Description Job Description Are you looking for the opportunity to support a high profile area of work delivering commitments in the Programme for Government and working closely with the Chief Entrepreneur? The Talent & Participation Unit is seeking a Senior Policy Officer to support the development and implementation of new policies and programmes to increase diversity within Scotland’s entrepreneurial landscape. The Widening Participation team, where this post sits, is focused on widening entrepreneurship opportunities to under-represented communities, particularly from a gender perspective through the implementation of the Pathways Review findings. There are inter-dependencies between all aspects of the unit’s work including entrepreneurial education and social enterprise policy and the ability to work collaboratively across the unit and the wider division and more widely is a key requirement. You will support the implementation of the recommendations of the Pathways report on women in entrepreneurship, this report sets out a series of challenging recommendations covering entrepreneurial infrastructure; pathways to business start-up, growth and scale; access to finance and investment; and education and society. Responsibilities Policy design, development and delivery (incl. strategy, appraisal, impact assessment, monitoring, evaluation etc). Leading briefing and advice for senior officials and Ministers relating to widening participation in entrepreneurship. Leading correspondence (e.g. Ministerial, official, PQs, FoIs). Supporting ministers at meetings and events. Engagement with delivery partners and stakeholder organisations. Collaboration with other areas within government to progress policy outcomes. Supporting financial management of policy activity including grants and other funding. Working flexibly across the Unit to support policy priorities. Deputising for the Team Leader on occasions as required. 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. Technical / Professional Skills: Policy Context and Purpose – Level 1 Working with Ministers – Level 1 You can find out more about the skills required, here. Behaviours: Communicating and Influencing – Level 3 Making Effective Decisions – Level 3 Working Together – 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 22/07/25 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. 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. The post will be offered on a location flexible basis however, whilst virtual and Hybrid working is the current arrangement, some attendance in the office will be required and travel to meetings.