Senior Policy Officer - Shared Ownership - B3

This opportunity is only open to 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 B3/ Senior Policy Officer to join the Public Land and Shared Ownership Team on a permanent basis to support delivery of Shared Ownership policy.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone with skills in policy development and delivery. The Public Land and Shared Ownership Policy Team is part of the Public and Community Energy Unit (PACE), within the Directorate for Energy and Climate Change (DECC). We are at the forefront of keeping communities at the heart of the energy system which is an essential part of ensuring fairness during Scotland’s transition to net zero.

We are committed to working with partners to continue to grow the community energy and shared ownership sector, and the work of the unit plays a significant role in delivering on these ambitions, including work on community benefit, community energy and shared ownership opportunities. There are many opportunities to be seized and potential for communities to be able to own and reap the benefits of renewable energy projects across Scotland.

The post holder will lead and support on shared ownership policy, including the development and implementation of a shared ownership policy and negotiating and collaborating with the UK Government and GB Energy on the Local Power Plan. There is also opportunity to lead and coordinate workstreams that support the Directorate’s and Scottish Government’s ambitions to meet net zero emissions by 2045.

This is high-profile, high-impact work with strong Ministerial interest and senior civil service visibility. You’ll be part of a dynamic, collaborative team that values innovation, inclusion, and delivering tangible change. The role offers excellent opportunities for professional development, cross-government collaboration, and shaping policy that directly impacts communities across Scotland.

PACE is led by a C2 and you will work alongside a C1 and line manage a B2, within a wider unit of four teams:

1. Community Benefits (4 staff members).
2. CARES (4 staff members).
3. Demand Flexibility (3 staff members).
4. Public Land and Shared Ownership (3 staff members, including this post).

Responsibilities

Lead policy development and implementation on community shared ownership. This is a cross-cutting piece that impacts public land, onshore wind and community energy. The post holder will engage with key stakeholder such as public bodies and the Scottish Coalition for Community Energy. Support policy development and delivery to identify and agree process for public land available for community energy.

Support engagement and establish ways of working with the UK Government and GB Energy on the Local Power Plan, including agreeing shared ownership opportunities and the UK Government’s consultation for mandating shared ownership. Draft high-quality briefings, speaking notes, submissions and responses to Parliamentary Questions, Ministerial correspondence and FOI/ EIR requests.

Provide effective line management support for a B2 and leadership of the work, whilst ensuring staff well-being is at the heart of the culture of the team. At times, this post will require working to support a range of issues across the Division and wider Directorate. DECC is committed to ensuring that we manage the balance of workload and staffing.

That means we may require staff to support in priority areas as they arise. This area has been confirmed as a current priority for DECC but the postholder may be required to work on other priorities within the Energy Industries Division or more widely in DECC in the future Working pattern This role is a permanent level transfer position.

How to Apply Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive B3 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). Vacancy closes at 11:59pm Selection Process All applications will be invited to an informal discussion with the hiring manager.

Informal discussions are to be confirmed. Further Information If you have specific questions about the role, please contact stacey.mcfarlane@gov.scot Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.