At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive impactful public affairs strategies and engage with global influencers.
- Company: Join a leading charity dedicated to animal welfare and international development.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days holiday, competitive pension, and flexible working arrangements.
- Other info: Hybrid work options and opportunities for international travel.
- Why this job: Make a difference in animal welfare while developing your career in public affairs.
- Qualifications: Experience in public affairs, excellent communication skills, and knowledge of global institutions.
The predicted salary is between 34010 - 34010 £ per year.
Salary: £34,010 per annum
Location: Sidmouth, United Kingdom
Area: Policy and Profile
Vacancy Type: Permanent
Full or Part Time: Full Time
About You
- Experience working in the Public Affairs or Campaigns sector supporting and delivering global influencing strategies and activities
- Understanding of animal welfare, international development or a related field, with evidence of work on these topics
- Experience representing externally, including at events, conferences and through civil society networks
- Knowledge of global political institutions such as the United Nations, European Union and African Union, and experience assessing trends and developing plans
- Experience supporting research, having written or contributed to reports and briefings and evaluating evidence of their impact
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, able to communicate clearly to different audiences through various mediums
- Excellent organisational skills, able to multi‑task and work with a variety of systems (IT systems, databases)
About the Role
- Collaborate with departments across the charity to develop thought leadership and influencing materials such as blogs and policy briefs
- Engage on cross‑cutting priorities with the campaigns team, taking on specific roles in projects and protocols as agreed
- Support the establishment and maximisation of the Donkey Sanctuary's network of contacts and partnerships, working closely with the Public Affairs Manager to deepen impact
- Assist the department in assessing the perspectives, policies and work of major inter‑governmental agencies and how they could support The Donkey Sanctuary
- Prepare briefs, reports and relevant documents to support the strategy
- Provide input on policy positions, submissions to consultations, speaking notes, reports and briefings, including leading on analysis and research where appropriate
- Represent the charity at national and international conferences and events as required
What We Offer in Return
- Full‑time, permanent contract, starting as soon as possible, with a hybrid or fully remote/home‑working arrangement.
- Flexibility for site attendance, regional meetings, occasional international travel and working outside core hours is required.
Benefits
- Competitive pension
- Life assurance
- 31 days holiday (including Bank holidays), rising to 34 days with each full year of service
- Wellbeing team and recorded Pilates and Yoga classes
- Long service awards
- Healthshield plan covering some medical expenses, offers, discounts and cashback on shopping, travel and entertainment, 24/7 GP and counselling service
- Free parking
- Subsidised restaurant and shop
Closing date for completed applications Sunday 16 August 2026
Equal Opportunity and Safeguarding
The Donkey Sanctuary is a Disability Confident Employer and is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of vulnerable people. All staff and volunteers are required to undertake safe recruitment processes, including DBS checks where required. The organisation participates in the Inter‑Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme and may request information from previous employers on certain incidents. The Guaranteed interview scheme applies to candidates with a disability applying for roles within the United Kingdom.
Applicant Guidance
Applicants are asked to complete applications in their own words and not to use AI writing tools. For more information, please read our candidate journey page, including FAQs, at https://jobs.thedonkeysanctuary.org.uk/jobs/candidate-journey/.
Public Affairs Officer in Sidmouth 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.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Public Affairs Officer in Sidmouth
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like The Donkey Sanctuary, are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like The Donkey Sanctuary and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace Public Affairs Officer in Sidmouth
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for The Donkey Sanctuary and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Donkey Sanctuary
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with The Donkey Sanctuary, dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for The Donkey Sanctuary.
