Policy Officer – Grade E2

Scottish Funding Council

Policy Officer supporting the implementation of the Knowledge Exchange and Innovation Fund in Scotland. Responsible for effective communication and coordination with stakeholders in higher education.

Posted 7/15/2026full-timeEdinburgh • 🇬🇧 United KingdomMid-LevelSenior💰 £40,965 - £48,243 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in knowledge exchange and innovation policy, with strong analytical skills to support data collection and insight generation. Capable of effective communication and collaboration with stakeholders in the UK higher education sector.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Knowledge Exchange MetricsData AnalysisEffective CommunicationInterpersonal SkillsPolicy Development

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Quantitative AnalysisQualitative AnalysisResearch MethodologyPolicy ImplementationGuidance Development

Soft Skills

Organizational AbilitiesCollaborationFlexibilityResilienceAttention to Detail

Certifications & Qualifications

SCQF Level 9 (Degree) or Equivalent Experience

Industry Keywords

UK Higher EducationStakeholder EngagementResearch and Innovation PolicySFC InvestmentInstitutional Impact

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Support the implementation and ongoing development of the Knowledge Exchange and Innovation Fund (KEIF), including associated knowledge exchange metrics.
Contribute to the development of clear, accessible guidance and communications for institutions and stakeholders, supporting consistent understanding and delivery of policy.
Support the coordination of KE data collection, returns and information requests, providing analysis and insight to inform monitoring and policy development.
Assist in monitoring delivery, outcomes and emerging impacts at an institutional and sector level, helping to demonstrate the value of SFC investment.
Undertake KE&I research and analysis to inform advice and guidance for internal colleagues and external stakeholders.
Work collaboratively to support engagement with key stakeholders, including universities and Scottish Government officials.
Contribute to the design and delivery of cross directorate research and innovation activity, supporting joined up working and coherence across SFC policy areas.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Effective oral and written communication skills, with the ability to research, analyse, understand and respond appropriately to complex issues.
Experience of conducting analysis, including working with quantitative datasets and qualitative/narrative information to generate insight.
Well-developed interpersonal skills, with the ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders, and to work collaboratively across teams.
Excellent organisational abilities, with the ability to respond to a varied workload while maintaining a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
A positive, flexible and resilient approach with the ability to adapt to changing priorities and work constructively in a dynamic environment.
Qualified to SCQF Level 9 (Degree) or equivalent experience.
Knowledge of UK Higher Education institutions.
Policy development and implementation experience (Desirable).
Understanding of research and innovation policy in the Scottish and UK context and of the main policy issues in higher education (Desirable).

Benefits

Comp & perks

Normal full-time hours of work are 35 per week. We will consider flexible working arrangements.
Annual leave entitlement of 30 days pro-rata, plus public and privilege holiday entitlement of 13 days pro-rata.
A flexible approach to hybrid working, giving you flexibility to work from home anywhere in the UK for some of the time while also maintaining regular in-person contact with colleagues.
Annual pay review: approved within the framework of the Scottish Government’s Public Sector Pay Policy and negotiated with our recognised trade union, Unite. Salaries are reviewed annually in April for employees who commence employment prior to 1 October in the preceding year.
Eligibility to join the Civil Service Pension Scheme. With its low member contribution rates and generous employer contributions, this gives you a secure, inflation-proof pension for life with no investment uncertainty.
Support for continuous professional development.
Support for health and wellbeing, including generous occupational sick pay, free access to confidential advice and support through our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
We provide support to SFC employees with Volunteering Days.
Support for travel to and from work, including a salary sacrifice cycle loan scheme, cycle storage and shower facilities, an interest-free loan for bus or rail season tickets and free office car parking for employees on a first-come basis.