Salary: Grade 4 (£45,426 – £54,166)
Hours: Full‑time, 35 hours per week
Contract type: Permanent
Closing date: 12th July 2026
Equality Statement: Disabled candidates and candidates with care experience who satisfy the essential criteria will be invited for interview.
About the Role
Incorporation of the UNCRC into Scots law places the Commissioner at the leading edge of child rights strategic litigation. This role uses legal skills to work on cases shaping Scots law and driving systemic improvements in children’s lives. Reporting to the Head of Legal, the solicitor will exercise the Commissioner’s new strategic litigation power and other statutory functions, providing advice, drafting submissions, instructing agents and counsel, and representing the Commissioner where appropriate.
Key Responsibilities
- Strategic Litigation – assess and analyse cases, draft submissions, instruct counsel, and represent the Commissioner.
- Investigation – draft terms of reference, conduct investigations and report findings.
- Advise on and exercise the Commissioner’s statutory functions.
- Work directly with children and young people so their voices inform the office’s work.
- Represent the office in the public arena.
- Develop and maintain relationships and networks with stakeholders.
- Ensure compliance with all relevant legal, regulatory, policy and professional standards.
- Monitor relevant domestic and international case law.
- Collaborate internally and externally to achieve strategic objectives.
- Other duties as reasonably required by the Commissioner or Head of Legal.
Skills and Experience
Essential Criteria: Qualifications and Experience
- Hold or be eligible to immediately apply for a valid Practising Certificate as a solicitor in Scotland.
- Minimum seven years post‑qualification experience as a solicitor in a relevant area of law.
- Evidence of conducting high‑gravity litigation, including at least one of the following:
- Public law/instructing judicial reviews.
- Instructing cases in the Court of Session and/or Edinburgh agency work.
- Conducting complex child law proofs and appeals.
Essential Criteria: Knowledge and Skills
- Analyse potential cases against a human‑rights framework and the Commissioner’s statutory functions.
- Capacity to manage a high volume of work, prioritise efficiently and meet strict deadlines.
- Sound judgement and decision‑making skills.
- Excellent ability to develop, manage and maintain internal and external stakeholder relationships.
- Experience with appropriate technology, e.g. electronic case management systems and Microsoft 365.
Essential Criteria: Values, Ethics and Integrity
- Commitment to a rights‑based approach, especially meaningful participation of children and young people.
- Commitment to the highest standards of professionalism, trustworthiness and integrity.
- Commitment to a positive, constructive approach to collaborative working in a team.
Desirable Criteria
- Extended rights of audience.
- Experience of public law.
- Experience of undertaking strategic litigation.
- Experience of carrying out formal investigations and/or inquiries.
- Understanding of international law as it affects children and young people.
- Experience with key stakeholders such as the Scottish Parliament, Scottish Government, international organisations or civil society.
- Experience of working with children and young people.
- Knowledge, understanding or experience of the Commissioner’s work.
Employee Benefits Package Includes
- Competitive Salary.
- Access to the Civil Service Alpha Pension Scheme with generous employer pension contribution of 28.97 %.
- 30 days annual leave plus 11.5 observed public holidays.
- Flexible working policies.
- Enhanced wellbeing initiatives including a Healthy Living Allowance and access to an Employee Assistance Programme offering shopping discounts, advice and counselling services.
Equal Opportunity Statement
Appointment to this post is subject to membership of the PVG scheme (Protection of Vulnerable Groups scheme). Where the contents of the PVG are not satisfactory, we reserve the right to withdraw the offer of employment or terminate employment.
