Senior Policy Officer ECU B3

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 Governments core purpose of promoting sustainable economic growth and to the delivery of Scottish Governments 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.

• Understand the rules: Demonstrate excellent knowledge of energy consenting processes and the relevant laws
• Deliver reform of Scottish consenting: Support the required stakeholder engagement consultation and implementation of regulations arising from new powers enabled by the Planning and Infrastructure Act 2025
• Handle incoming correspondence: Manage all corporate work (including PQs FMQs EIRs Ministerial Correspondence) as directed by your line manager
• Ministerial support: Provide support to Ministers by developing relevant advice and briefing to progress overall objectives.
• Provide leadership: Support and manage junior members of staff to overcome obstacles to effectively deliver tasks such as managing unit mailboxes complete related corporate tasks and ensure all relevant documents are properly filed in the electronic records system
• Create clear processes: Turn high-level instructions into practical procedures that help colleagues process applications consistently by demonstrating excellent knowledge of energy consenting processes and the relevant legislation and regulations.
• Build relationships: Help develop and maintain good working relationships with colleagues and external partners.