Want to make a difference in one of the most influential places in Scotland? Now is your chance!
This is an excellent opportunity to join the Scottish Parliament Participation and Communities Team (PACT) as a Participation Specialist.
The role of PACT is to support public involvement in the work of Scottish Parliament committees, to better inform scrutiny of policy and legislation. We support committees engaging with people across Scotland, including those with protected characteristics, groups and communities particularly impacted by legislation, or people with lived experience. We achieve this through relationship building and partnership working with the third sector and other community organisations. PACT also works to test and embed innovations in public engagement in the work of the Parliament, including digital and deliberative
We particularly welcome applications from candidates from a minority ethnic background who are under-represented at this level. All appointments will be made on merit. We have a values-based culture of respect and inclusion embedded in our organisation, and everyone has the ability to make a difference.
As a Participation Specialist, you’ll support the development of the Parliament’s approach to public engagement activities to inform committee business. You’ll work closely with other members of staff supporting Parliamentary committees, leading and reviewing the impact of the Parliament’s digital participation and developing and delivering deliberative approaches to engagement. You’ll advise and collaborate on engagement plans with a diverse range of stakeholders, both internal and external. You’ll also contribute to wider PACT activities to test and embed new engagement processes and methods.
You’ll be experienced in planning, facilitating and evaluating engagement sessions, such as focus groups or workshops, both online and in person. You’ll have a strong understanding of the third sector and community development and be experienced in leading projects. You’ll also have great problem-solving skills with the ability to develop solutions based on the needs of the end user.
You’ll work on your own initiative and have excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and meet deadlines.
You’ll demonstrate a high level of personal credibility with well developed communication and influencing skills, and the ability to build and maintain positive working relationships both internally and externally. You’ll have a flexible and resilient approach to overcoming barriers and challenges. You’ll demonstrate a collaborative approach, with a passion for and experience in the inclusion of under-represented groups and people with lived experience.
Working Pattern: Our normal working week is 37 hours but we currently operate a wide variety of work patterns, successfully balancing lifestyle choices with business requirements. All requests for part time or flexible working hours will be seriously considered. As public engagement needs to be designed around the needs of participants, this post involves occasional weekend and evening work and travel to different parts of Scotland. We manage this flexibly across the team to take account of individual circumstances
We offer a great range of benefits including 41.5 days of leave (including public holidays), the opportunity to join the Civil Service pension arrangements, flexible working and family-friendly policies.
If you’re looking for a new challenge and the opportunity to contribute to the Parliament’s vision, we’d love to hear from you.
To find out more and to apply, please visit our website.
Closing date: 23.59 on 11 May 2022.