The 'go to' organisation for Local Government improvement in Scotland

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.

For more information, download the full job description.

How to apply

If you would like to apply for this position, please visit My Job Scotland.

The closing date for applications is 18 May 2025.

Interview information

A competency-based interview will take place via MS Teams in the week commencing 2 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 Business Plan 2025-26.

About the Improvement Service

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.