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General Information

Salary
The national salary range is £42,914 - £46,182, London salary range is £49,325 - £53,081. Your salary will be dependent on your base location
Working Pattern
Full Time
Vacancy Approach
External
Location
Edinburgh, London
Region
National
Closing Date
09-Jan-2026
Post Type
Permanent
Civil Service Grade
SEO
Number of jobs available
1
Reserve List
12 Months
Job ID
12659

Descriptions & requirements

Job description

Senior Policy Adviser (SEO)- Scotland Office

Are you good at forming professional relationships? Able to get to the nub of policy matters and propose solutions that will have real impact? Looking for a role where your creativity and communication skills will be valued, and where you will have the autonomy to work on interesting projects supporting a key UK Government priority?

If you are ready to take the next step in your career, then we are looking for an enthusiastic and talented person to join our busy and friendly Energy and Net Zero team located in the Domestic Policy Group of the Policy Division in the Scotland Office, based in Edinburgh or London. 

The Scotland Office supports the Secretary of State for Scotland to deliver the Prime Minister’s priorities in Scotland. We are Scotland’s voice in Whitehall and the UK Government’s voice in Scotland, and we ensure Scottish issues are fully and effectively represented at Westminster and across Government.  That gives us a job like few others in government.

The Energy and Net Zero team is responsible for providing ministers, special advisers and senior officials with advice on energy and net zero matters as they relate to Scotland.  The team plays a crucial role in shaping UK energy policy and influencing how it will impact Scotland.  As such the Energy and Net Zero team is involved in a wide range of issues, including: investment in and the development of clean and low carbon energy projects and innovative green technologies in Scotland; the UK Government’s Clean Power 2030 Action Plan; the future of North Sea oil and gas and the transition to Net Zero.

The post holder will have two primary responsibilities: leading the Department’s response to the closure of Grangemouth oil refinery, and other related special situations, with flexibility to adapt as priorities change/arise (75%); and leading the Department’s engagement on the future of North Sea oil and gas and the Transition to Net Zero, with flexibility to adapt as priorities change/arise (25%). 

Grangemouth oil refinery closed in early 2025 and has been identified by the Prime Minister as the highest priority for the Scotland Office, so this is a high profile area of work within the Department. You will lead work to coordinate officials from a number of other government departments, including the Cabinet Office, Number 10, HMT, DESNZ, DBT, DSIT, Defra and DfT, to influence them to ensure UKG is supporting a long term economic future for the industrial site. You will also work with the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise who, with UKG, are leading work to support new prospective businesses set up at Grangemouth and create jobs. Elements of this role also involve other special situations on business failure, such as the recent closure of the Fife Ethylene Plant in Mossmorran, and you will work with colleagues in HMT and DBT to assess the economic impact in Scotland and advise the Secretary of State on any intervention the Government should take.   

The Government is committed to managing the North Sea in a way that ensures a fair, orderly and prosperous Transition to Net Zero, whilst recognising that domestic oil and gas will continue to have a role in the UK’s energy mix for decades to come.  You will lead the Department’s engagement with DESNZ and HMT and external stakeholders on a range of issues currently affecting the oil and gas sector, including taxation and licensing, and support for workers and their communities to transition to clean energy roles in future.  You will also lead the Department’s engagement on industrial decarbonisation, including carbon capture and storage and hydrogen production, and will work closely with DESNZ and external stakeholders to ensure government policy takes account of the opportunities available in Scotland.  Linked to this, you will also liaise with DESNZ and DFT on broader policy to tackle carbon emissions from homes, buildings and vehicles in Scotland.

This is a challenging and demanding SEO role with flexibility as priorities change, but a rewarding one - the previous post holder has gone on to secure promotion. Working in a small department like the Scotland Office provides unrivaled experience of working with ministers and special advisers not offered in a larger department, and you will also get unrivaled exposure to the inner workings of Whitehall. 

