The Donkey Sanctuary is an international animal welfare organisation, offering care and protection to donkeys and mules worldwide. We are working for a world where donkeys and mules live free from suffering, and their contribution to humanity is fully valued. We are achieving this by transforming the quality of life for donkeys, mules and people worldwide through greater understanding, collaboration and support, and by promoting lasting, mutually life-enhancing relationships.

There are currently over 50 million donkeys and mules supporting the livelihoods of some of the poorest people on our planet. When donkeys and mules are well cared for, livelihoods, food production and access to clean water improve, as well as many other things that we often take for granted. In turn, we also ensure healthier, happier and more productive working animals.

The challenge of delivering better welfare on a global scale for millions of donkeys and mules is complex and ever changing. In order to affect change on a global scale we are looking to recruit an Advocacy Officer. This is a challenging yet rewarding opportunity, to help us deliver our goal, of a world where donkeys and mules live free from suffering, and their contribution to humanity is fully valued.

Demonstrable experience of working in an advocacy or public affairs position is vital, coupled with a strong conceptual understanding of animal welfare and demonstrable evidence of working on these topics. You will support the Advocacy Manager and wider Policy, Advocacy and Campaigns team in influencing legislation, policy and practice, to further enhance The Donkey Sanctuary’s vision at a global level, and help us achieve our strategic aims.

You will be a proactive and resourceful individual able to demonstrate a good understanding of the UK, global, regional and national external advocacy environment. You will assess trends and developments likely to affect advocacy, and work closely with other NGOs, partnerships and networks, representing and promoting the charity and advocacy work at events, conferences and through civil society networks. You will undertake scoping and analysis of the policies and work of major inter-governmental agencies, such as the UN, UNFAO, UNIFAD, OIE, the World Bank, the World Food Programme, and regionally in Africa, Asia/Pacific, Latin and South America and in Europe, to ensure timely input and engagement on how they could link in with and/or support the work of The Donkey Sanctuary.

Experience of policy research, report writing and evaluation, together with the ability to multi-task and work with a number of conflicting demands and multiple deadlines, is essential, as are excellent communication and relationship building skills. This position will entail writing abstract submissions to conferences and presenting our work and strategic aims. A broad knowledge of the history, work and successes of the charity, including an understanding of the charity’s vision and mission, is desirable. The role will entail some national and international travel to attend conferences and events.

This position is based in Sidmouth, Devon – an area of outstanding natural beauty. However, we are willing to consider home-working arrangements for the right candidate. 

This is a full-time, permanent contract starting as soon as possible.

Closing date for completed applications: Monday 4 November 2019.

The Donkey Sanctuary is 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.