Description Job Description Would you like to work in a high-profile and rewarding policy area offering the opportunity to lead on the development of policies focused on protecting children in Scotland? You will join the Child Protection Unit is part of Children’s Rights, Protection and Justice Division within Children and Families Directorate. Our mission is to uphold the rights and improve practice to prevent, respond and support recovery from harm for all of Scotland’s children. You will lead on the oversight and development of the national policy on child protection processes. This is a complex but rewarding policy area which is central to the protection of children across Scotland, requiring an ability to analyse information from a variety of sources to develop policy options. Child protection processes also have an interface with other Directorate polices, including priorities such as Children’s Hearing Redesign, GIRFEC policy and implementation of The Promise. You will need to work closely with colleagues across the unit and wider teams, as well as with external stakeholders. The role will also lead on work related to the development of data on child protection and work to support improvement of child protection practice in education settings. Responsibilities Briefing and advice for senior officials and/or Ministers. Correspondence (e.g. Ministerial, official, PQs, FoIs). Drafting and preparation of official documents including guidance and publications. Communications activity including media, speeches and/or visits. Participation and engagement with partners, stakeholders and the public. Collaboration with other areas within government to progress policy outcomes. Policy design and development (incl. strategy, appraisal, impact assessment, monitoring, evaluation etc) Governance and risk management. Financial management of policy activity (including grants and other funding, budget management). People management and development (line and/or team management). Responsibilities Success Profile Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on. Experience: Experience in managing a network of internal and external stakeholders, including developing policy positions. Behaviours: Seeing the Big Picture - Level 3 Making Effective Decisions - Level 3 Communicating and Influencing - Level 3 Developing Self and Others - 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 1000 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 09/06/25 onwards, however this may be subject to change. Qualifications 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. Location This post can be based in Victoria Quay, Edinburgh or Atlantic Quay, Glasgow however, whilst virtual and Hybrid working is the current arrangement, some attendance in the office will be required and travel to meetings. 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.