Location
Edinburgh

Hours
Full Time - Permanent Contract

Salary
£39,767 per annum

About the Role
Environmental Standards Scotland (ESS) is an independent non-ministerial office accountable to the Scottish Parliament, tasked with monitoring, investigating, and securing public authorities’ compliance with environmental law in Scotland. ESS also scrutinises the effectiveness of environmental law and policy and identifies gaps in environmental protection legislation. Our Strategy 2026-2031 outlines our vision to ensure Scotland’s people and nature benefit from a high-quality, healthy environment through improved compliance and better implementation of effective environmental law.

We are expanding our role to include scrutiny of the Scottish Government’s delivery against new statutory biodiversity and nature restoration targets under the Natural Environment (Scotland) Act 2026, and local authorities’ reporting against climate change duties as set out in the Climate Change (Scotland) Act 2009. To support this, we are recruiting two Scrutiny Officers to join the New Scrutiny Duties Development Department.

Key duties include contributing to evidence gathering, policy scrutiny, and reporting outcomes; supporting implementation of policies and working practices; managing workload and tasks through effective programme management; monitoring relevant policy, regulatory, and legislative developments; supporting external outreach with the communications team; collaborating with the data analysis team to strengthen the evidence base; producing external reports and briefings; managing departmental dashboards and performance management information; maintaining information and record management procedures; and supporting wider organisational work as required.

Experience
Experience working in a team at pace to deliver high-quality products or services. Proven ability to undertake detailed analysis using a range of evidence and information to produce meaningful insights and support recommendations for improving regulatory and/or operational performance. Experience of quantitative analysis and data management to support decision making. Experience managing internal and external relationships, creating positive networks, and maintaining trust and credibility. Excellent written and oral communication skills, including drafting and editing reports and producing advice for diverse audiences.

About you
Excellent communication and influencing skills with the ability to establish strong working relationships with internal and senior external stakeholders. Strong organisational and prioritisation skills with the ability to work independently and deliver at pace without sacrificing quality. Strong interpersonal, networking, and team-working skills. Ability to adapt and contribute positively to organisational change.

Qualifications
A minimum of two years’ experience working in a policy or scrutiny support function. Desirable criteria include experience in a scrutiny-focused organisation (inspection, audit, regulatory, or evaluation), understanding of the climate and/or nature policy environment in Scotland, experience in environmental science, law, policy or regulation, and skills utilising scientific and data analysis to inform policy development and delivery.