Scottish Government

Chief Scientific Adviser for Environment Natural Resources and Agriculture

Job Reference QANAHB
Closing Date Monday 21 Jun 2021

Scotland is playing a central role in developing environmental solutions to the global climate and nature crises, and our response is based on the strongest possible scientific evidence. Science plays an important part in how the Scottish Government delivers its objectives, including policy areas with in-house science expertise and the work of a number of professional science advisers.

The Scottish Government is now seeking an outstanding scientist for the role of Chief Scientific Adviser, Environment, Natural Resources and Agriculture. This individual will inspire, challenge and provide leadership within the Scottish Government in the delivery of existing policies and in the development of new approaches to the many challenges faced by our environment, natural resources and agriculture department.

They will combine their professional scientific expertise and knowledge with strategic judgement and political awareness, with the experience and ability to both lead and influence, work across boundaries and add value to a leadership team. The successful candidate will have a track record of leadership, achievement, resilience and delivery at a senior level, with experience of driving change and translating strategic challenges into clear objectives and delivery. To be successful in this role, you will need to work inclusively, transparently and collegiately, and enthuse and empower others to help you deliver your aims and objectives. They will maintain active links with the research community, within and beyond his or her chosen specialism.

The role is central to the Scottish Government’s work on the environment, agriculture and the wider rural economy, from climate change and biodiversity to food security, from land use to animal health. The post-holder will lead the integration and effective use of scientific evidence in policy across these high-profile areas and will ensure that the science advice and analysis used by Scottish Government is robust, relevant and high quality. The post holder will provide independent challenge to the scientific research being conducted in and for Scottish Government.

They will help shape critical decisions on the future of Scotland’s environment, natural resources and agriculture and their contribution to growing and decarbonising Scotland’s economy while working to ensure that Scotland’s science base is secure and is developed in support of those areas.

The post holder will report to the Director for Environment and Forestry, and work closely with other professional post holders in agriculture including the Chief Scientific Adviser for Marine Scotland Science, the Chief Veterinary Officer and Scotland’s Chief Plant Health Officer. Alongside them, you will be a figurehead for science and scientists in these areas. This is a Senior Civil Service Pay Band 1 role.

Saxton Bampfylde Ltd is acting as an employment agency advisor to the Scottish Government on this appointment. For further information about the role, including details about how to apply, please visit www.saxbam.com/appointments using reference QANAHB. Alternatively telephone +44 (0)20 7227 0880 (during office hours). Applications should be received by noon on Monday 21st June.