Policy and Advocacy Manager (Scotland)

Join us at WWF-UK as a Policy and Advocacy Manager to help shape and deliver WWF Scotland’s policy and advocacy work, influencing decisions that support a future where people and nature can thrive together. Reporting directly to the Head of Policy & Advocacy (Scotland), you’ll lead on defined areas of environmental policy while contributing flexibly across a wider range of priorities, projects and campaigns.

You’ll help lead work to build political and public understanding of WWF Scotland’s priorities, develop evidence-based policy solutions and strengthen support for change across government, parliament, the third sector, business and wider society. This is a varied and influential role combining policy development, research, advocacy, stakeholder engagement and project leadership.

You’ll monitor and analyse relevant Scottish Government policy and legislation, identify policy solutions, develop clear and persuasive briefings and advocate WWF’s positions with Scottish Ministers, MSPs, civil servants, parliamentary committees and other senior stakeholders. Working closely with communications and public affairs colleagues, you’ll also help turn complex policy and research into compelling stories, messages and public-facing content.

You will represent WWF Scotland in the media and at external events, helping to protect and strengthen our reputation as an authoritative and trusted voice. You’ll build strong partnerships with coalitions and organisations across Scotland, while working closely with WWF-UK colleagues to ensure devolved perspectives are reflected across wider policy, programme and advocacy work.

You’ll also lead or support the development and delivery of policy projects and programmes, including identifying funding opportunities, securing support and coordinating work across internal and external teams.

We’re looking for someone who combines strategic thinking with a strong grasp of policy detail. You’ll be a confident communicator and relationship builder, comfortable working in complex and fast-moving environments and motivated by the opportunity to influence change for nature and climate.

Skills and experience

• Significant demonstrable experience of developing and influencing policy through government, parliament or public affairs activity
• Strong understanding of the Scottish political and policy environment, including the role of the Scottish Government and Scottish Parliament
• Strong policy analysis skills, with the ability to use research and evidence to develop credible and practical policy solutions
• Experience writing clear, persuasive briefings, consultation responses or policy recommendations for different audiences
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to explain complex issues clearly, accurately and persuasively
• Strong stakeholder engagement, relationship-building and influencing skills, with the confidence to work with senior decision-makers across government, politics, the third sector and civil society
• Track record of delivering or commissioning research and managing associated budgets or suppliers
• Excellent organisational and project management skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities, deadlines and workstreams
• Experience identifying funding opportunities and contributing to successful proposals for policy, programme or project work
• Experience considering diversity, equity and inclusion when developing policy, programmes or solutions
• Experience influencing policy specifically within the Scottish Government or Scottish Parliament
• Experience leading meetings with Ministers, MSPs, special advisers, senior civil servants or parliamentary committees
• Experience acting as a spokesperson in broadcast, print or digital media
• Experience developing public-facing communications, campaigns or stories from policy and research
• Experience working through coalitions, alliances or formal partnerships
• Experience leading projects, programmes or cross-functional teams including in a matrix structure

What we offer

• Annual leave starting at 26 days a year, rising one day each year to 31 days plus bank holidays
• Flexible working options, to support your work life balance
• 7.5% employer contribution to pension, rising to 10% with employee contribution
• Learning and development opportunities to help you grow
• Regular wellbeing initiatives to support your health and happiness.

This is a UK based contract, and you are required to have the Right to Work in the UK. Unfortunately, we’re unable to offer sponsorship and any offer of employment will be subject to evidence of your Right to Work in the UK. This role is hybrid with a minimum 40% of your contracted hours spent at our WWF Scotland office, on Princes Street in Edinburgh.

About WWF-UK

We’re a global conservation charity with millions of supporters and hundreds of projects around the world. At WWF-UK, we’re bringing our world back to life. Protecting what’s left isn’t enough. We’re racing to restore nature and prevent catastrophic climate change. And it’s a race we can win with everyone’s help. We’re courageous, passionate, and driven by science. For more than 60 years we’ve been at the forefront of global efforts to protect wildlife and the natural world. We work with integrity, collaboration and deep respect for those we partner with.

Our Diversity Promise to You

At the heart of our mission is a simple truth: the planet needs everyone. That means you - in all your uniqueness, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or how you choose to express yourself. We don’t do stereotypes. We work together with purpose, driven by passion and enhanced by respect, courage, and integrity. We pull together from all walks of life to fight for a better future, and we want you to feel supported every step of the way. We’re proud to be a Disability Confident employer and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels they belong. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and identities. So, if there’s anything we can do to make your application or interview experience more comfortable or accessible, just give our Talent Acquisition Team a shout at recruitment@wwf.org.uk.

Safeguarding Commitment

Just as we celebrate diversity in all its forms, we are equally dedicated to creating a safe environment for every person we work with or encounter. Our commitment extends to children, adults at risk, and individuals experiencing any form of vulnerability, whether temporary or permanent. We proudly stand behind CAPSEAH (Common Approach to Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Sexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment) and put this commitment into action through clear policies, thorough training, and recruitment checks tailored to each role, which may include external vetting. If you ever have a concern, however big or small, know that there are confidential channels ready to support you at WWF-UK. We promise to respond promptly and with care, because protecting every individual is at the heart of everything we do.