Key responsibilities for the role:

  •  Lead the Department’s response to Grangemouth, Mossmoran and related economic shocks, with the flexibility to adapt to changing/arising priorities (75%).
  •  Lead the Department’s engagement on the future of North Sea oil and gas and the Transition to Net Zero, with the flexibility to adapt to changing/arising priorities (25%).
  •  Build trusting and strong relationships with other UK Government departments and the Scottish Government. 
  •  Develop a strong network across Whitehall, to advise on policy developments, in particular devolution assessments and ensuring UK Government policy decisions are relevant, applicable and impactful in a Scottish context.
  •  Quickly develop a strong grasp of the policy priorities and objectives for the Secretary of State, and the ability to source and use the expertise of policy officials across Whitehall to progress these. 
  •  Represent the Scotland Office in cross-government meetings and at meetings, working groups, and other events with external stakeholders.
  •  Draft briefing and correspondence.
  •  Line management of x1 HEO.

Essential Criteria:

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills involving a wide range of stakeholders, both internal and external, at all levels.
  • Ability to think strategically, making links across organisational and subject boundaries to deliver shared outcomes.
  • Strong planning and organisation skills including the ability to balance competing priorities to meet tight deadlines.

Desirable Criteria:

  • Experience of working in a fast-paced environment, with high levels of personal autonomy.
  • Ability to prepare clear and succinct policy advice, recommendations and briefings to government ministers, special advisers and senior officials.
  • Experience of working in one or more policy areas simultaneously, or a demonstrable ability to quickly develop a credible level of expertise and judgement.
  • An understanding of Scotland and the work of the Scottish Government would be advantageous, but not essential. 
  • Line management experience.

We will assess against these behaviours during the selection process:

  • Making Effective Decisions
  • Leadership 
  • Communicating and Influencing (lead)
  • Delivering at Pace

Please note the following:

  • We will operate a six month reserve list for similar SEO roles which may arise in the Scotland Office.
  • We are recruiting using Ministry of Justice terms and conditions, but this is not a MoJ role. For substantive civil servants we are able to offer the MoJ terms or offer the option of a loan agreement with the home department.
  • The security clearance required for this role is BPSS.
Additional Information

Working Arrangements & Further Information

The MoJ offers Hybrid Working arrangements where business need allows. This is an informal, non-contractual form of flexible working that blends working from your base location, different MoJ sites and / or from home (please be aware that this role can only be worked in the UK and not overseas). All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity.

Some roles will not be suitable for Hybrid Working. Similarly, Hybrid Working will not suit everyone’s circumstances. Arrangements will be discussed and agreed with the successful candidate(s) and subject to regular review.

For nationally advertised role: all successful candidates will be appointed to the nearest viable office nearest to their home postcode and on its respective pay scale.  This will be at either a HQ building (subject to desk allocation, a Justice Collaboration Centre (JCC) or a Justice Satellite Office (JSO) – See Map. All employees will be expected to spend a minimum of 60% of their working time in an office, subject to local estate capacity). 

For current MoJ employees, your base location will need to be changed to the nearest viable office (to your home postcode), either at a HQ building, JCC or JSO within the National Office Network and moved its location’s respective pay scale (any legacy arrangements/locations will need to be amended).

Some of MoJ’s terms and conditions of service are changing as part of Civil Service reform. The changes will apply to staff joining MoJ who are new to the Civil Service. Staff joining MoJ from other civil service employers will transfer onto the new MoJ terms if they are already on 'modernised' terms in their current post or onto 'unmodernised' MoJ terms if they are on 'unmodernised' terms at their current post. Details will be available if an offer is made.

MoJ candidates who are on a specialist grade, will be able to retain their grade on lateral transfer.

All candidates who are currently in receipt of Mark Time / Pay Protection should ensure they are familiar with the new policy on permanent and temporary promotion which can be found on the employee intranet.

Flexible working hours

The Ministry of Justice offers a flexible working system in many offices. Standard full time working hours are 37 hours per week. MoJ welcomes part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns, where they meet the demands of the role and business needs. All applications for part-time, flexible and job-sharing working patterns will be considered in accordance with the MoJ’s Flexible Working policy.

Benefits

The MoJ offers a range of benefits:

Annual Leave

Annual leave is 25 days on appointment and will increase to 30 days after five years’ service.

There is also a scheme to allow qualifying staff to buy or sell up to three days leave each year. Additional paid time off for public holidays and 1 privilege day. Leave for part-time and job share posts will be calculated on a pro-rata basis.

