Human Rights Project Manager

Job Description

We're looking for an enthusiastic and collaborative Project Manager to lead a national project to build human rights capability across Scottish local authorities.

As we prepare for Scotland’s upcoming Human Rights Bill, your role will be to support councils in building their capability to embed human rights-based approaches across their operations—ensuring Scotland’s public services are prepared and empowered to meet future legislative duties.

This is your chance to drive real change and be part of a pivotal moment in Scotland’s journey toward a fairer society.

Key Responsibilities

• Work with local authorities to explore their understanding, capacity and capability for taking a human rights based approach, capturing existing practice.
• Develop tools, resources, and peer networks to build knowledge and capability.
• Facilitate shared learning spaces across local government.
• Collate and share national and international resources and work to tailor these for local authority use.
• Work closely with the Scottish Government and NHS Education Scotland to align efforts across sectors.
• Evaluate project impact and shape a roadmap for long-term human rights capability building.

About You

You’ll be a confident and strategic collaborator with:

• A background in human rights law, policy, or practice
• A strong track record in project management, facilitation, and collaborative working.
• Experience influencing change across the public or third sectors.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to simplify complex human rights concepts.
• A genuine passion for equality, rights, and empowering others.

Why Join Us?

• Work on a nationally significant programme of change.
• Be part of a dynamic, forward-thinking organisation.
• Enjoy a progressive, flexible working culture.
• Make a tangible difference in the lives of people across Scotland.

Information

Location: Your primary place of work will be West Lothian Civic Centre, Howden South Road, Livingston, West Lothian EH54 6FF. It is anticipated that the role will involve a blended model of office and home working. Travel throughout Scotland may be required. This flexible approach will be agreed between employee and line manager. Attendance will be required, in person, at quarterly meetings either in the Livingston office or at another suitable venue.

Duration: Fixed term contract until 31 March 2026 with a possibility of extension dependant on funding. 

Hours of contract: 36 hours Monday to Friday. The post is available full time or part time. Hours can be worked flexibly in agreement with the Line Manager.

Advert closing date: 18 May

Interview Date

A competence based interview will take place via MS Teams in the week commencing 2nd June. (shortlisted candidates will be advised by email a week in advance of the interview).

For more information about competency-based interviews, see our 'Guide to Competency-based Interviews'. You may also find it useful to read our current Improvement Service Business Plan 2025-26

Background

The Improvement Service (IS) is a publicly funded company limited by guarantee, with a total annual budget in the region of £12 Million. We exist to support councils and their partners to improve the health, quality of life and opportunities of all Scottish people through community leadership, strong local governance and the delivery of high quality, efficient local services. 

Working for the IS means joining a team of professionals, who work together to strive for continuous improvement in the public sector and ultimately, better outcomes for Scotland’s communities. 

Our company headquarters are based in West Lothian, located conveniently for commuters between Edinburgh and Glasgow. Pay is only one of the benefits of working for the IS, our terms and conditions are progressive and flexible and employees are rewarded with a generous annual leave entitlement of forty one days per year as well as a flexible working policy. 

The IS is committed to promoting equality and diversity in all its activities to promote inclusive processes, practices and culture.

The IS is a Disability Confidence Committed Employer. We are committed to interviewing anyone with a disability who meets the essential criteria.