At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with the Welsh Parliament to influence cancer policy and manage key public affairs activities.
- Company: Join Cancer Research UK, a leading charity dedicated to beating cancer.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and a supportive environment for personal growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities for career advancement and collaboration with diverse stakeholders.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in cancer research and policy while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Political interest, strong communication skills, and experience in public affairs are essential.
The predicted salary is between 36225 - 36225 £ per year.
Salary: £36,225 plus benefits
Reports to: Public Affairs Manager (Wales)
Directorate: Policy, Information & Communications
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 35 hours per week
Location: Cardiff office w/high-flex (1 – 2 days per week). We are open to further discussion around flexible working for the successful candidate, including those living outside Cardiff.
Travel: Occasional UK travel and overnight stays may be required.
Closing date: 9 August 2026, 23:55
Visa sponsorship: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship.
Recruitment process: One-stage interview including a presentation task. Interview dates: From 24 August 2026 onwards.
At Cancer Research UK, we exist to beat cancer. We are professionals with purpose, beating cancer every day. But we need to go much further and much faster. That’s why we’re looking for someone talented, someone who wants to develop their skills, someone like you.
We are looking for a Public Affairs Officer to join our team in Wales. In this role, you’ll act as Cancer Research UK’s primary contact in the Senedd (Welsh Parliament). The role provides a full-time public affairs presence to manage our Senedd engagement programme. This includes:
- Acting as secretariat for the Cross-Party Group on Cancer
- Regularly briefing Senedd Members and relevant ministers
- Monitoring parliamentary activity and sharing intelligence
- Assisting with policy development for nation-specific briefings
- Representing the charity at external events and meetings (inc. conferences)
A key part of this role will be helping CRUK strengthen its influence and impact in Wales, particularly in relation to cancer research.
What will I be doing?
- Supporting CRUK’s influencing activity across key policy areas for cancer
- Reacting swiftly to Senedd business (offering support to Members of the Senedd and updating our wider team on Senedd affairs)
- Using key influencing tools to ensure CRUK’s messages land in Wales (MS briefings, submitting parliamentary questions, and writing letters to relevant ministers and officials)
- Managing our MS engagement programme, including shop and lab visits, Senedd marketplaces (Y Farchnad), and regular mailings and meetings
- Managing CRUK’s attendance at Welsh party conferences, including overseeing our conference budget, printed materials, and logistics
- Managing the production of Wales-specific materials for political engagement (information placards, banners, and social media posts)
- Working with CRUK’s policy teams to help tailor Wales-specific policy positions for Senedd briefings and consultations
- Managing our engagement with MS support staff, committee clerks, and other Senedd staff as appropriate
- Proactively seeking information and contacts within CRUK’s priority areas for Wales
- Keeping abreast of Senedd developments (monitoring political activity, policy announcements, and emerging issues relevant to our work)
- Providing secretariat support for the Cross-Party Group on Cancer (organising meetings, events, and administration)
- Working with other third-sector organisations in areas of mutual policy interest.
What skills will I need?
- An understanding of Senedd Cymru (Welsh Parliament)
- Demonstrable political interest and judgement, with a commitment to neutrality and an ability to work across the political spectrum
- The ability to quickly understand, summarise, and analyse complex policy issues and distil for a range of internal and external audiences
- Excellent written and oral communication skills, with the ability to communicate with clarity and confidence
- Good influencing skills and experience of building credibility and trust with a range of stakeholders
- Strong organisational skills and experience of managing a complex workload, with tight deadlines and often changing priorities
- Adaptable self-starter with the ability to work remotely and in a self-directed way as part of a larger team
- Experience organising events.
Further criteria (desirable, but not essential)
- An understanding of cancer/health policy
- Experience of working in a public affairs/parliamentary role
- Ability to communicate in Welsh
Cancer Research UK’s values are designed to guide all that we do:
- Bold: Act with ambition, courage and determination
- Credible: Act with rigour and professionalism
- Human: Act to have a positive impact on people
- Together: Act inclusively and collaboratively
We’re looking for people who believe in and embody these values, using them to drive progress towards our mission to beat cancer.
What will I gain?
We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package, a wide range of career and personal development opportunities, and high-quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work-life balance, take positive steps in your career, and achieve your personal wellbeing goals. You can explore our benefits by visiting our careers web page.
For more information on this career opportunity, please visit our website or contact us at recruitment@cancer.org.uk.
Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong, benefits from and participates in, the work we do. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures, in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.
We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process, interview process and whilst at work. We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen. Please contact recruitment@cancer.org.uk or 020 3469 8400 as soon as possible.
Unfortunately, we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18, so that we can protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks.
Public Affairs Officer (Wales) in Cardiff employer: Cancer Research UK (CRUK)
Cancer Research UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration among its 45-member team dedicated to advancing oncology therapies. With flexible location options between Babraham and Glasgow, employees benefit from a supportive environment that prioritises professional growth and impactful contributions to cancer research, making it a truly rewarding place to work.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Public Affairs Officer (Wales) in Cardiff
✨Dive into Local Government Events
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Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
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We think you need these skills to ace Public Affairs Officer (Wales) in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Cancer Research UK (CRUK) and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cancer Research UK (CRUK)
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Cancer Research UK (CRUK), dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Cancer Research UK (CRUK).
