Policy Official - B2

Job description 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. Can you work across a varied policy portfolio and turn commitments into practical action?

Do you enjoy using evidence, building relationships and applying sound judgement to progress complex areas of work? We are looking for a motivated policy officer to join the Medical Education and Training Unit. The Unit is responsible for a wide range of work relating to the education and training of doctors, from entry into medical school through to postgraduate medical training.

The successful candidate will support work across the Unit’s undergraduate and postgraduate portfolios, with opportunities to take responsibility for defined areas of policy and delivery. The role will involve working closely with colleagues to develop policy, coordinate activity, respond to emerging issues and provide clear advice to senior leaders and Ministers.

An early priority will be supporting the delivery of the Ministerial commitment to expand bursary provision for medical students. The postholder will contribute to the development of the expanded provision and help establish the arrangements required for its implementation. This will involve working closely with universities, student funding organisations and colleagues across the health and education portfolios to develop an approach that is practical, effective and responsive to the needs of students.

The postholder will also contribute to medical workforce planning, including supporting the Medical Workforce Planning Group. They will analyse workforce data and other evidence, identify key findings and help ensure that discussions about future workforce requirements are supported by accurate and relevant information.

The role requires strong analytical, organisational and communication skills. The successful candidate will need to understand new and complex issues, manage competing priorities and work constructively with people from different professional and organisational backgrounds. They will be expected to exercise sound judgement, identify where further evidence or input is required and ensure that work continues to progress.

This is a varied role in a collaborative and supportive Unit working in an area of significant Ministerial and stakeholder interest. It offers the opportunity to develop experience across policy, delivery and workforce planning while contributing to decisions that will shape Scotland’s future medical workforce.

Responsibilities

Supporting policy development and delivery across undergraduate and postgraduate medical education and training, taking responsibility for discrete areas of work and contributing flexibly to wider Unit priorities. This will include analysing evidence, developing policy options and providing clear recommendations to senior colleagues and Ministers.

Supporting the development and implementation of expanded bursary provision for medical students, working with universities, student funding organisations and colleagues across the health and education portfolios to develop effective delivery arrangements and resolve policy or operational issues. Coordinating delivery activity and ensuring progress is being made, including maintaining delivery plans, bringing together contributions from colleagues and partners, monitoring actions and milestones, and identifying risks, dependencies or decisions requiring senior input.

Supporting the Medical Workforce Planning Group and wider medical workforce planning activity, including analysing and presenting workforce data, coordinating stakeholder input and preparing papers to inform decisions about future medical education and training requirements. Drafting accurate and timely responses to correspondence and commissions, including Ministerial correspondence and Mi.

Cases, Parliamentary Questions, submissions, and briefings for Ministers and senior leaders. This will involve gathering and assessing contributions from across the Unit, Directorate and wider Scottish Government to produce clear and coherent advice. Working pattern This role is a permanent level transfer position. How to Apply Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive B2 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). Selection Process All candidates will be invited to an informal discussion with the Hiring Manager. Informal discussion dates tbc. Further Information If you have specific questions about the role, please contact sean.

reid@gov.scot Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.