At a Glance
- Tasks: Engage with MSPs and political stakeholders to champion children's rights in Scotland.
- Company: Join UNICEF UK, a leading organisation dedicated to protecting children's rights globally.
- Benefits: Enjoy excellent pay, flexible working, generous leave, and wellbeing tools.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with opportunities for personal growth and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real difference for children while developing your advocacy skills.
- Qualifications: Understanding of Scottish politics and experience in advocacy or campaigns required.
The predicted salary is between 41450 - 41450 £ per year.
£41,450 per annum
Fixed term contract until July 2027
Part home/Part office (Edinburgh) based
UNICEF ensures more of the world’s children are vaccinated, educated and protected than any other organisation. We have done more to influence laws and policies to help protect children than anyone else. We get things done. And we’re not going to stop until the world is a safe place for all our children.
This is a great opportunity to join the UK Committee for UNICEF (UNICEF UK) as the Scotland Political Affairs Officer. This role supports the design and delivery of influencing strategies, builds relationships with MSPs, and monitors political developments to ensure children’s rights are prioritized in Scottish decision-making. The role is part of the Scotland team within UNICEF UK’s Impact and Influence team to champion children’s rights both in Scotland and around the world.
Responsibilities
- Engaging MSPs and political stakeholders
- Providing briefings
- Managing correspondence
- Collaborating with civil society networks to advance advocacy priorities
Qualifications and Skills
- Understanding Scottish politics
- Experience in advocacy or campaigns
- Strong communication skills
- A collaborative approach
- Knowledge of children’s issues in Scotland and the UNCRC
Please bear in mind that when you write your response to our application questions, you demonstrate your knowledge, skills, and understanding of the role requirements and how well UNICEF UK’s values and mission aligns with yours. Using Artificial Intelligence (AI) such as ChatGPT to generate your answers, will automatically exclude your application from our recruitment process.
How to apply
Act now and visit www.unicef.org.uk/jobs to apply online.
Closing date: 12pm, Friday 17 April 2026
First Round Interview Date: Tuesday 5 / Wednesday 6 / Thursday 7 May 2026
What we offer
- Excellent pay and benefits (including flexible working, generous annual leave and pension, big brand discounts and wellbeing tools)
- Outstanding training and learning opportunities and the support to excel in your role
- Impressive open plan office space and facilities on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park
- An open culture and workplace with colleagues who share our values, enjoy their work and are motivated to do their utmost for children
- The opportunity to work in a leading children’s organisation making a difference to children around the world
Our application process: We use a system called "Applied" that anonymises your responses and focuses on your actual skills that are relevant to this role. This benefits you by giving you a greater chance of expressing your skills in this objective selection process.
We anticipate most colleagues will do two days a week in the office on the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park in Stratford, East London and the rest of the time from home. We will happily discuss other flexible options to suit your circumstances.
UNICEF UK promotes equality, diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We make employment decisions by matching business needs with skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation.
We welcome a conversation about your flexible working requirements, personal growth, and promoting a workplace where you can be yourself and achieve success based only on your merit.
The successful candidate will be required to apply for a criminal records check. A criminal record will not necessarily bar you from working with us. This will depend on the nature of the role and the circumstances of your offences.
We only accept online applications as this saves us money, making more funds available for us to help ensure children’s rights.
If you require support in completing the online form or an application form in an alternative format, please contact Supporter Care on 0300 330 5580 during office hours.
If you do not hear from us within 14 days of the closing date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful on this occasion. Please note that we only provide feedback to shortlisted candidates.
Registered Charity Nos. 1072612 (England and Wales) SC043677 (Scotland).
Scotland Political Affairs Officer employer: UNICEF UK
UNICEF UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Edinburgh where you can make a tangible impact on children's rights. With excellent pay and benefits, including flexible working arrangements and generous annual leave, we foster a culture of collaboration and support for personal growth. Join us to be part of a passionate team dedicated to championing children's rights both locally and globally.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Scotland Political Affairs Officer
✨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 UNICEF UK, 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 UNICEF UK 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 Scotland Political Affairs Officer
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 UNICEF UK 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 UNICEF UK
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with UNICEF UK, 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 UNICEF UK.
