Job Title: Advocacy Officer

JOB DESCRIPTION

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Job Title: Advocacy Officer

Responsible to: Advocacy Manager

Department: Communications

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Competencies required within the role:

Competency / Level
Job specific knowledge / Advanced
Innovation and growth / Advanced
Planning and organization / Advanced
Personal effectiveness / Advanced
Building and maintaining relationships / Advanced
Service Delivery and customer orientation / Skilled
Impact and influence / Advanced
Teamwork and cooperation / Skilled

Essential qualifications:

Relevant degree and experience, ideally in an animal welfare context.

Primary purpose of the role:

To support and implement an effective programme of advocacy work across the UK (and to a limited extent Europe) by working with Central and Local Government and other key external and internal stakeholders, including the Advocacy Manager, Executive Management Team, Trustees and volunteers to achieve realistic but challenging advocacy targets and develop and implement effective plans to achieve them.

Main responsibilities:

·  assist in maintaining internal and external contact databases of contacts with key external stakeholders, including , MPs, Peers, Ministers, Members of the devolved administrations Local Councillors and council staff, civil servants, other charities and professional organisations and business partners as appropiate– with a view to developing positive relationships and advancing advocacy objectives that help improve the well-being of cats

·  monitor and respond to external policy developments, government announcements and debates with particular reference to regular parliamentary monitoring and monitoring of issues that affect cat welfare as reported either in political updates in the press/social media

·  assist with evaluation of the risks or benefits of planned legislation, regulatory or reputational changes in the UK which may impact on the well-being of and best interests of cats, and help to construct corresponding strategies and messaging.

·  brief the Advocacy Manager, Executive Directors and Trustees as appropriate

·  collate and develop statistical and other evidence to support advocacy work through analysis of publicly available information, media reports, surveys or other means as appropriate including commissioning surveys

·  support the Advocacy Manager, Executive Management Team and Trustees as required by drafting correspondence, briefing and policy documents and attending external meetings as required

·  assist with co-ordination and production of Cats Protection’s submissions to Government consultations (Westminster and the devolved Administrations) as well as Parliamentary inquiries from central as well as devolved administrations.

·  lead on recruiting and managing branch and independent volunteers to help develop and deliver advocacy campaigns, locally or nationally and represent the interests of cats as appropriate

·  support the Advocacy Manager and Executive Management Team where appropriate on advocacy in Europe to protect the interests and well-being of cats

·  represent Cats Protection at external meetings and contribute to animal welfare-related working groups

·  provide advocacy support to volunteer branches, Regional staff and NCC departments to ensure a co-ordinated approach to National and local advocacy campaigns – including parliamentary lobbying, engagement with devolved assemblies, local government, local businesses or institutions and corporates

·  where appropriate, assist with organising and supporting events, meetings and visits, as part of a planned programme to ensure that the Charity meets its advocacy objectives and strategic objectives

·  work with the Media, Web, Publications and Digital teams to identify opportunities where advocacy can be supported and campaigns publicised on the web, by press, publications or social media including supporting and developing the advocacy web pages, electronic campaigns and the advocacy twitter account

·  assist with drafting EDMs, monitoring parliamentary debates, drafting PQ’s and keep the Advocacy Manager, Chief Executive, Veterinary Director, Legal Director and Director of Communications and Chair of Trustees briefed on imminent debates.

·  create and update advocacy content for the CP website, intranet, branch briefings, letters, press releases, publications and other communication channels

·  respond to advocacy-related inquiries (internal and external)

·  attend internal and external events as required and be willing to work flexibly and outside regular business hours where necessary

In common with all posts, ensure compliance with Cats Protection’s policies and procedures, statutory obligations and best practice; and undertake such other duties as may be reasonably required by the Chief Executive. This job description may be subject to review in the light of future organisational developments and in consultation with the post holder.

Person Specification

Criteria / Essential / Desirable
Professional/Technical Qualifications / Degree and relevant experience
GCSE Mathematics and English at Grade C and above (or equivalent) / Any other political/ public affairs/ legal qualification
Experience & Job Knowledge / Experience of advocacy or influencing work (which may include campaigns).
Experience of policy work and research
Experience of dealing with high profile/ VIP individuals e.g MPs, corporates.
Experience of effective use of social media and the internet in an advocacy/campaign context
Experience of managing and working with volunteers / Comprehensive understanding of government politics and structure/processes of external agencies.
Experience of implementing an advocacy strategy with external agencies and other organizations.
Knowledge of UK media
Skills & Competencies / Good communication (oral and written) skills
IT skills – Word, Powerpoint, email, social media
Ability to think creatively and work under own initiative
Proven ability to multi-task and work independently on own initiative, accurately and under pressure.
An understanding of the Charity sector and the work of volunteers
Good organisational skills, ability to meet deadlines and prioritise work and achieve agreed performance targets / Understanding of strategic and budgetary process
Ability to interpret policy
Experience of training & mentoring volunteers or staff
Personal Qualities / Good team player
Confident communicator (persuasive,polite and appropriate)
Good networker, able to get on well with and inspire people from all levels and maintain working relationships
e.g. industry, government agencies, politicians, other NGOs, volunteers
Ability to travel across the UK (very occasionally into Europe).
Flexible and adaptable
Empathy with Cats

Other

/ Occasional overnight stays
Smart, professional appearance
Current driving license with access to own vehicle

Version July 26 2016