Description Are you ready to set sail on your next adventure in this exciting Ferries Policy role? This post sits within the Ferries Strategy team and is part of the wider Ferries Directorate which is responsible for all of the Scottish Government’s subsidised ferry services. The Strategy team’s main responsibility is for the production and delivery of the Islands Connectivity Plan which promotes connectivity and transport links to Scotland’s island communities. The Plan is expected to provide the core programme for the team for at least the next 2-3 years. You will build and maintain strong relationships with a wide range of both internal and external stakeholders and lead policy projects. You will be a conscientious worker who is comfortable working on their own initiative as well as working as part of a team. The post offers the opportunity to apply and further develop a range of analytical and interpersonal skills while providing opportunity to contribute to wider policy and strategy development as well as project delivery across the directorate and Transport Scotland. There will be a requirement to travel on the ferries network from time to time as part of consultation and engagement work, and this is likely to require one or more nights away from home. Responsibilities The post holder will be responsible for designing and developing a number of policy projects within the scope of the Islands Connectivity Plan. The post holder will expected to input to determining the team’s future work programme and, through the annual review process, be able to shape their own role in delivering that programme. Specific tasks envisaged to be commenced in the first 12 months in post are: Procurement and contract management of a call-off contract for the community needs assessments for Outer Hebrides transport connectivity. This work will include preparing required procurement documents, such as business case and services brief, securing finance and procurement approvals, arranging award of the call-off contract, monitoring and managing the delivery of the work, including reviewing and signing-off outputs, participating in engagement, preparing advice to management and Ministers on project outcomes and next steps. Leading a review of ferry freight including fares. In particular, developing and assessing options for the costs of carrying freight to islands to be shared differently between users, developers and government. This will require engagement with a range of stakeholders including island and mainland businesses and industry groups, hauliers, ferry and shipping operators, Scottish Government officials and public agencies such as HIE. Support will be available from Transport Scotland policy and analytical colleagues. This task will also support to the C2 Head of Ferries Policy in leading the Directorate’s role in managing the demands for increased freight shipments to support some specific major development projects on islands. Leading the development of a new Ferries Communication and Engagement Strategy. In particular, delivering a commitment made in the recently published Islands Connectivity Plan Strategic Approach to "Establish and publish agreed protocols for engagement and communication for TS, Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd and the ferry operators, including the role of the communities, their representatives and key stakeholders.” This will require liaison with colleagues across the Directorate and with CMAL, ferry operators and communities and their representatives including local authorities, island ferry committees and the Ferries Communities Board. Plans are prone to change and there will at times be new tasks to take on, sometimes at short notice, and for others to be paused or re-prioritised accordingly. Adaptability is an important factor for work in this team. There is no prior experience required for this role but experience of living or working in island or other ferry dependent rural communities would bring a beneficial perspective to the team. Responsibilities Success Profile Technical / Professional Skills: Data and Analysis and Scientific Advice - Level 1 Developing You can find out more about the skills required here: Detailed Descriptors Behaviours: Seeing the Big Picture - Level 3 Communicating and Influencing - Level 3 Woking Together - Level 3 Delivering at Pace - Level 3 You can find out more about Success Profiles Behaviours, here: Behaviour levels - Success profiles: candidate guide - gov.scot How to apply Apply online, providing a CV and Supporting Statement of no more than 1500 words which provides evidence of how you meet the skills, experience and behaviours listed in the Success Profile above. If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an interview and presentation. Assessments are scheduled for w/c 14 July however this may be subject to change. If you require any further information on the post please contact Juste Kalinauskaite - Juste.Kalinauskaite@transport.gov.scot Qualifications About Us Transport Scotland is the national transport agency, seeking to deliver a safe, efficient, cost-effective and sustainable transport system for the benefit of the people of Scotland. Transport Scotland is accountable to Parliament and the public through Scottish Ministers, with a budget of around £4 billion per year. Transport is a vital feature of the Scottish Government's focus on increasing sustainable economic growth, and transport investments and policies have major impacts on the economy, people, and the environment. 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. Location This post is based in Glasgow or Edinburgh, with hybrid working in line with current Transport Scotland policies. You will be expected to be office based twice per week, pro rata. 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.