Advocacy and Government Relations Officer

Advocacy and Government Relations Officer 
National Cat Centre, Chelwood Gate, Sussex 
£31,728.83 per annum (starting salary subject to experience), plus excellent benefits 
35 hours per week, permanent 

Cats Protection has built up a significant level of engagement with Ministers and Members of the Westminster and devolved Governments, locally elected politicians, professional organisations, stakeholder groups and other charities “Speaking up for cats” on a range of issues affecting cat welfare. We are seeking an innovative and highly motivated Advocacy and Government Relations Officer to join the charity’s team to deliver advocacy and campaigns across the UK. This is an opportunity to fulfil a highly visible role externally and within the charity. 

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity. We help nearly 190,000 cats and kittens through our network of over 250 volunteer-run branches and 34 adoption centres and homing centres. This role is based in our National Cat Centre in the Ashdown Forest, which has a Visitor Centre, Shop, Café, Nature Walks, and our fantastic National Cat Adoption Centre. We have onsite parking and are located about a twenty minute drive from both Haywards Heath and East Grinstead. 

Our Advocacy and Government Relations Officer will help develop, support and implement an effective programme of reactive and proactive advocacy work across the UK to influence Central and Local Government and key stakeholders whose policies and practices impact on cat welfare. You will work with the charity’s Head of Advocacy and Government Relations, Executive Management Team, Trustees, volunteers and supporters to achieve realistic but challenging advocacy targets. 

Main responsibilities will include daily parliamentary monitoring; responding to external public policy developments, government announcements, debates and issues reported in the press/social media that affect cat welfare; assisting with the charity’s responses to planned legislation or policy change affecting cats; developing public facing charity campaigns and engaging volunteer and public support to advocacy activities locally and/or nationally. 

This role would suit someone who has a degree, or relevant experience, in political and/or public affairs, experience of influencing, organising campaigns and negotiating and who has a comprehensive understanding of government politics and the structure and processes of external agencies. 

You will be a people person, able to work independently and collaboratively and with an ability to influence and inspire people from all levels e.g. industry, government agencies, politicians, other NGOs and volunteers. You will need to have attention to detail; fantastic organisational and analytical skills and the ability to prioritise work, set and meet deadlines to achieve agreed performance targets. 

This role will include UK travel and some overnight stays. A full valid UK driving licence is desirable. 

If you are excited about “Speaking up for cats” then we’d love to hear from you! 

Closing Date: 20 July 2018 
Interview Date: 08 August 2018 

To reward you, we have a pay scheme which provides the opportunity to progress within your pay band, subject to satisfactory performance. We also offer a range of benefits which include a generous holiday entitlement, a competitive pension offering, a private medical scheme, and a death in service scheme. 

Cats Protection is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, religion or belief, marital status, or pregnancy and maternity. 

To apply for the role of Advocacy and Government Relations Officer, please apply via the button shown. 

This vacancy is being advertised by Webrecruit. The services advertised by Webrecruit are those of an Employment Agency. 

Additional Keywords: Advocacy and Government Relations Officer, Animal Welfare Advocate, Feline Welfare Advocate, Public Affairs Officer, Political Consultant, Cat Welfare Advocate, Government Relations Officer.