Human Rights Strategy and Legislation - Policy Officers Edinburgh, Scotland

Scottish Government

Full Time Edinburgh, Scotland 34069 - 56557 GBP ANNUAL Today

Job description

Overview:

Protecting and promoting human rights, advancing equality and tackling all forms of discrimination in Scotland continues to be a key policy priority for Ministers. Scotland is on a journey to becoming a global leader in human rights, as demonstrated through the commitment to bring forward a Human Rights Bill designed to incorporate international treaties into domestic law and ensure that the human rights of every member of Scottish society are respected, protected and fulfilled. This commitment is drawn from work over the past few years by the First Minister’s Advisory Group on Human Rights Leadership and the Human Rights Taskforce which reported last year.

Two Policy Officer roles have become available in the Unit as a result of a recent increase in resources to take forward this flagship Bill and associated work. These roles will sit within the Human Rights Strategy and Legislation Unit, which is leading the work on the Bill. They an excellent opportunity to work on policy and legislation in an interesting and high-profile policy area with frequent engagement with Ministers, senior officials and a wide range of stakeholders across Government, in the public sector, national human rights bodies and advocacy organisations.

This vacancy is advertised on a full time permanent basis however alternative working patterns will be considered.

Responsibilities:

Incorporation Policy Officer

Support the development of policy proposals for how the Scottish Government effectively incorporates 4 international human rights treaties into Scots law.
Support work to develop policy on specific standalone rights and provisions to be included in the Bill, along with development of positions around other aspects of the Taskforce’s report.
Support work to develop think in relation to how the Bill deals with equality and the concept of human dignity.

Access to Justice and Implementation Policy Officer

Support the development of thinking around securing effective access to judicial and non-judicial remedy.
Support the development of policy in relation to front line complaints handling, the role of scrutiny bodies in holding public bodies to account, and the powers of independent bodies including the Scottish Human Rights Commission.
Support the development of thinking in relation to how the Bill is implemented, including through providing support to a newly established Working Group and acting as a shared resource with the Directorate’s Mainstreaming Unit to ensure effective join up between the ambitions of the Bill and our wider work to mainstream equality and human rights across policy and practice.

COMPETENCIES

Self-awareness

Communications and Engagement

Analysis and Use of Evidence

Improving Performance

Essential Criteria & Qualifications:

No specific qualifications required for this post.

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

Well-developed oral and written communication skills, with experience of supporting engagement with internal and external stakeholders to achieve Ministerial aspirations in a complex area.
Ability to analyse complex information and develop clear, evidence based advice on complex or cross-cutting issues.
Ability to work autonomously and collaboratively in a cross cutting area with a high level of Ministerial and stakeholder interest.
Good planning and organisation skills with an ability to manage competing priorities.

PROVISIONAL INTERVIEW DATES

To be confirmed.

MINIMUM TIME IN POST

You will be expected to remain in post for a minimum of three years unless successful at gaining promotion to a higher Band or Grade.

In the event that further posts are required, a reserve list of successful candidates will be kept for up to 12 months.

You must discuss your intention to apply with your current line manager to help ensure release dates can be agreed.

LOCATION

Currently working on a Hybrid Basis you will be required to attend either Victoria Quay, Edinburgh or Atlantic Quay, Glasgow.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

For further information on this vacancy please download and review the “Person Specification” and which you will find below.

Person Specification Band B

To apply please fully complete the application and submit evidence based examples to demonstrate your knowledge/skills (300 words). Remember, your answers should be clear, concise and reflect what actions you undertook. You may want to use the STAR(R) approach to respond to each criterion.

For information on this post please contact Dan Garraghan by email at [email protected].

Scottish Government's ambition is to be a world leading, diverse employer where people can be themselves at work. We want to help you demonstrate your full potential whatever type of assessment is used. If you require any adjustments to our recruitment process, please let us know via [email protected]

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