Senior Policy Officer

Scotland’s increasing use of digital technology has opened up huge opportunities, both societal and economic. However, alongside these benefits come risks. Cybercrime is on the increase; therefore cyber resilience has never been more important.

Cyber resilience is a key enabler for delivering our public services, growing our economy and keeping our people safe and secure.

The Deputy First Minister launched the Strategic Framework for a Cyber Resilient Scotland. The Cyber Resilience Unit implements this strategy through cross-government and cross-sectoral partnership working. The aim of the Strategic Framework is to support people and organisations to protect themselves against, prepare for and recover from cyber incidents.

The focus of the Unit is on improving cyber resilient behaviours, practices and processes across the public sector, with some priority elements within the Third and private sectors. We also work closely with the UK Government and devolved administrations to deliver the broader UK Cyber Strategy.

The Unit is a policy team within the Defence, Security & Cyber Resilience Division within Safer Communities Directorate and is led by a C2 Unit Head, supported by 3 x C1s, 4 x B3s (one of which is this post) and 1 x B1.

We are looking for someone who can work independently and at pace, is confident and skilled at engaging, influencing and building credible relationships with stakeholders, both external and internal. The main focus of this post will be on managing the delivery of key elements of the Strategic Framework relating to public, private and third sectors. There is no requirement for technical knowledge or experience as this is a policy post.

Key Competencies:

• Communications and Engagement
• Analysis and use of Evidence
• Improving Performance
• Self-Awareness

Educated to Degree level or equivalent experience and training.

Essential Criteria:
1. A self starter with excellent planning and organisational skills, able to prioritise competing demands and deliver results in a fast-paced, changing environment.
2. A high standard of written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to produce high quality, succinct briefings, speeches and contributions, often to tight deadlines.
3. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain credible positive relationships with a complex network of stakeholders in order to drive change.
4. Ability to monitor and evaluate outputs of delivery.

Dates to be confirmed

Edinburgh or Glasgow with hybrid working in line with current Scottish Government policies.

Minimum time in post.
You will be expected to remain in post for a minimum of three years unless successful at gaining promotion to a higher Band or Grade.

In the event that further posts are required, a reserve list of successful candidates will be kept for up to 12 months.

You must discuss your intention to apply with your current line manager to help ensure release dates can be agreed.

The closing date for applications is 25th May 2023 at 23.55 PM

Please complete the application and submit evidence based examples to demonstrate your knowledge/skills (300 words). Remember, your answers should be clear, concise and reflect what actions you undertook. You may want to use the STAR(R) approach to respond to each criterion.

For information on this post please contact the hiring managers by email at contact Paul Chapman at paul.chapman@gov.scot or by phone: 079 205 49737.