Policy Adviser (Natural Capital)

Scottish Land & Estates is recruiting a policy adviser to lead on issues relating to nature markets and greenhouse gas emission reporting and measuring to compliment our continued work on Integrated Land Management and Climate Resilience. This role would suit someone with an interest in land management, climate change, nature finance and how landowners can benefit from understanding their emission baselines. We are looking for someone who has broad experiences of working with rural land-based businesses and is keen to develop, apply and share their knowledge. Previous experience of policy work is not required but enthusiasm to represent rural land managers and shape the regulatory world in which they function is essential as is a knowledge of rural matters. This is a great opportunity for someone looking to progress their career in a high profile and important role, as part of a supportive and energetic team.

For more information, please see the job description on our website Vacancies | Scottish Land & Estates (scottishlandandestates.co.uk) or contact Eleanor Kay, Senior Policy Adviser, for a confidential chat, 07483 054293.

To apply, please send your CV and covering letter to Ania Rytel-Dunn (ania.rytel-dunn@scottishlandandestates.co.uk) by noon on 28th July, 2025, with interviews held in our Musselburgh office on week commencing 4th August 2025.

Title: Policy Adviser (Natural Capital)

Line Manager: Senior Policy Adviser (Agriculture & Climate Change)

Based at: Scottish Land & Estates’ Headquarters, Musselburgh (with hybrid working)

Hours: 34.5 hours per week (9 – 5 Mon to Thurs, 9 – 4.30 Fri), with some flexibility.

Holidays: 30 days per year including 6 bank holidays, along with additional leave to cover office closure between Christmas and New Year.

Salary: £29,049 - £39,176 depending on experience

Benefits: Training and CPD allowance, time off in lieu allowance, contributory pension, free parking at office, electric vehicle salary sacrifice scheme, supportive and friendly working environment.

Scottish Land & Estates

Our vision is to make a prosperous and sustainable future for rural Scotland, delivering benefits for all. We do this by championing and supporting rural businesses that provide economic, social and environmental benefit to the countryside.

From campsites to community owners to country estates, our members represent a diverse community passionate about promoting rural Scotland, and we’ve acted as their voice for over 100 years. 

We are here to represent members' views to politicians and other decision makers, to identify future opportunities and risks for land-based businesses, to celebrate rural successes, and to provide support to those with a stake in land and property in rural Scotland. Our member network is a great way to share knowledge and good practice.

Policy team

The SLE policy team comprises: Director of Policy, Vice Chair (Policy), Policy Advisers (Agriculture & Climate Change; Access & Visitor Management; Biodiversity & Woodlands, Wildlife Management; Rural Business & Property; Rural Communities), our in-house Legal Adviser, and Policy Assistant. In addition, the Director of Moorland works closely with all members of the policy team on issues which impact on grouse moor management or have a moorland dimension.

The team performs several key functions:

1) it works with members to formulate policy positions and identify policy priorities

2) it keeps abreast of policy developments in all areas where members have an interest to ensure that members are informed about changes in policy and regulatory framework, and it communicates these changes through a range of communication channels;

3) it represents the interests of members at all stages in the policy development and legislative process, influencing Government policy at local, national and European level;

4) it responds to queries from members on policy topics;

5) it develops, or raises awareness of, good practice across a wide range of policy areas of relevance to members; and

6) it identifies new opportunities and risks for land-based businesses so that members are aware of forthcoming opportunities and challenges.

The work of the policy team covers a broad range of topics but strives to ensure that issues are considered in a holistic and integrated manner. The policy work of the organisation is supported and guided by our National Policy Group, which is made up of members and staff and chaired by our Vice Chair (Policy). The National Policy Group assists staff in the development of policy and formulation of policy positions and provides advice to staff on policy priorities and objectives. The group also provides a vehicle for monitoring the effectiveness of the organisation’s policy work.

