This vacancy has now closed

Policy Officer (Local Government)

  • Full time
  • £25,561 – £30,366
  • Hybrid with Edinburgh or Glasgow Hub
  • Closing 29th January 2023


  • Advertised from 6th January 2023
  • 37.5 hours per week – happy to talk flexible working
  • SUS3955

Role

About the role

This is a new and exciting opportunity, where no two days will be the same, to work with Sustrans as part of the Policy and public affairs team making the case for walking, wheeling, and cycling in Scotland. You'll support Sustrans engagement with local authorities and elected representatives in building the evidence base for investment in walking, wheeling and cycling where they live.

As the Policy Officer, you will be responsible for Commenting on Policy reviews drafts and calls for policy creation from the Local Government in Scotland, ensuring that Sustrans presents a strong case for walking and cycling in all local policies. Also, you will support the Sustrans strategic partnerships team, maintain and collate a library of evidence on relevant policy topics and implement and coordinate the Engagement Strategy with Local Elected Members. In addition, you will be required to attend and support site visits.

It’s the responsibility of the Policy Officer to update the elected members of the Local Authority on any relevant changes to the policies regarding the work of Sustrans and provide regular briefings and updates to the Policy Team, the Head of Policy and Communications, and any relevant senior Management.

This role will require travel and work at locations as necessary to undertake projects on behalf of Sustrans.

Candidates will be based within the geographical area, with regular travel expected to a nominated hub/office base in Edinburgh or Glasgow

About you

For the role of Policy Officer, you will have experience in Policy research, writing and supporting policy development, and knowledge of dealing with local government. In addition, you will be able to communicate policies, ideas, and concepts verbally and in writing.

You will build relationships easily and working relationships with all key persons within Sustrans and with the relevant elected members of the Local Authority.

You will need to know and understand politics in Scotland, both the Scottish parliament and local government of Scotland.

Sustrans has a long-term commitment to being a charity for everyone - reducing inequality, valuing diversity, enabling inclusion, and ensuring all people are treated with dignity and respect. We aim to be a truly inclusive employer and welcome applications from people from all parts of the community, in particular from under-represented groups.

What we offer

In return we can offer true hybrid working to suit individual circumstances and a flexible, supportive, and rewarding working environment.

Wellbeing

• 28 days’ leave per annum plus bank holidays for full-time working

• Ability to buy an extra week of annual leave (pro-rata for part-time staff)

• Staff volunteer days

• 24/7 free, impartial, and confidential support service

• We are members of the Green Commute Initiative and Cycle Scheme who both offer cycle to work schemes

Financial

• Group Personal Pension scheme with a 4% or 5% of basic salary contribution being matched by Sustrans

• Bike, computer and season ticket loans

• Discount benefits

Family Friendly

• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay

• Flexible Working practices (full time hours are 37.5 per week, Monday - Friday)

Application notes

For more information visit our website

• Closing date for the receipt of completed applications is 23:59, 29 Jan 2023.

• Interviews will take place via MS Teams during the week 06 Feb 2023

To apply, please complete our online application form. More details of our vacancies can be found at sustrans.org.uk/about-us/vacancies.

About Sustrans

At Sustrans you'll be part of a movement to make it easier for people to walk and cycle. We're all here to change things! You’ll be part of an incredible community of talented, passionate, creative, problem solvers all working together to change things for the better. We act locally and think big - we have a vision of a society where the way we travel creates healthier places and happier lives for everyone.

You'll be questioning the status quo and daring to imagine a different world. You'll work on exciting, impactful projects that will stretch and empower you and you'll be rewarded by seeing the difference you make to people, communities, and the planet.

We believe including everyone is central to who we are and what we want to achieve, we welcome difference and pride ourselves on creating a culture where you can be yourself and where your wellness is supported.

You'll be guaranteed to make friends for life and work with a team that is incredibly flexible, supportive, ethical and fun.


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