Description Do you want to help contribute towards building safe and resilient communities in Scotland, whilst working proactively to support all strands of counter terrorism policy work across the country? Are you looking for a challenging and varied post where you can utilise well developed organisational skills and build relationships across a range of partners and key sectors in Scotland, and in UKG? We have an exciting opportunity for an ambitious and self-motivated individual to join the Counter Terrorism and National Security Unit (CTNS) as a CONTEST Programme Board Manager. The Counter Terrorism and National Security Unit sits within the Safe and Secure Scotland Division of the Safer Communities Directorate and supports the coordination, facilitation and delivery of the four key strands of the UKG Counter Terrorism strategy, CONTEST, in Scotland; Prevent, Pursue, Protect, and Prepare. Background: CONTEST is the UK’s counter terrorism strategy, with the aim of reducing the risk from terrorism to the UK, its citizens and interests overseas, so that people can go about their lives freely and with confidence. Whilst CONTEST is a UK strategy, and terrorism is a reserved matter, its delivery in Scotland has been developed to fit the Scottish context. The National Performance Framework envisages a Scotland where everyone, ‘lives in communities that are inclusive, empowered, resilient and safe’. Effective approaches to counter terrorism rely on effective partnership working across public services and with communities. The Scottish Government is committed to ensuring that the approach to counter terrorism in Scotland remains relevant for the highly complex and uncertain environment that exists now and will continue to unfold in coming years. The main functions of the Counter Terrorism and National Security Unit are; Delivery of governance and assurance arrangements for CONTEST Manage engagement with the UK Government on CONTEST related policy Joint planning with multi-agency partners, in respect of counter terrorism Supporting partners to deliver their responsibilities in the prevention of terrorism. Support local partners in developing their preparedness in respect of counter terrorism. Support local partners in developing understanding of counter terrorism and protective security measures. Provision of 24/7 response function in the event of a terrorist incident which impacts on Scotland. Given the nature of the work, this post will require the successful candidate to obtain Developed Vetting. See more at National security vetting: clearance levels - GOV.UK Responsibilities The role will sit within the Secretariat function of the Counter Terrorism and National Security Unit which manages the delivery of the Scottish CONTEST Programme Board, and wider engagement with key internal and external partners. Specifically, the post will entail: Agreeing and co-ordinating a cycle of Programme Board meetings and requesting contributions from Programme Board Members. Providing appropriate advice to the Chair and members of the Scottish CONTEST Programme Board as required. Ensuring that meetings maintain quorum, and professional notes and recordings of meeting decisions are taken as part of the permanent record, including establishing and maintaining a document management system to record all decisions taken by the Programme Board. Co-ordinating advice on policy issues including research, think-pieces, policy papers, data analysis, decision making papers, etc. Developing stakeholder engagement strategies and preparing communications for members, stakeholders and external delivery partners Making high quality contributions to Ministerial briefings, commissions, and other core business, such as PQs and FOI requests, supporting the staff in the team to complete such work on time, and escalating complex queries as needed. Liaising regularly with Project Leaders, Project Managers and staff across the CONTEST Programme to maintain up-to-date knowledge of project progress and current issues to update the Programme Director. Liaising with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including senior officers from Police Scotland, SFRS, NHS Scotland, Crown Office and across Scottish Government, alongside Ministerial Private Offices. Deputise for the Secretariat Team Leader when required. Qualifications Success Profiles: Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on. Experience: Experience of project and programme governance and delivery of strategic objectives. Effective organisation and prioritisation skills, evidencing an ability to work across multiple strands of work. Behaviours: Making Effective Decisions – Level 3 Communicating and Influencing – Level 3 Working Together – Level 3 Delivering at Pace – Level 3 You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours and Levels, here: Introduction - Success profiles: candidate guide - gov.scot How to Apply Closing 15th June Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement (of no more than 1000 words) which provides evidence of how you meet the experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above. If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and a presentation. Assessments are expected to take place in mid-July; however, this may be subject to change. About Us The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles. Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service, working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland. We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer. As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules. Working Pattern Our standard hours are 35 hours per week. We offer a range of flexible and hybrid working options depending on the needs of the role. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us. Equality Statement We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.. Further information Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on our Careers Website. Read our Candidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.