statement

• We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.
• Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.
• Further information
• Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on ourCareers Website.
• Read ourCandidate Guidefor further information on our recruitment and application processes.
• Apply before: 30/10/2026 (23:59). This role is open to substantive B3 grade staff from Core SG only.