At a Glance
- Tasks: Influence policy on violence against women and girls through campaigns and research.
- Company: Join Shakti, a feminist organisation supporting BME women and children.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, pension, hybrid working, and flexible hours.
- Other info: Work in a supportive environment with opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in the lives of survivors and shape impactful policies.
- Qualifications: Experience in policy or campaigns, understanding of immigration issues, and survivor engagement.
The predicted salary is between 35436 - 35436 £ per year.
Shakti is a feminist Black Minority Ethnic voluntary organisation which offers information, emotional/practical support and refuge/temporary accommodation to all Black Minority Ethnic (BME) women and their children, who are experiencing or fleeing domestic abuse.
Annual Salary: £35,436 per annum + 10% pension
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week
Contract: Fixed term contract until 28th February 2031
The Policy Officer post will contribute to the Policy, Campaigns, and Research team, aiming to influence policy and decision-making on violence against women and girls (VAWG) at national, regional, and local levels. The role involves developing and delivering a program of policy, campaigning, and influencing work that aligns with the organisation's strategic goals and values. This includes addressing VAWG, immigration and asylum issues, and challenges related to No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF), in collaboration with project partners and victim-survivors.
The applicant must have experience of working in a policy or campaigns role, or demonstrable transferable knowledge/qualifications and strong understanding of NRPF, immigration status issues and their impact on survivors of abuse; experience of partnership working with local authorities, statutory bodies and the voluntary sector; experience in developing and delivering training for frontline professionals; knowledge of Honour-Based Abuse and harmful traditional practices; experience of survivor engagement, consultation and participation work; experience in developing and analysing policy documents; experience of working across teams or with multiple stakeholders to coordinate advocacy.
Application notes: Women only need apply under paragraph 1 of Schedule 9 of the Equality Act 2010
Closing date: 9am Monday 2 March 2026
Interviews will be held on 11th, 12th and 13th March 2026
We do not accept CV's.
This post is open to hybrid working with flexible working hours (where appropriate). The candidate must evidence an appropriate environment for hybrid working, to ensure confidentiality and privacy.
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Edinburgh EH7 5QY
Application deadline: 02/03/2026
POLICY OFFICER in Edinburgh employer: Shakti Womens Aid
Shakti is an exceptional employer that champions the rights and well-being of Black Minority Ethnic women, offering a supportive and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. With a commitment to flexible working arrangements and a strong focus on meaningful advocacy, employees are empowered to make a real impact in the community while enjoying competitive benefits, including a generous pension scheme. Located in Edinburgh, this role provides a unique opportunity to engage with diverse stakeholders and contribute to vital policy changes in a collaborative environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land POLICY OFFICER in Edinburgh
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the policy and campaigns field, especially those who work with organisations similar to Shakti. Attend events, webinars, or even local meet-ups to make connections that could lead to job opportunities.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching current issues related to VAWG and NRPF. We want you to be able to discuss these topics confidently and show how your experience aligns with the role. Practice common interview questions and think about how you can demonstrate your skills.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for the cause! When you get the chance to speak with potential employers, let them know why you care about supporting BME women and tackling domestic abuse. Your enthusiasm can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Good luck!
We think you need these skills to ace POLICY OFFICER in Edinburgh
Some tips for your application 🫡
Know Your Stuff:Make sure you really understand the role of a Policy Officer and the issues surrounding VAWG, NRPF, and immigration. We want to see your passion and knowledge shine through in your application!
Tailor Your Application:Don’t just send a generic application! We love it when candidates tailor their responses to reflect our values and the specific requirements of the job. Show us how your experience aligns with what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. We appreciate well-structured responses that get straight to the heart of your experience and skills without unnecessary fluff.
Apply Through Our Website:Remember, we only accept applications through our website, so make sure you submit yours there. It’s the best way for us to keep track of your application and ensure it gets the attention it deserves!
How to prepare for a job interview at Shakti Womens Aid
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of the issues surrounding violence against women and girls, especially in relation to immigration and asylum. Brush up on your knowledge of No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF) and how it affects survivors. This will show that you're not just interested in the role but are genuinely passionate about the cause.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your experience in policy or campaigns. Think about times you've successfully collaborated with local authorities or developed training for frontline professionals. Be ready to discuss these experiences in detail, as they’ll be crucial in showcasing your fit for the role.
✨Engage with the Mission
Familiarise yourself with Shakti's mission and values. During the interview, express how your personal values align with theirs. This could involve discussing your commitment to supporting BME women and your understanding of the challenges they face. Authenticity goes a long way!
✨Prepare Questions
Have a few thoughtful questions ready to ask at the end of your interview. This could be about their current campaigns, how they measure success, or what the team culture is like. It shows that you’re engaged and serious about the position, plus it gives you valuable insights into the organisation.
