Senior Policy Officer

We are recruiting for a full time Senior Policy Officer (Digital Waste Tracking)  on a fixed term basis for 23 months

Your passion has never had a greater purpose

Here at SEPA, we’re connected by a passion that drives us to be purposeful in every action we take – to protect our environment. Through our expertise, we lead projects that make a difference for Scotland, and our workplaces are grounded in respect for that expertise.

That’s why, when you join us as Senior Policy Officer, you’ll discover enriching benefits, meaningful support, and opportunities to learn every day. That’s what it means to be Passionately Purposeful – for our environment, and for your career.

Work that goes beyond your desk

Experts at what we do, we work in a professional way towards our shared goals, knowing the work we do makes a genuine, lasting difference on the environment. As Senior Policy Officer, that involves:

  • Supporting the Digital Waste Tracking Unit Manger/Project Lead in provision of advice to Scottish Government and Defra with regards policy decisions and strategy development for the implementation of digital waste tracking for receiving waste sites and the development of digital waste tracking for future users.  
  • Key contact for work with the other UK national regulators and devolved governments across multiple aspects of digital waste tracking project development. This role will involve the active participation in many multi-agency groups.
  • Responding to more difficult, contentious or novel industry queries and engagement requests from obligated companies and stakeholders. 
  • Reviewing and supporting the drafting of SEPA policy and guidance for both internal and external stakeholders.      Identifying internal policies and procedures which will be impacted by digital waste tracking and working with process owners to update and adapt.
  • Supporting the Unit Manager and taking a lead in preparing for our new regulatory role including implementation of the digital exclusion register, development of charging scheme and supporting SEPA compliance officers using the system while undertaking regulatory duties at receiving waste sites.

Respect for your expertise

This is a highly important role within our Regulation, Business & Environment portfolio, which means you’ll need:

  • Relevant experience or qualification to SCQF Level 8-10
  • Proven ability to contribute to the development of measurable outcomes through understanding business requirements, the provision of policy advice and development of strategic solution ideas.
  • Proven ability to work independently, triage work and prioritise, resolving more difficult or unusual problems which may have been referred by less experienced colleagues, and escalating risks and issues where necessary.
  • Ability to understand, apply and support others with regards to legal or technical information such as environmental regulation, corporate policies or operational procedures. 
  • Ability to generate ideas for solutions and new ways of working.

Please open the link to the Senior Policy Officer role profile link which outlines the core responsibilities and expectations of the role within a defined activity family.  Please note the role profile name may be different to the job title being advertised.
 

Support that goes beyond the workplace

We’re cultivating a workplace that supports not only your passion and your professional lives, but your personal life. So, you’ll find benefits that make a difference at work and at home. Such as:

  • Hybrid and Flexible working opportunities
  • Up to 35 days annual leave and 7 additional public holidays each year (pro rata)
  • Paid time off to support your Wellbeing and enable you to Volunteer in your community  
  • Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
  • Progressive Family Friendly policies  
  • Training & development to enable colleagues to improve their skills, competencies and knowledge to perform at their best.

Plus, many more lifestyle benefits such as 24/7 access to an online employee discount platform, credit union facilities and access to a Cycle to Work Scheme.

Passionately you. Purposefully supportive

SEPA is committed to promoting equality, diversity, and good relations in everything it does – as a community leader, as a provider and commissioner of services, and as an employer.

Passionately Purposeful about Scotland’s environment – and your career.

Protecting our environment, promoting our work, and supporting our people, working at SEPA means being part of an organisation that’s grounded in respect for your expertise – and your wellbeing. So you can be your best, and make the biggest impact.

We recruit solely based on merit. Our shortlisting process is conducted on an anonymous basis. Please ensure that you include all relevant information when you apply.

We support flexible working arrangements to help you maintain a healthy balance between career and homelife. This includes working part time, reduced hours, job sharing, working remotely. As a flexible first employer we are open to having conversations about flexible working arrangements that work for you and SEPA from day 1 of your employment with us.

We are proud to be a 'Disability Confident' employer and will work to identify and implement reasonable adjustments and equipment to support you in the role that you do.

Applicants with a visual impairment can request job descriptions and application forms in Braille, large print or on tape.

For the security and wellbeing of our colleagues, successful candidates will undergo Baseline Personnel Security Standard (BPSS) pre-employment checks including a level one Disclosure Scotland check.

If you have questions or need any assistance with the recruitment process please contact SEPA’s Recruitment Team at recruitment@sepa.org.uk

Apply now to join a Passionately Purposeful workplace

Senior Policy Officer

Scotland, Scotland, United Kingdom

ML1 4WQ

£48,026 to £53,056 per year New colleagues will start on the base of the salary
Temporary - Full-time
Posted today
Closing date: 05/05/2026
Job reference: LB1554482ScoSPO