Policy Officer

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COSLA is the voice of local government in Scotland. As a Councillor-led, cross-party organisation we champion councils’ vital work to secure the resources and powers they need. We work on councils' behalf to focus on the challenges and opportunities they face, and to engage positively with governments and others on policy, funding and legislation. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the heart of our dynamic and high-profile organisation at time of significant change and challenge.

You can find out more about the work of COSLA via our website www.cosla.gov.uk or from our Twitter page @COSLA

This is a crucial role within our Migration, Population and Diversity Team that will assist in the design and delivery of policies and services for migrants. It will include a particular focus on the Ending Destitution Together Strategy and on supporting local authorities to strengthen assistance for people at risk of destitution. The Ending Destitution Together Strategy was published by COSLA and Scottish Government in March 2021. It sets out the approach that will be taken in Scotland to prevent destitution and better protect the human rights of people with no recourse to public funds (NRPF).

Priorities will including working across Local Government to provide information, guidance, training and support to frontline officers and helping to develop new policy approaches which mitigate the associated harms of destitution. The role will require close working with Scottish Government and local authorities including adult and children’s services, housing and homelessness and welfare teams as well as developing partnerships with third sector agencies. The post holder will also be required to engage in work with UK Government regarding incoming changes to migration, refugee and asylum legislation.

You can find out more about the MPD Team at www.migrationscotland.org.uk.

The posts are fixed term to 31 March 2025 in the first instance. MPD posts are based in COSLA’s Glasgow office, although staff are currently working on a hybrid basis, from home and in the office. Flexibility to travel will be required, mostly within Scotland, but may also include occasional travel to other parts of the UK.

How to apply

Applications should be made through the myjobscotland website by 11.59pm on Sunday 7th July.

It is anticipated interviews will be held Thursday 25 July.

With good political acumen, a strong commitment to human rights and drive to see positive improvements in the lives of marginalised communities you will work closely with the Policy Manager to help achieve COSLA’s priorities.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Supporting implementation of the strategy across Local Government and delivering actions agreed by COSLA Leaders and Boards to achieve it’s aims and outcomes
• Working with local authorities and wider partners to promote the rights and entitlements of migrants, including people with NRPF, and to remove barriers to accessing public services
• Monitoring relevant changes in UK and Scottish policy as they impact on the rights of migrants, producing clear and concise information for local authorities on the implications for local service delivery
• Developing partnership activities including work to strengthen statutory responses to destitution which improves access to support, advice and assistance for people with NRPF across Scotland
• Co-ording a network of local authorities to improve local policy and practice knowledge and increase engagement between migrant communities, the third sector and wider public sector partners
• Providing administrative support to joint Scottish Government and COSLA strategic and multiagency working groups, including to senior politicians
• Co-ordinating Local Government monitoring and reporting processes, helping to produce accessible reports and communications materials
• Representing Local Government within stakeholder meetings and forums

You will be an exemplar for the public service ethos by committing to:

• a respect for the autonomy and potential of the people and communities of Scotland, and the ambition to help maximise both;
• an ambition to improve the lives and opportunities of the people and communities of Scotland, and a commitment to work with them to achieve their aspirations; and
• gaining maximum value and impact for public resources, and to account openly to the public for what is done in their name.