Job Description

Policy Adviser (Climate Change)

Location

Based at our Musselburgh office, with hybrid working and occasional travel to other locations across Scotland

Reports to

Senior Policy Adviser (Agriculture & Climate Change)

Direct reports

None

Policy Topics

To Lead on member information and representation on;

Nature Markets

Emission Trading Schemes

Scope 1, 2, & 3 Emission Reporting and Compliance

Carbon codes, current and future

Private & Blended Finance

Baselines

General overview

You will identify and develop key policy issues for the rural sector with a focus on nature markets and measuring emissions, produce policy briefings and technical guidance, provide advice to the membership, and support the organisational work across the policy team.

The role will also involve considerable engagement with a wide range of stakeholders as well as representational and lobbying activity. A key part of the job will be working to influence policy development to ensure a positive way forward that minimises the impact of proposed legislation, regulation and policy on members’ businesses, and where appropriate seek to enhance policy or advocate policy change in ways that further members’ interests.

Main duties and responsibilities

To be the policy lead on issues relating to Nature Markets.

To advise SLE colleagues and members on all aspects of existing and emerging relevant issues.

To represent SLE on relevant issues to the Scottish Parliament, Scottish Government, and its agencies, and in meetings with stakeholders and partners.

To work with the Chief Executive, Director of Policy and Senior Policy Adviser to identify legislation, regulation and policy at regional, Scottish, UK and European levels which will impact on the membership.

To produce technical information papers and briefings (both internal and external)

To respond to relevant consultation papers.

Where necessary to highlight and manage further research which provides value for SLE members.

To provide relevant input and support to the organisation’s National Policy Group, and provide staff lead for technical and issue specific sub groups relating to areas within your remit.

To gather and produce relevant data to support policy work

To understand the legislative and regulatory burdens on rural businesses to promote best practice across the range of policy issues within your remit.

To work with our Communications Team to produce media releases and press briefings.

To represent SLE at member meetings, shows and events.

To provide support to senior management team on policy areas relating to climate change.

To provide advice, within defined criteria, to individual members, such advice being in addition to, and not a substitute for, that of the member’s own professional advisers.

To provide generic advice to members through Land Business, policy update, e-news, website, information sheets etc on relevant current and future issues.

Other duties

To support the achievement of the Business Plan objectives, including the production of specific work plans for relevant policy areas.

Person Specification	Essential	Desirable
Education/Qualifications:	Educated to higher education level or equivalent relevant work experience	Qualification in a relevant discipline, e.g. climate change, biodiversity, geography,
Experience:	Good understanding of, and interest in, issues affecting rural Scotland Ability to work flexibly and with enthusiasm, on own initiative and as part of a team High level of tact, diplomacy, and confidentiality A willingness to work occasional evenings or weekends, for which time off will be given in lieu. Access to transport as the nature of the role will involve rural travel.	Experience of working in a policy environment. Experience of working for a membership organisation. Experience of nature markets, carbon codes and climate change legislation
Skills/Knowledge:	Understanding of the wide range of policies within the work areas. Understanding of climate change and nature market issues in Scotland Excellent verbal and written communications skills, including ability to engage with a wide range of stakeholders Skills in managing priorities in a pressured working environment and working to deadlines Ability to understand and translate legislative and policy information. Proficient in the use of Microsoft Office packages such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.	Understanding of developing Nature Markets and carbon codes. Experience of working with emissions trading schemes, nature markets and establishing baselines. Understanding of assessing Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions. Knowledge of private finance opportunities. Knowledge of Scottish and UK legislative process.
Aptitudes/Attributes	Self-Motivated, proactive, and enthusiastic Strong organisational skills Comfortable dealing well with people from a wide variety of backgrounds Confidence, tact, and diplomacy Calm and confident under pressure Ability to work to tight deadlines and to support others in doing so Flexibility in being able to support the work of the wider team
Other Job Requirements:	Full driving licence and access to car