At a Glance
- Tasks: Support public affairs activities and coordinate events to keep cancer on the political agenda.
- Company: Join Cancer Research UK, the largest independent cancer research organisation in the world.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for personal development.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment with a focus on wellbeing and inclusivity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the fight against cancer while developing your skills.
- Qualifications: Event coordination experience and strong communication skills are essential.
The predicted salary is between 25000 - 28000 £ per year.
Salary: £25,000 - £28,000 per annum
Reports to: Public Affairs Manager (Scotland)
Department: Policy, Information and Communications
Location: Edinburgh Office w/ high-flex (1 – 2 days per week in the office). We are open to discussing further options regarding flexibility for the successful candidate.
Employment type: Permanent
Working hours: 35 hours per week (we are open to Compressed Hours in this role)
External closing date: 10 June 2026, 23:55
Internal closing date: 14 June 2026, 23:55
How do I apply?
We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we won’t be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead, we ask you to fully complete the application questions and work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you quickly, fairly, and objectively.
If you require more time to apply as part of a reasonable adjustment, please contact recruitment@cancer.org.uk as soon as possible.
Recruitment process: 1 stage interview consisting of an interview task and role based competency interview.
Interview date: From 18 June 2026
Please note: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship.
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 shares our vision, someone like you.
For CRUK it’s vital that we ensure cancer is high on the political agenda. As the largest independent cancer research organisation in the world, we are uniquely placed to work with politicians across the UK to keep cancer high on the political agenda.
We are looking for a Public Affairs Assistant to join our team in Scotland. You’ll assist in supporting Cancer Research UK’s public affairs activities across Scotland including party conference planning and delivery and briefing and liaising with politicians. Further to this, you’ll also support the secretariat of the Scottish Parliament Cross Party Group on Cancer and the delivery of its Scottish Cancer Conference.
What will I be doing?
- Logistical management of all aspects of the Scottish Cancer Conference, including administration of all bookings, raising invoices, communications with all attendees and venue
- Operating full secretariat service to Scottish Cancer Coalition, including production and dissemination of all minutes, recording meeting and maintaining member databases
- Supporting the Public Affairs Officer in monitoring and collation of parliamentary intelligence through daily reviews of parliamentary business and MSP activities
- Supporting the Public Affairs Officer in briefing MSPs on key policy issues and relevant parliamentary activities
- Writing and sending regular internal updates on devolved activities and emerging priorities
- Providing support to public affairs activities across all devolved nations as may be required.
What skills are you looking for?
- Experience of coordinating events
- Good understanding of Scottish Government and Parliament
- Good political intuition
- Good abilities in research with experience of producing policy-based documents
- Ability to absorb information quickly
- Excellent administrative skills
- Excellent organisational skills with basic project management experience in terms of delivering multiple tasks to deadlines.
- Excellent verbal communication skills and confidence in discussing Cancer Research UK priorities with policy makers.
Our organisation 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 can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against 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.
Internal Eligibility criteria
Internal candidates should ideally have completed their 6-month ‘getting started’ period before applying for other roles. You should also advise your current line manager at the point you make an internal application, or at the latest, at the point of being invited for an interview. All internal candidates applying for a secondment, must have:
- completed their getting started period
- discussed their intention to apply and gained approval to apply with their line manager
- been in their substantive (home) role for at least 6 months (this is only applicable if you have previously been on secondment)
If you do not confirm that you meet these requirements, we will not be able to progress your application.
Additional information
For more information about working with us please visit our website or contact us at recruitment@cancer.org.uk. For more updates on our work and careers, follow us on: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
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 Assistant (Devolved Nations) in Edinburgh employer: Cancer Research UK
At Cancer Research UK, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth. Located in the vibrant city of Edinburgh, our team enjoys high flexibility with remote working options, a generous benefits package, and opportunities to engage in impactful public affairs work that directly contributes to our mission of beating cancer.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Public Affairs Assistant (Devolved Nations) in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Get to know the organisation inside out! Research Cancer Research UK’s mission, values, and recent initiatives. This will help you tailor your responses during the interview and show that you're genuinely interested in making an impact.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice makes perfect! Prepare for the interview task by simulating real scenarios you might face as a Public Affairs Assistant. Think about how you'd manage events or brief politicians on key issues, and rehearse your responses with a friend.
✨Tip Number 3
Network like a pro! Connect with current employees on LinkedIn or attend relevant events. This can give you insider knowledge and potentially even a referral, which can really boost your chances of landing that job.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up! After your interview, send a thank-you email expressing your appreciation for the opportunity. It’s a simple gesture that can leave a lasting impression and keep you top of mind for the hiring team.
We think you need these skills to ace Public Affairs Assistant (Devolved Nations) in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Get to Know Us:Before you start your application, take a moment to explore our website and understand our mission. Knowing what we stand for will help you tailor your responses and show us how you can contribute to our goals.
Be Thorough with Your Application:Since we operate an anonymised shortlisting process, it’s crucial to fully complete the application questions and work history section. This is your chance to shine, so make sure you provide detailed and relevant information about your experience!
Show Off Your Skills:Highlight your experience in coordinating events and your understanding of the Scottish Government and Parliament. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing your political intuition and research abilities.
Keep It Professional Yet Personal:While we love a professional tone, don’t forget to let your personality shine through! Share your passion for public affairs and how you can make a positive impact at Cancer Research UK. Remember, we’re looking for someone who embodies our values!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cancer Research UK
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you research Cancer Research UK and its public affairs activities, especially in Scotland. Understand their mission to keep cancer high on the political agenda and be ready to discuss how your skills can contribute to this goal.
✨Show Off Your Event Coordination Skills
Since the role involves logistical management of events like the Scottish Cancer Conference, prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully coordinated events. Highlight your organisational skills and ability to manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines.
✨Brush Up on Political Knowledge
Familiarise yourself with the Scottish Government and Parliament's structure and current issues. Being able to discuss recent parliamentary activities or policies related to cancer will show that you have the political intuition needed for the role.
✨Practice Your Communication Skills
As you'll be liaising with politicians and writing updates, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Consider doing mock interviews with friends or family to refine your verbal communication skills and ensure you're comfortable discussing Cancer Research UK's priorities.