Pension

The Civil Service offers a choice of pension schemes, giving you the flexibility to choose the pension that suits you best.

Training

The Ministry of Justice is committed to staff development and offers an extensive range of training and development opportunities.

Networks

The opportunity to join employee-run networks that have been established to provide advice and support and to enable the views of employees from minority groups to be expressed direct to senior management. There are currently networks for employees of minority ethnic origin, employees with disabilities, employees with caring responsibilities, women employees, and lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender employees.

Support

  • A range of ‘Family Friendly’ policies such as opportunities to work reduced hours or job share.
  • Access to flexible benefits such as voluntary benefits, retail vouchers and discounts on a range of goods and services.
  • For moves to or from another employer or moves across the Civil Service this can have implications on your eligibility to carry on claiming childcare vouchers. You may however be eligible for alternative government childcare support schemes, including Tax Free Childcare. More information can be found on www.GOV.UK or Childcare Choices. You can determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/.
  • Paid paternity, adoption and maternity leave.
  • Free annual sight tests for employees who use computer screens.

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles. Should you feel that the recruitment process has breached the recruitment principles you are able to raise a formal complaint in the following order

As a Disability Confident employer, MoJ are committed to providing everyone with the opportunity to demonstrate their skills, talent and abilities, by making adjustments throughout all elements of the recruitment process and in the workplace. MoJ are able to offer an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns.

For more information on applying for a role as a candidate with a disability or long-term condition, please watch our animated videos.

You will be able to request reasonable adjustments to the recruitment process within the application form. If you need additional help completing the application form, please contact the TBS Recruitment Enquiries Team.

Diversity & Inclusion

The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.

A Great Place to Work for Veterans

The "Making the Civil Service a Great Place to work for veterans" initiative includes a guaranteed interview scheme to those who meet the minimum criteria to provide eligible former members of the Armed Forces with opportunities to secure rewarding jobs. Allowing veterans to continue to serve their country, and to bring highly skilled individuals with a broad range of experience into the Civil Service in an environment, which recognises and values your previous service in the Armed Forces.
For further details about the initiative and eligibility requirements visit: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/making-the-civil-service-a-great-place-to-work-for-veterans

Redeployment Interview Scheme

Civil Service departments are expected to explore redeployment opportunities before making an individual redundant. The MoJ is committed, as part of the Redeployment Interview Scheme, to providing opportunities to those who are 'at risk of redundancy'.

MoJ is able to offer an interview to eligible candidates who meet the minimum selection criteria, except in a limited number of campaigns. Candidates will not be eligible for the Redeployment Interview Scheme if they are applying on promotion.

Civil Service Nationality Rules

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

  • UK nationals
  • nationals of the Republic of Ireland
  • nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
  • nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/settled-status-eu-citizens-families
  • nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
  • individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
  • Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules

Reserve list

A reserve list may be held for up to 12 months from which further appointments may be made for the same or similar roles.

Contact Information

MoJ:

If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5359 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk

Please quote the job reference 12659

HMPPS

If you require any assistance please call 0345 241 5358 (Monday to Friday 8am - 6pm) or e mail moj-recruitment-vetting-enquiries@resourcing.soprasteria.co.uk

Please quote the job reference 12659

Application form stage assessments

Behaviours
A sift based on the lead behaviour, Communicating and Influencing, may be held if a large number of applications are received. If a large number of applications remain after the initial sift, your application will be progressed to a full sift, where all behaviours will then be considered.
Behaviours Application Form Question Word Limit
500
Making Effective Decisions
Leadership
Communicating and Influencing
Delivering at Pace

Interview stage assessments

Interview Dates
Expected Late January / early February 2026
Behaviours
Making Effective Decisions
Leadership
Communicating and Influencing
Delivering at Pace
Strengths
Strengths will be assessed but these are not shared in advance. To learn more about Strengths and how they are assessed please click here.
Level of security checks required
Baseline Personnal Security Standard (BPSS)

Use of Artificial Intelligence (Al)

Artificial Intelligence can be a useful tool to support your application, however, all examples and statements 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, as your own) applications may be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.  Please see our candidate guidance for more information on appropriate and inappropriate use.