Advocacy and Government Relations Officer

We currently have an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic individual to join A growing Advocacy and Government Relations team as an Advocacy and Government Relations Officer to support and implement an effective programme of advocacy work across the UK, with a focus on Westminster. You will join the team working 35 Hours per week, on a permanent basis and will be based remotely. In return you will receive a competitive salary of up to £33,884.72 per annum plus excellent benefits.

Although this role is remote, please note there will be an expectation of regular visits to Chelwood Gate, on the edge of Ashdown Forest. This is a remote location and public transport is limited. There will also be travel to other areas of the country (covered under expenses) for events, team meetings and away days.

You will be working for the UK’s leading feline welfare charity with a nationwide network of adoption and homing centres, volunteer-run branches and charity shops. During 2020, despite all of the challenges, they helped 126,000 cats and kittens. That's the equivalent of around 345 cats a day!

The Advocacy & Government Relations team leads for the charity on influencing decision makers and those whose policies, practices and decisions affect cat welfare across the UK. The team works to influence legislators, professional organisations and corporates. The team’s work has included publishing ‘The Time is Meow: A cat welfare action plan for Westminster’ following the 2019 election, launching a “Purrfect Landlords” campaign to encourage landlords to allow cats and calling for compulsory microchipping of cats across the UK.

Responsibilities of the Advocacy and Government Relations Officer:

As Advocacy & Government Relations Officer you’ll be focusing on activity at Westminster with responsibility for drafting briefings and consultations, engaging with key political and external stakeholders, maintaining internal and external contact databases and monitoring and responding to external policy developments. You will assist with evaluation of the risks or benefits of planned legislation, regulatory or reputational changes which may impact on the welfare of and best interests of cats, and help to construct corresponding strategies and messaging.

What we’re looking for in the Advocacy and Government Relations Officer:

• Experience of advocacy, public affairs or influencing work, ideally in Westminster
• Experience of policy work and research
• Experience of dealing with high profile/ VIP individuals
• Proven ability to multi-task and work independently on own initiative, accurately and under pressure
• Experience of effective use of social media and the internet in an advocacy/campaign context
• An organised individual with good written, oral and great people skills

In Return:

• Salary of up to £33,884.72 annum plus excellent benefits
• Generous annual leave entitlement
• Contribution pension scheme
• Life assurance scheme
• Range of health benefits
• Employee Assistance Programme
• and more

Join the team as a Advocacy and Government Relations Officer and know you are helping to make a real difference to cats and kittens across the UK!

Unfortunately, we cannot accept applications or CVs that are emailed directly. Please note applications which are received after the closing date may not be responded to.

Closing date: 1st June 2022

Virtual interview date: W/C 6th June 2022

The charity are committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk and protecting anyone that comes into contact with us from harm. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Policy Officer, PR and Policy, PR and Policy Executive, Public Affairs Officer, Planning Policy Officer, Public Affairs and Policy Officer, Public Relations Officer, Planning Policy Officer, Public Relations and Policy Officer, Marketing Officer, Communications Officer, etc.