DESCRIPTION

To support the development and analysis of policy for a range of SFC functions relating to tertiary education and research. To analyse, research and evaluate policy, working collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to support the delivery of SFC’s core duties.
This role is fixed term for 6 to 9 months. We are happy to consider this role as a secondment opportunity.
Virtual interviews will take place week commencing 6 October 2025.

IT IS IMPORTANT THROUGH YOUR COVER LETTER THAT YOU GIVE EVIDENCE OF PROVEN EXPERIENCE OF EACH OF THE FOLLOWING ESSENTIAL CRITERIA:

Essential

• Degree level education (SCQF level 9) or equivalent experience.
• Previous policy research, development and analysis experience.
• Effective oral and written communications skills, including the capacity to analyse, understand and respond to complex issues in an appropriate manner.
• Good interpersonal skills, with experience of building/developing and maintaining work relationships with external and internal stakeholders, as well as working flexibly with colleagues in other parts of the organisation.
• Effective organisational and project/programme management abilities, including good personal time management.
• Good IT skills, competent in using standard MS packages. (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams)
• Demonstrable ability to work under pressure, with flexibility to manage a diverse range of competing/conflicting demands, prioritising work effectively, and to reacting positively to change.

Desirable

• A good understanding of the higher and further education, and skills, policy environment.
• A good understanding of the current Scottish and UK political environment.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• To undertake policy analysis and development which supports SFC’s strategic policy function.
• Coordinating and drafting submissions, documents, and presentations for a variety of internal and external colleagues, including committee and board papers and consultation responses.
• Be aware of the key policy drivers, priorities and developments within the Scottish and UK tertiary and skills environment, sharing relevant updates with colleagues.
• Provide policy advice, insights, and guidance to internal and external stakeholders on a range of policy areas.
• Work collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders on policy developments, building sustainable relationships with sector colleagues.
• Contribute flexibly to the work of other teams within SFC and deputise for other colleagues as appropriate and when required.

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR APPLICANTS FOR SFC ROLES

You must already be eligible to work in the UK to apply for these roles. SFC do not hold a UK Visa & Immigration (UKVI) Skills Worker License and are unable to sponsor any individuals for Skilled Worker Sponsorship.
We are pleased to support applications from everyone regardless of age, disability, race and ethnicity, socio-economic background, gender, sexual orientation, sex, gender reassignment, marital or civil partnership status, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief, as well as those who have skills in Scottish Gaelic or British Sign Language, who have the right skills for the job.
We are proud to be a Disability Confident employer and actively encourage interviews through the scheme.
Further information about SFC is available on our website Scottish Funding Council home page (sfc.ac.uk). Additional information about our recruitment process can be found at Recruitment FAQs | Scottish Funding Council Careers (sfc.ac.uk)