Policy Officer, Stornoway - CNS06543


Company:	Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Salary:	£39,844 to £43,992 a year
Hours:	Full-time
Location:	Lewis, HS1 2BW
Working pattern:	On-site
Job type:	Temporary
Posting date:	23 Sept 2026
Closing date:	12 Oct 2026

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Summary

ADVERT

Policy Officer, Stornoway

37 hours per week, fixed term for 12 months

£39,844 – £43,992 per annum ( inclusive of £2,997 Distant Islands Allowance )

The Comhairle is seeking a Policy Officer to support the development, implementation, monitoring and reporting of policies and strategies that contribute to the Comhairle's priorities, with an initial focus on climate change, energy efficiency and sustainability.

You will assist with the development and review of corporate policies and strategies, undertake research and data analysis, monitor policy developments, prepare reports and briefings, and work collaboratively with colleagues, communities and partner organisations.

You should have knowledge of policy development and the key issues affecting the Outer Hebrides, together with strong communication, organisational and analytical skills.

You must hold a relevant degree qualification or have significant relevant experience. Experience of working with stakeholders, carrying out research and producing reports is essential.

Appointment to the post is fixed term for 12 months. This post may be available as a secondment opportunity for existing employees whereby the employee will retain their substantive post in accordance with the agreed secondment arrangements. Any secondment appointment will be subject to agreement from the employee's substantive manager and employing service.

Interviews will be conducted in person, providing candidates with the chance to personally meet the team and experience our work environment.

Closing Date: Monday 12 October 2026

Salary for the above post is inclusive of Distant Islands Allowance. Appointment to the post will be on the first point of the grade.

Please note that sponsorship is not available, or being offered, in connection to this post.

PRIOR TO APPLYING

It is vital that you download and read all of the attached documents to this advert before completing an application form.

Guidance Notes for Applicants

will explain our recruitment process and how to complete key information on your application so that you have the best chance of showcasing your skills and experience.

Job Description and Person Specification

must be read in order to complete the ‘Experience’ part of the application. You should refer to the person specification and detail where you meet each of the criteria and provide relevant examples of this in your application.

If either of the attachments mentioned above are missing or cannot be opened, please email

human.resources@cne-siar.gov.uk to request copies before applying for this position.

Download and save the job description, person specification and any additional documents from the vacancy job advert as you will be unable to access these once the vacancy has closed.

Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools

, such as Copilot and ChatGPT, may be used to support your application preparation, for example by generating ideas or checking spelling and grammar. However, all application responses must be your own work and accurately reflect your knowledge, skills and abilities, experience, qualifications, and achievements.

Applications that appear to rely heavily on AI-generated content may not be progressed. By submitting an application, you confirm that the information provided is authentic and based on your own experience.

Application Updates:

Please ensure your email address is entered correctly, as all correspondence regarding your application will be sent by email. We also recommend checking your inbox, junk folder, and your

MyJobScotland

account regularly for updates.

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB PURPOSE:

To assist the Comhairle in the development, implementation and monitoring and reporting of policies and strategies that contribute to the Comhairle’s priorities, with a particular focus on matters relating to climate change, energy efficiency and sustainability in the first instance.

The post holder will monitor developments, undertake research and analysis, and work collaboratively with internal services, partners, communities and external stakeholders to contribute to the development of policies, strategies and projects.

DUTIES:

1. Assist with the development and implementation of the Comhairle’s Corporate Policies by working in partnership with colleagues.

2. Develop, review and update policies and strategies including the Local Heat & Energy Efficiency Strategy and the Climate Change Strategy.

3. Provide assistance and support in the area of corporate policy and strategy through:

a. The preparation of reports, briefings, funding applications, consultation responses and presentations

b. Liaison and collaborative working with internal services and partner organisations.

c. Monitoring developments and changes in national policy, legislation and good practice.

d. Research, data collection and data analysis.

4. Assist with the delivery of projects or programmes that support the Comhairle’s corporate priorities.

5. Compile, assess and process project information, claims and supporting documentation, ensuring compliance with funding, audit and governance requirements.

6. Support performance monitoring and reporting by maintaining records and updating performance monitoring systems.

7. Support the submission of statutory, organisational and funder reporting requirements.

8. Prepare Committee Reports and attend Committees as required.

9. Undertake other duties appropriate to this job and grade, and as required by the line manager to ensure appropriate outcomes are achieved.

GENERAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

1. To ensure that all information received and disseminated, whether verbal, written or electronic concerning all employees, prospective employees or service users is treated in the strictest confidence and that all such information held is regulated and controlled in a similar manner in compliance with Data Protection legislation.

2. Uphold and positively promote the Comhairle’s Equal Opportunities Policy in service delivery and employment practices.

3. As the Comhairle is committed to the effective management of risk, it is the responsibility of all employees to carry out their duties and responsibilities with adequate regard for Risk Management as outlined within the Comhairle’s Risk Management Policy.

4. To ensure that all duties and responsibilities are performed in a safe manner so that no risk to health and safety arises to yourself, any other employee or member of the public.

5. This job description is not intended to be either prescriptive or exhaustive; it is issued as a framework to outline the main areas of responsibility at the time of writing.

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

ESSENTIAL CRITERIA

Knowledge:

E1. Knowledge of national and local policy priorities, particularly in relation to climate change, energy efficiency and sustainability, and the role of the Comhairle in relation to these.

E2. Knowledge of the key economic and community issues impacting communities in the Outer Hebrides.

Skills & Abilities:

E3. Competent in Microsoft Office applications and other IT packages/ platforms.

E4. Good interpersonal skills, ability to work well with people at all levels

E5. Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team.

E6. High level written and verbal communication skills.

E7. Ability to manage a varied workload requiring differing deadlines.

E8. Ability to accurately collate and analyse data and statistical information to produce complex reports.

E9. Ability to undertake project work.

Education and Experience:

E10. Formal qualification (degree level) in relevant subject or significant knowledge and work experience relevant to the post.

E11. Experience of working with a range of internal and external stakeholders.

E12. Experience of carrying out research or handling data, including the ability to analyse data and draft reports.

Other Factors:

E13. Flexible approach to work.

E14. Willingness to undertake training and development as required by the nature of the post.

DESIRABLE CRITERIA:

Knowledge:

D1. An understanding of the impacts of climate change in the Outer Hebrides.

Skills & Abilities:

D2. Ability to speak, read and write Gaelic.

D3. Ability to use appropriate digital tools and systems to support data analysis, interpretation and reporting

Education and Experience:

D4. Project support experience

Other Factors:

D5. Current Driving Licence.

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