Introduction Community Energy Scotland is recruiting for a Policy Manager based in Scotland. We are looking to recruit an energetic, well-organised and self-motivated individual to lead on CES’s policy and advocacy work. Training as required, personal development opportunities, and support will be provided by Community Energy Scotland. £35,156 per annum (pro rata). Progression from starting salary is reviewed annually from 1st April, and subject to satisfactory performance and Community Energy Scotland’s financial status Fixed-Term appointment for 1 year, with the view to forming a permanent post thereafter. Full Time/Part Time Post (we are open to discuss part-time hours from a minimum of 28 hours to full-time at 35 hours per week) with potential for flexible working as per the CES Flexible Working Policy. Some travel to other areas in Scotland is likely to be required, while keeping our carbon footprint down following Community Energy Scotland’s environmental policy The post holder will be expected to travel regularly to meetings and conferences in Edinburgh, Glasgow and around Scotland. Thus, a central belt location is preferable. The post is suitable for home working but office or co-working space for the post holder can be secured if required. Overall Purpose To lead in the development and delivery of CES’s Policy and Advocacy strategy. Main Tasks Your role will be to deliver the following tasks: Update and implement Policy and Advocacy Strategy: Finalise our Policy and Advocacy Strategy and ensure it aligns with existing UK Scottish Government policies and strategies as well as other internal documents including CES's Strategy and Communications Strategy Engagement with political parties on manifesto development for Scottish elections in 2026 Compile an evidence base to back up positions Develop one page policy briefings with recommendations on key issues Agree and sign off the strategy within three months of taking up post Maintain Relationships with Key Stakeholders (supported by CEO): Represent CES at key events, meetings and in the press. This will include preparing, delivering and facilitating presentations/open meetings and discussions when required. Some travel to meetings and site visits is anticipated Coordinate the Scottish Community Coalition on Energy (SCCE), including organising regular meetings, agreeing shared policy positions and working collaboratively with DTAS and Community Land Scotland to use the strengths of each organisation to push policy positions forward, in line with the SCCE strategy Holding regular meetings with policy teams from Community Energy England and Community Energy Wales, identifying common policy priorities and collaborating on advocacy work and consultation responses. Identify sympathetic MPs, MSPs, policy makers and influencers and build relationships with them and their team Maintain a database of contacts and keep supporters informed and involved to create an active network Investigate the potential for collaboration and partnership with other aligned organisations Delivery Policy Interventions (supported by appropriate team members): Intervene both (a) reactively in response to arising opportunities, and (b) proactively in pursuit of a policy priorities, in line with the policy and advocacy strategy and the Scottish Community Coalition on Energy strategy Facilitate members to participate in the policy arena and speak out directly; gather member input for consultations, briefings and other opportunities to shape policy. Co-ordinate and/or draft responses to regulatory and legislative consultations of relevance to members Work with the Communications Officer and CEO to write press releases and other responses to key news stories and policy developments. Organise events where appropriate, such as Parliamentary receptions or roundtables. State of the Sector Work with the Head of Projects Operations to deliver the State of the Sector Report and use the data collected to have the greatest possible impact. This includes input into: Design of State of the Sector (SOTS) survey questions, and stakeholder engagement Regular liaison with Community Energy England and Community Energy Wales and working together to analyse survey responses and identify implications for policy development. Providing creative and practical input into the future of SOTS, its development, and its potential benefits to the sector. Communicate with staff, members and the public (supported by Membership & Comms Officer): Build relationships with CES’s member community groups to inform, consult and involve CES members in policy work. This includes leading a policy working group comprised of representatives of Community Energy Scotland’s members (community energy organisations) to input into, develop and groundtruth policy positions. Work with the Membership and Communications Officer to effectively disseminate information and ensure good public profile is achieved on CESpolicy and advocacy activities Embed knowledge and use of the policy and advocacy strategy within CES Ensure that CES staff and board members are kept fully up to date on key developments and CES’ position on them through the management of an effective policy briefing system. Management Duties (The post is not initially expected to include line management responsibilities initially, however this may change.) Inspire, manage and develop staff in a way that brings out their full potential, ensuring that all staff line managed are effectively deployed and supported, have clear time and work plans linked with Annual Reviews and are fully engaged in delivering Community Energy Scotland’s priorities. Administration To keep all personal work records up to date such as annual leave requests, My Hours and Monday.com Other Tasks Support the CES development team to secure increased funding and support for policy work Play a full role in the evolution and operation of the team at Community Energy Scotland, and support the success of Community Energy Scotland as a whole Undertake other duties as may be required from time to time by the CEO Maintain a safe working environment ensuring your own personal safety and the safety of others. Ensure relevant consistent branding across all CES communications. Provide regular appraisal of project deliverables to CES, attend project team meeting and full team meetings, preparing feedback.