Engagement and Policy Manager - B3

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.

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the Scottish Government’s strategic ambition to embed equality, inclusion, and human rights across its operations and the work of the public sector. As Engagement and Policy Manager within the Mainstreaming Strategy Unit, you will play a key role in supporting internal and external engagement, communications, and capability-building activities that underpin the delivery of ministerial priorities and corporate commitments.

You will work collaboratively across the Directorate for Equality, Inclusion and Human Rights (DEIHR), supporting cross-cutting engagement with stakeholders, coordinating ministerial briefing processes, and leading internal development initiatives. This post offers a dynamic environment to apply and grow your skills in stakeholder engagement, strategic communications, and programme support.

Responsibilities

• Lead work to build and maintain strategic relationships across government and the public sector, helping to drive system-wide leadership to deliver of the Equality and Human Rights Mainstreaming Strategy ( For further details review: Equality and human rights mainstreaming strategy).
• Develop and advise on a structured programme of engagement across government and the public sector, ensuring opportunities for influence are identified, prioritised and pursued in line with the Mainstreaming strategy.
• Lead the planning and delivery of engagement and communications activities.
• Develop clear, accessible and inclusive communications for internal and external audiences.
• Build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders, including community organisations, public bodies and government partners.
• Lead the preparation of high-quality ministerial briefings and the coordination of cross-organisational input for meetings, visits and strategic engagement ensuring accuracy, relevance and strategic alignment.
• Provide timely advice on emerging issues and represent the team at cross-government and cross-pubic-sector meetings and forums.
• Draft responses to Parliamentary Questions, Freedom of Information requests and ministerial correspondence.
• Establish and coordinate internal equality leadership networks to promote mainstreaming across the organisation.
• Lead the planning and delivery of the Equalities, Inclusion and Human Rights (EIHR) Development Academy and related staff learning initiatives.
• Monitor and evaluate engagement activity, using feedback and insight to support continuous improvement.
• Support strategic engagement with external partners, including COSLA, EHRC and Scottish Parliament Committees.
• Provide flexible project and programme support across the Mainstreaming Strategy and Delivery Units, contributing to the delivery of key strategic priorities.