Priority Projects Lead - C1

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. 

The Scottish Government has serious ambitious to transform Scotland’s economy. The Directorate for Jobs and Wellbeing Economy is here to coordinate and deliver the Scottish Government's economic strategy, lead strategic interventions across government on the economy and the labour market, and drive the Fair Work agenda. 

This is a temporary position of up to 10 months to cover maternity leave.  The role sits within the Economic Growth Unit’s priority projects team and is focused on delivering high-profile, complex projects that support the Scottish Government’s economic growth mission. The post-holder will work across DGE and wider SG, engaging Ministers, senior officials, policy teams, analysts, delivery partners and external stakeholders to understand issues quickly, shape evidence-based solutions and drive progress. 

The post holder will lead and coordinate priority projects, agree project plans and remits, provide clear advice and progress updates, manage risks, and report on outcomes. The role also involves building collaborative relationships, supporting wider economic strategy and delivery, helping maintain the future project pipeline, and managing B-band staff within fast-moving project teams. It requires strong policy judgement, communication, project delivery, stakeholder engagement and leadership skills, with economic policy experience desirable but not essential.

The Economic Growth Unit is part of the Economic Growth, Delivery and Finance Division within the Directorate but works across the DG and wider portfolio. The unit provides capacity to address policy questions and ministerial priorities which cut across the DG Economy portfolio and wider Scottish Government. It contributes to setting the Scottish Government’s overall economic strategy, playing a key role in shaping and steering the Economic strategy, including PfG Economy chapters. It is a flexible, responsive unit capable of quickly tackling emerging questions and issues across the broad spectrum of economic policy. The priority projects team is a dynamic and impactful part of DGE, deploying skilled people to lead high-priority, complex projects across DGE and beyond to support delivery of  the economic growth mission. Projects typically last around 3 months and provide team members with a combination of high-profile policy development experience and exposure to a diverse range of economic issues. The team comprises of 2 C1 posts (including this role), 2 B3, 1FS/GDP, and 1 B2.

Responsibilities

• Briefing and advice (for senior officials and/or Ministers)

Use excellent written and verbal communication skills to distil complex ideas into clear and concise advice to senior civil servants and Ministers in relation to project milestones and final outputs.

• Participation and engagement (with partners, stakeholders, public)

Engage with ministers and wider stakeholders to understand and align project objectives and expected   outcomes.

• Participation and engagement (with partners, stakeholders, public)

           Establish collaborative relationships with stakeholders to understand issues quickly and make connections              with relevant SG teams.

• Collaboration with other areas within government to progress policy outcomes

Build and maintain effective relationships across DGE and wider SG to quickly embed self and project team with established policy teams.

• Collaboration with other areas within government to progress policy outcomes

          Work collaboratively with policy teams on issues requiring immediate attention.

• Policy design and development (incl. strategy, appraisal, impact assessment, monitoring, evaluation etc)

Identify and evaluate evidence from a range of sources to assess options and make informed recommendations to improve policy outcomes in relation to economic growth.

• Project and/or Programme management to deliver policy objectives

Lead the delivery of priority projects programme in a timely and effective manner, often within short deadlines and amidst competing priorities

• Project and/or Programme management to deliver policy objectives

Lead for engaging with senior colleagues - agreeing project plan and remit with senior colleagues, provide regular progress updates and report on project outcomes.

• Organisational leadership and management (e.g. division, directorate, corporate)

Lead by example, contributing to the wider work of the Economic Growth Unit and ongoing work with the wider SG to advocate for our economic growth mission. Support Unit Head in developing and maintaining future project pipeline.

• People management and development (line and/or team management)

Manage one or more B-band staff, working closely with other C1 colleague to support team members in their project work and to respond to corporate correspondence, ministerial briefing, PQs etc.

• People management and development (line and/or team management)

Lead rapid establishment of project team at start of each new priority project and ensure appropriate L&D is in place for the team.

Working pattern

This role is a temporary position with an expected commitment of 10 months.

How to Apply

Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive C1 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

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 [email protected]

Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.