Location
Edinburgh or London

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£42,914 per annum

About the Role
Are you skilled at forming professional relationships and able to get to the core of policy matters to propose impactful solutions? This role offers the opportunity to apply your creativity and communication skills with autonomy on important projects supporting a key UK Government priority. Join the busy and friendly Energy and Net Zero team within the Domestic Policy Group of the Policy Division in the Scotland Office. The Scotland Office supports the Secretary of State for Scotland to deliver the Prime Minister’s priorities in Scotland, acting as Scotland’s voice in Whitehall and the UK Government’s voice in Scotland.

The Energy and Net Zero team advises ministers, special advisers, and senior officials on energy and net zero issues affecting Scotland. The team influences UK energy policy and its impact on Scotland, covering areas such as clean and low carbon energy projects, innovative green technologies, the UK Government’s Clean Power 2030 Action Plan, and the future of North Sea oil and gas in the transition to Net Zero.

The post holder will primarily lead the Department’s response to the closure of the Grangemouth oil refinery and related special situations (75%), and lead engagement on the future of North Sea oil and gas and the Transition to Net Zero (25%). The Grangemouth refinery closure is a high-profile priority, requiring coordination across multiple government departments and collaboration with the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise to support new business development and job creation at the site. The role also involves responding to other economic shocks such as the closure of the Fife Ethylene Plant in Mossmorran.

The Government is committed to managing the North Sea to ensure a fair, orderly, and prosperous transition to Net Zero, recognising the ongoing role of domestic oil and gas. You will lead engagement on taxation, licensing, and support for workers and communities transitioning to clean energy roles. You will also lead on industrial decarbonisation initiatives including carbon capture and storage and hydrogen production, working closely with government departments and external stakeholders to maximise opportunities for Scotland. Additionally, you will liaise on policies addressing carbon emissions from homes, buildings, and vehicles in Scotland.

This is a challenging and rewarding SEO role offering unrivalled experience working closely with ministers, special advisers, and Whitehall officials. The previous post holder secured promotion, reflecting the career development potential of this position.

Key Responsibilities
- Lead the Department’s response to Grangemouth, Mossmorran, and related economic shocks with flexibility to adapt to changing priorities (75%)
- Lead engagement on the future of North Sea oil and gas and the Transition to Net Zero with flexibility to adapt to changing priorities (25%)
- Build strong, trusting relationships with UK Government departments and the Scottish Government
- Develop a strong network across Whitehall to advise on policy developments, including devolution assessments
- Quickly grasp the Secretary of State’s policy priorities and leverage expertise across Whitehall to progress them
- Represent the Scotland Office in cross-government meetings and external stakeholder events
- Draft briefing and correspondence
- Line manage one Higher Executive Officer (HEO)

Experience
- Proven ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally
- Experience engaging with a wide range of stakeholders at all levels, both internal and external
- Strategic thinking with the ability to connect organisational and subject boundaries to deliver shared outcomes
- Strong planning and organisational skills, able to balance competing priorities and meet tight deadlines

About you
- Enthusiastic and motivated to work in a dynamic policy environment
- Able to build and maintain professional relationships across government and external organisations
- Comfortable working in a fast-paced, high-profile role with changing priorities

Qualifications
- Relevant experience at Senior Executive Officer (SEO) level or equivalent in policy development or related fields is expected