This role will include UK travel, particularly to London and other devolved administrations with some overnight stays. A full valid UK driving licence is essential.

Ideally you will be based in our National Cat Centre (NCC) in the Ashdown Forest where we have onsite parking. Due to the rural location of the NCC, you must be able to drive.
There is also the possibility to be based in a location in London plus there is flexibility to work some of your weekly contracted hours from home.

We are looking for a dedicated individual to join our small but committed Advocacy team as an Advocacy and Government Relations Officer. If you’re passionate about cats, have excellent communication skills and want to speak up for cats, this role is for you!

The Advocacy and Government Relations Team, within the Communications Directorate, leads for the charity on influencing decision makers and those whose policies, practices and decisions affect cat welfare across the UK. The small highly motivated team works to influence legislators (National and devolved Government), professional organisations and corporates. The team’s work has included publishing Manifestoes for cats ahead of the 2016 General Election, campaigning for air-gun licensing in England and Wales to reduce cat shootings, launching “Purrfect Landlords” to encourage landlords to allow cats. The team has just launched an online petition calling for compulsory microchipping of cats in the UK. The team has successfully influenced the law on commercial kitten sales in England and is working with the Scottish Government to regulate cat breeding. Currently priorities are for an agenda for cats for a 2019 General Election, planning a political campaign on compulsory microchipping and continuing to engage with private and social landlords regarding cat-friendly lettings.

You will either have a degree or at least one year’s proven experience (either paid and/or voluntary) in political and/or public affairs, influencing, policy analysis and campaigns. You will need a comprehensive understanding of government politics and the structure and processes of external agencies. You should also be a confident speaker and an excellent writer.