Are you passionate about Human Rights? Do you want to help improve the realisation of Human Rights for everyone in Scotland? Do you have the skills, values, experience and expertise to help make that happen? If so, please take a look at our opportunities below. This page is updated regularly.
Who we are
The Scottish Human Rights Commission (SHRC) is Scotland’s human rights watchdog.
We are an independent, expert body that works with and for the people of Scotland; we monitor, listen, and speak up for all our rights and respond when things go wrong. We are a public body created by statute, with a mandate to protect and promote the human rights of all people in Scotland.
The Commission is established as a National Human Rights Institution (NHRI). As such we are part of a global network of bodies accredited by the United Nations to monitor state compliance with international and national human rights law and treaties. It is the job of NHRIs to use the rule of law to promote and protect the human rights of all of the people who live in any given country and assess the actions of the state on that basis. This is how the Scottish Human Rights Commission approaches its work.
Long Description
Five petals around the words SHRC values. Each petal describes a value. They are: 1. Accessible 2. Independent 3. Uphold human rights 4. Educate and engage 5. Authoritative, expert and trusted
Long description ends.
Vacancies
Legal and Policy Coordinator UNCRC – Maternity Cover
Qualified solicitor role
Full time (37 hours per week)
Temporary 1 Year Contract – Maternity Cover
Salary: Grade 4 (£47,018 - £56,062)
Based in Edinburgh, Hybrid working available
About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity to play a central, strategic role within the SHRC, focusing on developing and ensuring delivery of SHRC’s legal powers and duties under the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (Incorporation) (Scotland) Act 2024 (the “Act”).
We are looking for a qualified solicitor with a background in policy in addition to a working knowledge of human rights, and particularly the rights of the child in a domestic context, your skills will be used to lead on interventions undertaken by the Commission, develop proposals for potential areas of own name litigation and manage live cases. You will also be responsible for developing and maintaining a network with a variety of stakeholders.
You will uphold the SHRC’s values and be confident representing the Commission with external audiences.
Closing date for applications: 9am Tuesday 27 October 2026
Interview date: W/C 9 November 2026
Download the recruitment pack, application form and equal opportunities form.
Please note that CVs will not be accepted and applications received after the deadline will not be considered.
Contract research
From time to time we contract research projects to external specialists. If you are a research consultant and would like to be considered for future opportunities, please complete our research database form.
Current tenders
There are no current tenders.
Other opportunities
There are no current other opportunities.