Renewables Science Projects Lead

Are you passionate about contributing to the fight against climate change and promoting sustainable offshore wind development in Scotland?

OCTOBER START DATE

An exciting opportunity awaits as the Scottish Government gears up for a new HR and Finance platform implementation. Some positions are slated to commence from October 2024. Join us on this impactful journey!

We are seeking an individual who:

• Thrives on spearheading the creation of innovative scientific project proposals to bolster the case for offshore wind development in Scotland
• Boasts a track record of leading successful multi-partner projects and securing funding from diverse sources
• Is dedicated to advancing sustainable offshore wind initiatives

If you embody these qualities, then this role with the Marine Directorate could be your perfect fit.
Recently, Crown Estate Scotland unveiled the successful candidates for the ScotWind offshore wind leasing round. This initiative marks a pivotal moment in Scottish waters for the construction of offshore wind farms, aligning with Scotland's Net Zero goals, carbon neutrality target by 2045, and efforts to combat the climate crisis. Responsible for determining the location of ScotWind projects, administering related offshore planning consents, and overseeing environmentally sustainable project delivery, the Scottish Government plays a crucial role. The Renewables and Ecology Team (R&E) within the Marine Directorate provides specialized scientific counsel to regulators and policymakers in support of these endeavors.

Currently comprising around 25 members, the R&E team advises the government on the potential environmental impacts of marine energy on various receptors like birds, marine mammals, fish and fisheries, benthic habitats, and diadromous fish. Moreover, our experts offer advice on other Scottish Government priorities such as marine protected area management and the regulation of additional marine activities. Serving as the scientific cornerstone of the Scottish Marine Energy Research (ScotMER) Programme, the R&E team identifies and addresses crucial knowledge gaps that could impede the sustainable progression of marine renewables in Scotland. These gaps are addressed through collaborative, commissioned, or in-house research, with the R&E team providing scientific leadership.

This role is permanent and entails directing the development and execution of renewables science projects within R&E to address key knowledge gaps pertinent to the sustainable deployment of offshore wind and other marine renewables. Special focus areas include seabirds, marine mammals, benthic species and habitats, marine fish, fisheries, diadromous fish, underwater noise, oceanography, cumulative effects, ecosystem impacts, compensatory measures, and creating positive outcomes for nature. The incumbent will manage the relationship with the ScotMER Programme situated in the Offshore Wind Directorate, collaborating across the Scottish Government to pinpoint critical knowledge gaps concerning offshore wind and secure apt funding. This necessitates adherence to relevant processes for costing, approval, and execution of externally and internally funded research. The role mandates close coordination with colleagues in the Marine Directorate and the Offshore Wind Directorate, fostering collaborative relationships with internal and external stakeholders, potential delivery partners, national and international allies to cultivate synergy and accessibility to external funding streams.

Although the role is primarily focused on offshore wind affairs, our flexible resourcing policy within the Marine Directorate mandates versatility. Thus, the post-holder may need to contribute to other priority areas as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Steer the development of proposals, secure funding, and manage project delivery across REEA to enhance the knowledge base or assessment methodologies for marine renewable licensing
• Lead the relationship management between R&E and the ScotMER team, streamlining interactions between the two entities and ensuring process efficiency
• Collaborate with R&E specialists to identify essential evidence gaps and synergies across different specialist areas, facilitating strategic approaches to address specific evidence gaps
• Uphold internal costing, approval, and budget management processes for all projects, including additional requisites for externally funded projects
• Engage with internal and external partners to spot future funding opportunities or alternative delivery mechanisms
• Potential supervision of personnel and project management responsibilities

Competencies:

(Exhibit at assessment/interview)

• Leadership
• Effective Communication and Engagement
• Performance Enhancement
• Analysis and Application of Evidence
• Financial Management

You will be evaluated using the Science specialist competency framework.

Essential Criteria & Qualifications

(Demonstrate in application form)

• Solid comprehension of the marine environment and the potential impact of human activities on crucial marine ecological facets
• Experience leading the development of commercial, research, or scientific project proposals and successfully securing funding, including fostering collaborative partnerships
• Ability to work autonomously with strong organizational skills and efficient project management
• Proven track record of effectively managing and delivering research projects within stipulated timelines and budgets

The Scottish Government, as the devolved government for Scotland, oversees various key policy areas including education, health, economy, justice, housing, and transport. We provide fulfilling careers across diverse professions and roles to individuals working towards enhancing the lives of people in Scotland.

Joining the UK Civil Service, our staff work alongside Ministers and senior stakeholders to deliver essential public services that positively impact Scotland's populace.

We foster a supportive and inclusive work environment, offering an array of employee benefits. Learn more about our offerings.

Adhering to the Civil Service Nationality Rules as part of the UK Civil Service is mandatory.

WORKING PATTERN

Our standard work hours are 37 per week, transitioning to 35 hours weekly for all staff starting 1st October 2024. We provide a range of flexible and hybrid work arrangements tailored to role requirements. For specific queries related to the role you're interested in, feel free to reach out to us.

EQUALITY STATEMENT

We champion equality and inclusivity, striving to build a diverse workforce reflective of our nation's populace.

Learn more about our commitment to diversity and the recruitment adjustments we offer to support all applicants.

FURTHER INFORMATION

Explore our organization, staff benefits, and application details on our Careers Website.

Discover more about Net Zero recruitment at: Net Zero roles at Scottish Government - Scottish Government Jobs

Refer to our Candidate Guide for additional insights into our recruitment and application processes.

CONTACT

For additional details on this role, reach out to: Kate.brookes@gov.scot

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Salary: £57,141.00 per annum

Work Location: On-Site

Reference ID: 2024-9233