Contract: fixed-term contract until the end of April 2026
We are the UK’s largest cat welfare charity. All over the country, our passionate employees, volunteers and supporters are using their kindness and expertise to make life better for millions of cats and the people who care for them.
Will you join us and make life better for cats?
Responsibilities of our Advocacy and Government Relations Assistant:
- providing day-to-day support for the whole advocacy team
- undertake core advocacy tasks such as leading on daily political and media monitoring
- conducting online research to add value and support overall work of the team
- provide meeting and event support
- assisting with preparation of briefings for parliamentary debates
- reporting on the outcome of campaigns to the advocacy team
- content creation for the advocacy web pages
- general administration duties
About the Advocacy team:
The Advocacy & Government Relations team leads the charity in 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 governments), professional organisations and corporates. The team has successfully influenced the law on microchipping, pet theft and commercial kitten sales in England and worked with the Scottish Government to regulate cat breeding and rehoming activities. The team has run digital campaigns as part of its strategy for several years but is now looking to increase capacity and build a stronger level of engagement with our campaigners.
What we’re looking for in our Advocacy and Government Relations Assistant:
- experience working in, or an understanding of, advocacy, public affairs or influencing work (which may include campaigns) and knowledge of UK political systems
- strong administration skills, including project and spreadsheet management
- experience, or any understanding, of dealing with high profile/ VIP individuals e.g Ministers, MSPs, MLAs, MPs, etc
- experience completing online and desk research
- experience or understanding of event organisation/preparing PowerPoint presentations
- proven ability to multi-task and work independently on own initiative, accurately and under pressure
- confident using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Powerpoint, Zoom and MS Teams)
- knowledge our work and campaigns and an understanding of the charity sector
What we can offer you:
- range of health benefits
- 26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service
- Salary Finance, which empowers you to take control of your financial wellbeing
Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment. Please note, applications received after the closing date may not be responded to.
If you’re enthusiastic about this opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway and demonstrate how your experience is transferrable. You may be just the right candidate.
If successful, your recruitment journey will include:
1. anonymised application form
2. video screening
3. virtual interview
Please note, the process may change slightly dependent on application numbers. We will inform you of any relevant changes.
Please email recruitment@cats.org.uk if you require any adjustments to be made for you to complete your application or to participate in the recruitment journey.
We operate a bias-free application process in our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. To assess your application quickly, fairly and objectively, please fully complete the qualifications and work history sections of our online application form.
Redacted CVs may be accepted by exception.
We believe being an inclusive, diverse organisation - where we welcome diversity of thought, value individuals' experience and can reach and partner all areas of society - is crucial if we're to help more cats. Our ambition is to work together to promote a more inclusive environment, which attracts all candidates and signals our commitment to celebrate and promote diversity.
There’s a place for everyone at Cats Protection and we encourage applications from talented people across all communities.
Cats Protection is 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. You may be subject to a criminal record check if required for the role.
