Head of Digital Citizen Policy - C2

This opportunity is only open to internal Scottish Government applicants who are currently 'Priority Movers'. Applications from individuals not currently on the Priority Mover list will be rejected and not considered.

We have an opportunity for a C2 to join the Digital Policy team on a permanent basis.

The Digital Citizen Division, part of Digital Directorate in the DG Corporate family, creates ethical digital opportunity for the people of Scotland. Through Digital Inclusion and Ethics, AI Public Sector Policy, Digital Products Policy, and Knowledge and Information Shared Service teams, we are creating a trust framework to enable access to digital services and data for all.

The Head of Digital Citizen Policy will lead the Digital Policy comprising Digital Inclusion and Ethics, AI Public Sector Policy, Cross-cutting Digital Policy and Digital Products Policy teams.The postholder will lead in assisting to set direction, allocating workload and overseeing delivery of outputs. The postholder manages 6 direct reports and has a total team of 13.

Responsibilities

• Lead participation and engagement with partners and stakeholders
• Responsible for coordinating high quality briefings and advice (for senior officials and/or Ministers)
• Correspondence (e.g. Ministerial, official, PQs, FoIs)
• Drafting and preparation of official documents (including guidance, publications)
• Collaboration with other areas within government to progress policy outcomes
• Policy design and development (incl. strategy, appraisal, impact assessment, monitoring, evaluation etc)
• Policy delivery including linking policy deliverables to national strategies
• Intergovernmental relations (within the UK)
• Project and/or Programme management to deliver policy objective
• People management and development (line and/or team management)

Technical / Professional Skills

Skills

Level required on entry to role

Overview

1.1 Policy Context and Purpose

Level 2 - Practitioner

Generating, assessing and applying evidence and analysis to understand the context and develop new strategies.

1.2 Data, Analysis and Scientific Advice

Level 1 - Developing

1.3 Participation and Engagement

Level 2 - Practitioner

2.1 Working with Ministers

Level 2 - Practitioner

Understanding and supporting good governance and accountability through the production of robust and challenging advice to inform decisions.

2.4 Multilevel Government

Level 2 - Practitioner

3.1. Policy Delivery and Systems

Level 2 - Practitioner

Designing policy implementation and delivery systems in collaboration with delivery partners and users, including how policies will be evaluated and improved.

3.2 Governance and Project Delivery

Level 2 - Practitioner

3.4 Evaluation

Level 2 - Practitioner

You can find out more about the skills required, here: Policy Profession Standards

Experience

• Experience of effective team leadership and management.
• Clear track record of forming effective working relationships with senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and engagement skills, including the ability to communicate complex and sensitive information tailored to influence a wide range of stakeholders, including Scottish Government Ministers.
• Ability to assimilate information quickly and make sound, evidence-based decisions.
• Knowledge of Digital process or AI would be desirable
• Knowledge of running public consultations and/or bill process desirable

Working Pattern

This role is a permanent level transfer opportunity.

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. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us.

How to Apply

• Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive C2 grade employees.
• Please submit a statement outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team (maximum 500 words).
• Vacancies close at 23:59pm on Monday 9 November.
• If you have questions about your application, please contact [email protected]

Selection Process

All applicants will be invited to an informal discussion with the hiring manager. There will be no formal testing or assessment.

Discussions are expected to be scheduled for w/c TBC.

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.