Job detail for Heat Networks Policy Officer

This is an Expression of Interest (EOI) opportunity, available on a lateral move basis only. Applications are open to Core Scottish Government employees only**.

Job Title - Heat Networks Policy Officer

Business Area/Directorate - Heat Networks Regulation Team

Location - AQ / VQ

Working Arrangement – Staff in roles compatible with hybrid working should aim to spend 40% of their contracted working time working in person at their contractual workplace. More information can be found within Hybrid Working Policy

Grade- B2

Advert type- Level transfer

Duration- Permanent

Eligibility- Expressions of interest are invited from substantive colleagues on level transfer from core SG only.

**Sponsorship:**Skilled Worker sponsorship is not available for this role. As a result, we are unable to appoint candidates who require Skilled Worker sponsorship now or in the future. Applicants must have an existing and ongoing right to work in the UK.

Job description

Do you want to help Scotland achieve its net zero commitments, deliver a just heat decarbonisation and release our economic potential?This is an exciting and rewarding role in a high priority policy area that offers the chance to contribute to decarbonising our energy system as a crucial part of our journey to net zero

We have an opportunity for a B2 Policy Official to join the Heat Networks Regulations team on a temporary basis to support the implementation of secondary legislation for heat network regulations, through the Heat in Buildings Bill and Heat Networks (Scotland) Act 2021. This is an ideal development opportunity for someone looking to broaden their experience in primary and secondary legislation.

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• Work flexibly with colleagues across the Division and beyond to contribute and lead on the ongoing development of policy and delivery approaches for Heat in Buildings.
• Supporting the team to ensure the proposed new heat network regulations are delivered within agreed timelines.
• Supporting the delivery of secondary legislation associated with the Heat in Buildings Bill and Heat Networks (Scotland) Act 2021.
• Maintain key stakeholder relationships with external organisations, relevant departments of other UK administrations and across Scottish Government to progress relevant policy and regulatory proposals, including developing and supporting possible public consultations on future legislation.
• Supporting on corporate tasks across the Division, including working on Ministerial submissions, Ministerial correspondence cases, Parliamentary Questions, Freedom of Information requests and to maintain relevant core briefs.

Success Profile

Success profiles are specific to each job and they include the mix of skills, experience and behaviours candidates will be assessed on, you should provide evidence of how you meet these in your statement.

Experience:

• A general interest and understanding of the secondary legislation process would be an advantage.

Technical / Professional Skills:

1. Participation and Engagement – Level 1: Developing
2. Policy Delivery and Systems – Level 1: Developing

You can find out more about the skills required here - Policy Profession Standards - Annex

Behaviours:

• Communicating and Influencing – Level 3
• Working Together – Level 3

You can find out more about Success Profiles on gov.scot.

Working pattern

This post is a full-time role, but we welcome applications from staff with different working patterns, proposed working patterns will be assessed against the business requirements for this post.

Our standard hours are 35 hours per week and we offer a range of flexible working options depending on the needs of the role, including Flexi-leave. Scottish Government staff in hybrid-compatible roles should aim to work in-person 40% of the time, either in an office or other agreed work location.

Further information

Further information about this opportunity is available from jacob.greenhalgh@gov.scot

How to Apply

Please submit an Expression of Interest (maximum 500 words) outlining your suitability for the role, relevant skills and experience, and what you would bring to the team. Please align this to how you meet the behaviours, experience and technical skills listed in the Success Profile above.

Vacancies close at 23:59pm on Monday 28 September.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can be used to support your application, but all statements and examples provided must be truthful, factually accurate and taken directly from your own experience. Where plagiarism has been identified (presenting the ideas and experiences of others, or generated by artificial intelligence, and presented as your own) applications will be withdrawn and internal candidates may be subject to disciplinary action.

Please see ourcandidate guidance for more information on acceptable and unacceptable uses of AI in recruitment.

If invited for further assessment, this will consist of an informal discussion.

Selection Process

Applications will be reviewed by panel. Shortlisted candidates who are considered to have the skills and experience will be invited to interview with the hiring manager and another panel member. The panel will recommend the candidate considered most suitable for the post.

Interviews are expected to be scheduled for w/c TBC.

Recruitment Principles

As a government organisation, we adhere to the Civil Service Commission Recruitment Principles and we investigate any complaints received in relation to recruitment cases.

About us

The Scottish Government is the devolved government for Scotland. We have responsibility for a wide range of key policy areas including: education, health, the economy, justice, housing and transport. We offer rewarding careers and employ people across Scotland in a wide range of professions and roles.

Our staff are part of the UK Civil Service observing the Civil Service Codeand working for Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver vital public services which improve the lives of the people of Scotland.

We offer a supportive and inclusive working environment along with a wide range of employee benefits. Find out more about what we offer.

As part of the UK Civil Service, we uphold the Civil Service Nationality Rules.

Security checks

Successful candidates must complete the Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS), before they can be appointed. BPSS is comprised of four main pre-employment checks – Identity, Right to work, Employment History and a Criminal Record check (unspent convictions).

You can find out more about BPSS on the UK Government website, or read about the different levels of security checks in ourCandidate Guide.

Equality statement

We are committed to equality and inclusion and we aim to recruit a diverse workforce that reflects the population of our nation.

Find out more about our commitment to diversity and how we offer and support recruitment adjustments for anyone who needs them.

Further information

Find out more about our organisation, what we offer staff members and how to apply on ourCareers Website.

Read ourCandidate Guide for further information on our recruitment and application processes.

Apply before: 28/09/2026 (23:59). This role is open to substantive B2 staff from core SG only.