Scientific and Policy Officer - General

Do you want to create a better world for animals? At the RSPCA, we believe all animals deserve kindness and respect. We work for the benefit of every animal – as well as pets, that includes farmed animals, wildlife, and animals used in science. Choose a career with us and make a difference for every kind.

We're looking to recruit a Scientific and Policy Officer committed to animal welfare to join the RSPCA Companion Animal Department. Your role will focus on issues relating to the welfare of animals kept as pets, used in sport and for working purposes. The team's aim is to promote the highest standards of companion animal welfare.

As a Scientific and Policy Officer you will collate, critically evaluate, manage and present scientific and technical information regarding the health and welfare of companion animals to ensure that, wherever possible and relevant, the RSPCA's projects, policies, communications and information resources are underpinned by up-to-date and authoritative science. You'll assist the development of RSPCA policy and strategy for companion animals and advise on this throughout the RSPCA, and contribute to the promotion and implementation of policy externally. You'll be working on a number of ongoing projects including the development of digital resources on companion animal welfare, standards and guidance for animals in RSPCA care and the delivery of training to RSPCA colleagues.

Responsibilities

• Developing operational guidance and standards for companion animals in RSPCA centres and branches and supporting centres in meeting these standards.
• Developing and delivering training resources regarding the understanding and meeting of welfare needs for the Inspectorate, employees and volunteers.
• Acting as a point of contact within the RSPCA in providing technical advice and resources on companion animal welfare, including managing the team email inbox and responding to enquiries and requests in a timely manner.
• Working closely with colleagues in income generating departments (i.e. Enterprises and Fundraising), providing specialised expertise with respect to companion animals, to ensure that information is scientifically accurate and in line with current RSPCA policy.
• Working with the Campaigns department to plan, implement and deliver factually correct campaigns with the aim of prompting political and behavioural change in order to prevent animal cruelty and improving animal welfare.
• Working with the Press department and representing the RSPCA on views on companion animal welfare.
• Providing engaging, accurate and relevant content in conjunction with the Digital Media team for the website, newsletters and social media channels.
• Representing RSPCA at external events and promoting companion animal welfare by participating in working groups, meetings, consultations and conferences.
• Providing accurate, evidence-based scientific and technical advice to Head of Companion Animals Department, RSPCA Trustees, Directors, colleagues across all departments, members and supporters as required.
• Administration duties in relation to the department.

Qualifications

• A Masters degree in animal welfare science, applied animal behaviour or similar OR a bachelor's degree plus relevant equivalent experience.
• Practical experience of companion animal husbandry and behaviour.
• Knowledge of physical and mental needs of companion animals - ideally small mammals including rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters.
• Ability to communicate complex scientific information to a broad range of audiences.
• Experience in completing critical reviews of scientific literature and presenting findings.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Confidence to robustly articulate evidence-based recommendations and navigate challenge, disagreement or opposition constructively.

Successful candidates for certain RSPCA roles will need to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check. Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK - We are unable to sponsor visas at RSPCA.

We want to ensure we do all we can to give you a positive candidate experience through our recruitment. Whilst we do try to give feedback where we can, sometimes due to receiving high levels of applications, this may not always be possible.

We are building the future of a diverse Society, and our priority is to support animal welfare by finding people from all backgrounds who are committed to our mission. For this reason we actively encourage a wide diversity of applications - in particular from members of minority ethnic groups, and people with disabilities - as these candidates are currently under-represented at the RSPCA. Your transferable skills & lived experiences could make you a valuable addition to our RSPCA Family!

We're here to support you and encourage you to let us know if you need any adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process. Please feel free to contact us at resourcingteam@rspca.org.uk or 0300 123 0685 so we can ensure the process works for you.