Job Description

Intern Project Officer

22,932 pro rata per annum

Part-time

21 hours per week, nine-month Fixed Term Contract

Edinburgh office (with hybrid working)

About us

At the Royal Town Planning Institute (the RTPI), we champion the value of planning in building thriving places and communities. With over 27,000 members worldwide, we support planners at every stage of their career: raising professional standards, shaping planning policy, and proudly awarding chartered status, the highest professional accreditation in UK planning.


For over a century, we have empowered planners to deliver positive impact: creating healthy, inclusive, economically and environmentally sustainable places. As the voice of the profession, we advocate, support, and lead with purpose, professionalism, and passion.


The RTPI is offering a recently graduated or current student planner the opportunity to join the RTPI Scotland team as Intern Project Officer, supporting us in our diverse areas of work, including policy, research and member and stakeholder liaison. It's an exciting time to join the RTPI Scotland team as Scotland continues to navigate the implementation of planning reforms brought in by the Planning (Scotland) Act 2019. This is your opportunity to be part of an organisation that's shaping the future of planning and empowering planners to build a better world.

About the role

As RTPI Scotland's Intern Project Officer, you will support the RTPI, and the RTPI Scotland team in particular, on matters of policy, public affairs, research, events, and editorial of the Scottish Planner (RTPI Scotland's quarterly journal). You will work collaboratively with RTPI colleagues in the Scotland, Policy and Public Affairs, and Practice and Research teams, as well as with our various RTPI member committee's and networks, to deliver a range of projects and programmes.

What you'll be doing

Support the RTPI Scotland team with member engagement and policy development to inform a range of policy and legislative consultations published by the Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament Support the RTPI Scotland policy and public affairs programme shaping planning legislation, policy and practice in Scotland involving policy development, stakeholder engagement, thought leadership and research Support the RTPI Scotland team with the dissemination of its manifesto in the run up to and following the May 2026 election Support RTPI Scotland with general administration such as web updates and production of the Scottish Planner Consider the potential data protection implications before using or storing any personal data, referring to the RTPI Data Protection Policy or seeking advice as necessary Undertake other such duties, commensurate with the role, as may be directed by the Policy, Practice and Research Officer

About you

Successful candidates will need:

Essential

To either hold or be working towards a degree in a relevant social science subject (for example, planning geography, environmental management, economics) or working towards completion of an RTPI accredited course An understanding of the planning system and broader public policy objectives in Scotland An understanding of policy, analysis and effective dissemination Good communication skills The ability to write well and convincingly for a range of audiences The ability to represent the RTPI appropriately at external meetings Desk based research and analytical skills Good IT skills The ability to work well in a small team and on own initiative

Desirable

Knowledge and understanding of the Data Protection Act 2018 and the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) and how they apply to the role Communications and marketing skills Project management skills and experience General administrative skills RTPI Student or Licentiate membership

About the team

The RTPI Scotland team have delegated powers to run RTPI affairs in Scotland, which allows us to work directly with the Scottish Government and the Scottish Parliament, who legislate for Scotland's devolved planning system.


RTPI Scotland aims to support people and organisations to create great places across Scotland.


Our work is managed through the Scottish Executive Committee and implemented by the National Director and staff team based in the Edinburgh office.

What's it like to work here?

At the RTPI, we're proud to offer a positive, supportive, and inclusive working environment. We actively foster a culture of collaboration, respect, and openness, where equality, diversity, and inclusion are at the heart of how we work.


We're committed to building a workplace where everyone feels they belong. We know that a diverse team helps us better serve the communities and audiences we represent, and we're working hard to ensure our people reflect that diversity.

Closing date

Monday 10 November 2025

Interview dates

Interviews will be held during the week commencing 24 November 2025


To apply, please submit a CV and covering letter that refers to the criteria in the person specification.