Senior Policy Officer – ECU – B3

Job Description

This opportunity is only open to applicants who are currently ‘Priority Movers’. Applications from individuals not currently on the Priority Mover list will be rejected and not considered.

Job description

We have an opportunity for a B3 to join the Energy Consents Unit on a Managed move basis to support delivery of projects to be determined by Scottish Ministers under the Electricity Act 1989, alongside the delivery of Scottish consenting reforms enabled by new powers granted by the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025.

The Energy Consents Unit (ECU) is a branch of the Energy and Climate Change Directorate, responsible for processing applications for energy infrastructure to be determined by the Scottish Ministers within relevant legislative and policy frameworks. The applications processed by the ECU make a significant contribution to the Scottish Government’s core purpose of promoting sustainable economic growth and to the delivery of Scottish Government’s energy policies.

Planning and Consents have been a key ministerial priority and there is an increased need to resource the related policy work that is associated to the unit. As a Senior Policy Officer, you will be an integral member of the Policy and Administration team, ensuring the smooth progression of applications. This is an opportunity to utilise your existing skills and experience to work on impactful changes that relate to both devolved and reserved legislation, all of which will effectively support the unit.

A significant aspect of this role will be to assist in the delivery of reforming Scottish consenting via new powers enabled by the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025. You will help develop the associated regulation making powers, taking into account the formal consultation of stakeholders, in collaboration with colleagues in the ECU, SGLD and Parliamentary and Legislation Unit. This will result in the laying of secondary legislation and aim to support the broader Scottish Government aim of reducing timescales of applications for energy consent.

This position also includes managing all corporate work (including PQs, EIRs and Ministerial Correspondence) which derives from energy consents applications, due to the high level of scrutiny the work carries.

You will join a supportive environment where staff are valued, empowered to take ownership of their work, and encouraged to develop their skills.

This is an ideal opportunity for someone who enjoys a fast paced environment with experience in energy (including consents), stakeholder engagement, consultation, and parliamentary and legislative affairs.