Policy Officer - Debt and Welfare Advice Services - B1

This opportunity is only open to internal Scottish Government applicants who are currently 'Priority Movers'. Applications from individuals not currently on the Priority Mover list will be rejected and not considered. Job description An opportunity has arisen to join a high profile area with significant stakeholder and Ministerial interest. The Financial Wellbeing Unit sits within the Third Sector and Financial Wellbeing Division of the Tackling Child Poverty and Social Justice Directorate. The post sits within the Welfare and Debt Advice Services team which is responsible for the funding of debt, welfare and income maximisation advice services provided by a range of stakeholders such as Citizens Advice Scotland, StepChange, Advice Direct Scotland, Child Poverty Action Group and others. The team is also responsible for providing Ministerial support and advice regarding advice services across Scotland, including regulated debt advice and liaising with a range of internal and external forums and stakeholders. Responsibilities The Team consists of a C1 Team Leader and two B3 Policy Managers in addition to this post Key responsibilities include: Supporting the team’s work on monitoring grant-funded projects including managing the quarterly payment of grants; managing grant-funding reporting and monitoring trackers; attending and minuting grant review meetings with stakeholders. Populating and maintaining Excel spreadsheets and trackers containing complex budgetary and grant finances as well as undertaking a range of financial management tasks on Oracle such as raising requisitions, purchase orders and receipting payments. Support the collection and collation of relevant statistics, data and insights provided by grant monitoring reports. Review and maintain the team's core briefs, ensuring these are kept up to date and include all relevant information and can be accessed quickly by colleagues Provide general policy and administrative support, including the drafting of responses to ministerial correspondence (MiCase), Parliamentary Questions and Freedom of Information requests and briefing documents Provide secretariat support for Divisional senior management meetings. Support the wider functions of the Division, working flexibly on other priorities as they emerge and develop. Support the Division to deliver corporate responsibilities. Technical/Professional Skills: This role would suit someone with excellent communication skills who is adaptable, flexible, enthusiastic and able to work independently to deadlines. You will work as part of a supportive team to respond to emerging needs and reprioritise activities accordingly. You will be able to demonstrate strong planning and organisational skills and an ability to balance competing demands to agreed timescales. Excellent verbal and written communication skills and an ability to work under pressure whilst maintaining a high degree of attention to detail will also be required, as will good numeracy skills gained through experience of working in a grant-funding or other finance environment. An ability to establish and maintain positive stakeholder relationships at a range of levels would also be beneficial. Experience Experience of using Oracle to raise and receipt payments or financial management is desirable. Working pattern This role is a permanent level transfer position. Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role, including Flexi-leave. Scottish Government staff in hybrid-compatible roles should aim to work in-person 40% of the time, either in an office or other agreed work location. If you have specific questions about the role you are applying for, please contact us. How to apply Applications for this position will only be accepted from substantive B1 grade employees. Please submit a CV and statement outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team (maximum 500 words). Vacancies close at 23:59pm on Monday 26 October. If you have questions about your application, please contact melanie.nairn@gov.scot All applicants will be invited to an informal discussion with the hiring manager. There will be no formal testing or assessment. Discussions are expected to be scheduled for w/c TBC. Recruitment Principles As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases