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: Generous benefits package, career development opportunities, and a focus on work-life balance.
- Other info: Flexible working options available, with a supportive and inclusive team culture.
- 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 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.
For more updates on our work and careers, follow us on: LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, X and YouTube.
Public Affairs Assistant (Devolved Nations) employer: Cancer Research UK
At Cancer Research UK, we are dedicated to making a significant impact in the fight against cancer, and as a Public Affairs Assistant in our Edinburgh office, you will be part of a passionate team that values collaboration and inclusivity. We offer a supportive work culture with flexible working options, a generous benefits package, and numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth, ensuring that you can thrive while contributing to our vital mission. Join us in creating a positive change in public health and enjoy a fulfilling career where your efforts truly matter.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Public Affairs Assistant (Devolved Nations)
✨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 handle event coordination or liaising with politicians, and rehearse your answers.
✨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 the job.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to showcase your passion! During the interview, express why you want to work in public affairs and how you can contribute to keeping cancer high on the political agenda. Your enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Public Affairs Assistant (Devolved Nations)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Authentic:When filling out your application, let your personality shine through! We want to see the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for public affairs and how it aligns with our mission to beat cancer.
Tailor Your Responses:Make sure to tailor your answers to the specific role of Public Affairs Assistant. Highlight your experience with event coordination and your understanding of the Scottish Government and Parliament. This will show us you’re the right fit!
Showcase Your Skills:Use the application questions to showcase your skills in research and communication. Give examples of how you've produced policy-based documents or briefed stakeholders in the past. We love seeing concrete examples!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered fairly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cancer Research UK
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of Cancer Research UK's mission and the role of public affairs in promoting cancer awareness. Brush up on recent developments in Scottish Government and Parliament, especially those related to health and cancer policy.
✨Showcase Your Event Coordination Skills
Since the role involves logistical management of events like the Scottish Cancer Conference, be prepared to discuss your previous experience in coordinating events. Highlight specific examples where you successfully managed multiple tasks and met deadlines.
✨Demonstrate Your Communication Prowess
Excellent verbal communication is key for this position. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing complex topics. You might even want to prepare a brief pitch about why cancer should remain a political priority.
✨Embody the Values
Cancer Research UK values boldness, credibility, humanity, and teamwork. Think of examples from your past experiences that demonstrate how you embody these values. This will show the interviewers that you not only understand their mission but also align with their culture.
