Policy Officer

Children 1st

Policy Officer at Children First, conducting research and analysis to improve children's outcomes in Scotland. Collaborating on policy and campaigning efforts and engaging with stakeholders.

Posted 6/25/2026full-timeEdinburgh • 🇬🇧 United KingdomMid-LevelSenior💰 £30,602 - £35,778 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Monitor and analyse policy, legislation, research and guidance relevant to Children First's strategic priorities.
Carry out research and synthesise evidence to support the development of policy briefings, consultation responses and submissions.
Support the development and delivery of Children First's policy and influencing work.
Build and maintain positive relationships with policymakers, partners, charities, public bodies and other stakeholders.
Coordinate meetings, events and engagement opportunities with children, families, partners and elected representatives.
Work collaboratively with colleagues across the organisation to ensure policy work is informed by evidence, service insight and lived experience.
Help amplify the voices and experiences of children, young people and families to inform policy development and influence change.
Contribute to projects and activities across the wider Policy, Evidence and Impact Team.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Degree level standard of education.
Experience of analysing and understanding complex issues and information and sharing this in both writing and orally.
Experience of advocacy and campaign work to influence change.
Experience of supporting children and young people to share their views and contribute to decisions which affect them (Common Core ref: A4, A8)
Ability to work independently and proactively, as well as collaboratively in both an internal and external network.
Strong interpersonal skills, able to work with a range of different people.
High standard of oral, written and presentation skills.
An understanding of children’s rights and the key issues facing children and families in Scotland today.
A developing understanding of the Scottish legislative and policy landscape, including the Scottish Parliament and the Scottish Government.

Benefits

Comp & perks

40 days annual leave, inclusive of public holidays.
Flexible and hybrid working arrangements.
Pension scheme.
Access to Westfield Health, including counselling support and wellbeing resources.
Blue Light Card discounts.
A Fair Work accredited workplace.

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

policy analysisresearch synthesisevidence-based policy developmentadvocacycampaign workoral communicationwritten communicationpresentation skills

Soft Skills

interpersonal skillscollaborative workindependent workproactive approachrelationship building

Certifications

degree