Policy Officer (Grade E2)

Our ambition is for Scotland to be the best place in the world to learn, educate, research and innovate, so that all of our nation can flourish. Our purpose is to create and sustain a world-leading system of tertiary education, research and innovation that changes lives for the better, enriches society and supports sustainable and inclusive economic growth. To support the development and implementation of SFC’s research, innovation and knowledge exchange strategic priorities, including the Knowledge Exchange and Innovation Fund. Virtual interviews will be held week commencing 10 August 2026 (via Teams). Key Responsibilities Support the implementation and ongoing development of the Knowledge Exchange and Innovation Fund (KEIF), including associated knowledge exchange metrics. Contribute to the development of clear, accessible guidance and communications for institutions and stakeholders, supporting consistent understanding and delivery of policy. Support the coordination of KE data collection, returns and information requests, providing analysis and insight to inform monitoring and policy development. Assist in monitoring delivery, outcomes and emerging impacts at an institutional and sector level, helping to demonstrate the value of SFC investment. Undertake KE&I research and analysis to inform advice and guidance for internal colleagues and external stakeholders. Work collaboratively to support engagement with key stakeholders, including universities and Scottish Government officials. Contribute to the design and delivery of cross directorate research and innovation activity, supporting joined up working and coherence across SFC policy areas. Skills, Knowledge and Expertise It is important through your CV / Cover Letter that you give evidence of proven experience of each of the following essential criteria: ESSENTIAL CRITERIA Effective oral and written communication skills, with the ability to research, analyse, understand and respond appropriately to complex issues. Experience of conducting analysis, including working with quantitative datasets and qualitative/ narrative information to generate insight. Well-developed interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and to work collaboratively across teams. Excellent organisational abilities, with the ability to respond to a varied workload while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. A positive, flexible and resilient approach with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and work constructively in a dynamic environment. Qualified to SCQF Level 9 (Degree) or equivalent experience. Knowledge of UK Higher Education institutions. DESIRABLE Policy development and implementation experience. Understanding of research and innovation policy in the Scottish and UK context and of the main policy issues in higher education. Terms and Benefits · Normal full-time hours of work are 35 per week. We will consider flexible working arrangements. A flexi-time system is in operation. · Annual leave entitlement of 30 days pro-rata, plus public and privilege holiday entitlement of 13 days pro-rata. · A flexible approach to hybrid working, giving you flexibility to work from home anywhere in the UK for some of the time while also maintaining regular in-person contact with colleagues. · Annual pay review: approved within the framework of the Scottish Government’s Public Sector Pay Policy and negotiated with our recognised trade union, Unite. Salaries are reviewed annually in April for employees who commence employment prior to 1 October in the preceding year. · Eligibility to join the Civil Service Pension Scheme . With its low member contribution rates and generous employer contributions, this gives you a secure, inflation-proof pension for life with no investment uncertainty. Details of contribution rates together with further details of the pension benefits are available on the Civil Service Pensions website. There is also the option of a Partnership pension account. · Support for continuous professional development: as a part of SFC, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive support for continuous learning and professional development. Civil Service-Learning curriculum has thoughtfully designed to cater to various learning preferences, allowing employees to engage in a manner that best suits their needs. All our educational resources are conveniently accessible through the CSL website. · Support for health and wellbeing, including generous occupational sick pay, free access to confidential advice and support through our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme, Special Leave (paid and unpaid), a contribution to learning outside work through our Lifelong Learning Fund, free winter flu vaccination, and access to occupational health support. · We provide support to SFC employees with Volunteering Days. · Support for travel to and from work, including a salary sacrifice cycle loan scheme, cycle storage and shower facilities, an interest-free loan for bus or rail season tickets and free office car parking for employees on a first-come basis. Although most salaried roles are advertised as full time positions (35 hours a week), we are happy to discuss part-time or compressed hours to suit a candidates circumstances. We also operate a flexible working scheme to work around a candidate's other commitments such as caring responsibilities. We will consider secondment applications for most salaried fixed-term or temporary positions and in many cases also for salaried permanent positions. If you are interested in applying on a secondment basis and this option is not explicitly mentioned in the job advert, please contact [email protected] for further information.