Policy Adviser (Rural Communities)

Title: Policy Adviser (Rural Communities)

Line Manager: Director of Policy 

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

Salary: £28-38k, depending on experience

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

Scottish Land & Estates is recruiting a policy adviser to lead on issues relating to rural communities with a focus on land reform and planning. This role would suit someone with an interest in land management, planning and how landowners interact with their local communities, 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.

To apply, please send your CV and covering letter to Joyce Karch by Monday 20th May, with interviews held in our Musselburgh office on 29th/30th May. joyce.karch@scottishlandandestates.co.uk

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.