At a Glance
- Tasks: Support the Trust in influencing policy to reduce poverty and trauma in Scotland.
- Company: The Robertson Trust, dedicated to social change and community impact.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 35 days holiday, pension contributions, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Hybrid working available with opportunities for part-time applicants.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives while developing your skills in advocacy and policy.
- Qualifications: Experience in poverty or trauma-related fields and strong relationship-building skills.
The predicted salary is between 41104 - 48715 € per year.
The Robertson Trust is looking for an Influencing Officer (Fixed Term - 1 year) to join our new Programmes team. This role supports the Programmes Manager (Social Change Movements) and the wider organisation to strengthen the Trust’s influencing work in preventing and reducing poverty and trauma in Scotland. Based primarily at Robertson House, Glasgow, with hybrid working available, this role supports the Trust to secure big change that lasts in preventing and reducing poverty and trauma in Scotland.
Over the next decade, we are committed to using all our tools and resources to reduce poverty and trauma across four themes:
- Education
- Pathways
- Nurturing Relationships
- Work Pathways
As part of our cross‑cutting Influencing objective, this role will support the development and delivery of the Trust’s direct influencing activity, working with partners and stakeholders to influence decision making and systems change.
The Role
You will help to develop and test effective approaches to direct influencing and support the Trust to build relationships with those who have the power to deliver change. You will work closely with colleagues across the organisation to ensure influencing activity connects with our wider work, including communications, convening, the influencing work we fund and the learning from our funding. You will also support stakeholder engagement, network development and policy insight, helping the Trust identify opportunities to influence policy, practice and decision making.
Key Responsibilities
- Support the development and delivery of direct influencing activity aligned to the Trust’s influencing objective.
- Work collaboratively across the Trust to ensure direct influencing activity connects with communications, convening and the indirect influencing work we fund.
- Support the development of influencing plans and help test effective approaches to influencing.
- Build and strengthen networks with grantholders, stakeholders and peer organisations undertaking influencing work.
- Monitor and analyse policy, political and practice developments relevant to poverty and trauma in Scotland.
- Support stakeholder mapping and engagement with decision makers and influential actors.
- Contribute to gathering and applying insight from across the Trust’s work to strengthen influencing activity.
- Represent the Trust externally as required and contribute to cross‑cutting organisational priorities.
About You
We are looking for someone with a strong understanding of poverty and trauma and the policy, political and practice landscape in Scotland. You will bring:
- HNC/D, or equivalent relevant experience.
- Relevant experience in a field related to poverty and/or trauma.
- Experience supporting influencing, policy, advocacy or strategic engagement work.
- A strong understanding of the voluntary sector in Scotland.
- Experience building and maintaining relationships with stakeholders and networks.
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to communicate complex issues clearly.
- The ability to manage competing priorities and work using your own initiative.
- Experience supporting the development of influencing plans or campaigns.
- High emotional intelligence and the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
- An interest in policy, politics and practice in Scotland and how social change happens.
- A commitment to addressing inequality and placing lived experience at the centre of work.
We encourage applications from suitably qualified candidates from all parts of the community, regardless of age, disability, race, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity, religion or belief or socio‑economic background. We particularly welcome applications from people with experience or knowledge of how poverty or trauma impact lives.
Benefits
Salary £41,104 to £48,715 FTE. 35 days holiday per calendar year, inclusive of public holidays. Pension – 10% employer contribution or 14% if employee contribution is 7%. Additional employee benefits package (currently under review). This role is advertised as full‑time, but we are open to applicants who wish to work part‑time.
How to apply
To apply, please email hr@therobertsontrust.org.uk with your CV and a covering letter, of no more than two pages, outlining your interest in the role and how you meet the criteria. Please clearly state which role you are applying for in your email subject line. The closing date for applications is 27th April 2026. Interviews will be held shortly after the closing date. We may close this vacancy early if we receive a high volume of applications, so we encourage early applications.
Location: Hybrid – primary location: Glasgow (Robertson House)
Department: Programmes and Practice
Contract type: Fixed Term (1 year). This role is advertised as full‑time (35 hours), but we are open to applicants who wish to work part‑time.
Influencing Officer (Fixed Term - 1 year) employer: The Robertson Trust
The Robertson Trust is an exceptional employer dedicated to making a meaningful impact in Scotland by addressing poverty and trauma. With a strong commitment to employee well-being, we offer a generous benefits package, including 35 days of holiday and a robust pension scheme, alongside a supportive work culture that values collaboration and personal growth. Our hybrid working model allows for flexibility, ensuring that our team can thrive both professionally and personally while contributing to significant social change.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Influencing Officer (Fixed Term - 1 year)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the sector. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out to folks on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors to opportunities that aren’t even advertised!
✨Tip Number 2
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job postings to pop up. Research organisations you admire, like The Robertson Trust, and reach out directly. Express your interest in their work and ask if they have any upcoming opportunities. You never know what might come from it!
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by knowing your stuff! Familiarise yourself with the latest trends in poverty and trauma in Scotland. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. Show them you’re not just a candidate, but someone who genuinely cares about making a difference.
✨Tip Number 4
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’d be a perfect fit for their team!
We think you need these skills to ace Influencing Officer (Fixed Term - 1 year)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Cover Letter:Make sure your cover letter speaks directly to the role of Influencing Officer. Highlight your understanding of poverty and trauma, and how your experience aligns with the Trust’s objectives. We want to see your passion for making a difference!
Showcase Relevant Experience:In your CV, focus on your relevant experience in influencing, policy, or advocacy work. Use specific examples that demonstrate your skills and achievements in these areas. We love seeing how you’ve made an impact in previous roles!
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Remember, you have a two-page limit for your covering letter, so make every word count! We appreciate straightforward communication that gets to the heart of your qualifications.
Apply Early!:Don’t wait until the last minute to submit your application. We may close the vacancy early if we receive a lot of applications, so get yours in as soon as possible. We’re excited to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Robertson Trust
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you have a solid understanding of poverty and trauma, especially in the context of Scotland. Brush up on current policies and practices related to these issues, as well as the work of The Robertson Trust. This will show that you're genuinely interested and informed.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that demonstrate your experience in influencing, policy, or advocacy. Be ready to discuss how you've built relationships with stakeholders and how those experiences can translate into success in this role.
✨Engage with Their Mission
Familiarise yourself with The Robertson Trust’s objectives and values. Think about how your personal commitment to addressing inequality aligns with their mission. During the interview, express your passion for social change and how you can contribute to their goals.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions to ask at the end of the interview. This could be about their current projects, challenges they face in influencing policy, or how they measure the impact of their work. It shows you're engaged and thinking critically about the role.
