At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive impactful public affairs strategies and engage in exciting campaigns for animal welfare.
- Company: Join a leading international animal welfare charity making a difference worldwide.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days holiday, competitive pension, wellbeing support, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Opportunity to represent the charity at national and international events.
- Why this job: Be part of a passionate team tackling global challenges for donkeys and mules.
- Qualifications: Experience in public affairs or campaigns with strong communication and organisational skills.
The predicted salary is between 34010 - 34010 £ per year.
These are exciting times for the charity, and we have an excellent opportunity for a highly proactive and professional team player with outstanding interpersonal skills to join the dedicated Public Affairs, Advocacy and Campaigns team, as a Public Affairs Officer.
Location: Devon/Hybrid, onsite attendance 2-3 days per quarter (fully remote/home working and flexible working patterns considered)
Hours: Full-time, 35 hours per week, 08.30-16.30, Monday-Friday
Salary: £34,010 annum
Contract: Permanent
Closing Date: Sunday 16 August 2026. Please note this role may close earlier than advertised so apply as soon as possible.
About the Role
As Public Affairs Officer, you will bring to life the global influencing strategy and plans, with a focus on strategic public affairs and events. We are tackling the greatest threats working donkeys face locally and around the world, from the donkey skin trade to challenges working animals face in disasters. The role is critical at a point of growth in the influencing work with several priority projects to support within a high-performing team.
Your principal duties and responsibilities will include:
- Working collaboratively with departments across the charity to support the development of thought leadership and influencing materials, such as blogs and policy briefs.
- Engaging on cross-cutting priorities with the campaigns team, taking on roles in specific projects and protocols as agreed.
- Supporting the establishment and maximisation of the Sanctuary’s network of contacts and partnerships, working closely with the Public Affairs Manager to deepen impact.
- Supporting the department in assessing the perspectives, policies and work of major inter-governmental agencies and how they could link in with and/or support the work of the Sanctuary.
- Preparing briefs, reports and relevant documents in support of the strategy.
- Offering input on policy positions, submissions to consultations, speaking notes, reports and briefings including leading on analysis and research where appropriate.
- Representing the charity at national and international conferences and events as required.
About You
We are looking for someone who has experience of working in the Public Affairs or Campaigns sector supporting and delivering global influencing strategies and activities. You will also have:
- Experience in a related field to the charity’s work.
- Experience of representing externally, including at events, conferences and through civil society networks.
- An understanding of global political institutions such as the United Nations, European Union and African Union, and experience of assessing trends and developing plans.
- Experience of supporting research, having written or contributed to reports and briefings and evaluating evidence of their impact.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- Excellent organisation skills with the ability to multi-task and work with a number of different systems (including IT systems and databases).
Benefits include:
- Competitive pension.
- 31 days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 34 with each full year of service.
- Wellbeing team.
- Recorded Pilates and Yoga classes.
- Long service awards.
- Healthshield plan.
- Free parking.
- Life assurance.
- Subsidised restaurant and shop.
About the Organisation
Join one of the UK’s largest international animal welfare charities, currently supporting projects in over 35 countries worldwide, working for a world where donkeys and mules live free from suffering and their contribution to humanity is fully valued. The Charity is a Disability Confident Employer, committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people (children and adults) and expects all staff and volunteers to undertake this commitment. Applicants will be subject to safer recruitment processes, including an application for a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check where required for the post.
Public Affairs Officer employer: The Donkey Sanctuary
The Donkey Sanctuary is an exceptional employer, offering a fulfilling opportunity for Groundworkers at our Weston farm location. With a strong commitment to animal welfare, we foster a supportive work culture that values teamwork and professional growth, providing employees with training opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact on the lives of donkeys worldwide. Join us in a role where your skills will contribute to vital projects while enjoying a competitive salary and the satisfaction of working for a charity dedicated to improving animal welfare.
