The Donkey Sanctuary is an international animal welfare organisation, offering care and protection to donkeys worldwide. Our vision is a world where every donkey has a good quality of life, and our mission is to improve the lives of donkeys every day. We will achieve this by transforming the lives of donkeys in need worldwide by fostering greater understanding, collaboration and support, and by promoting lasting, mutually life-enhancing relationships. 

We have an excellent opportunity for a Donkey Welfare Adviser. You will be part of the field based team, for Donkey Sanctuary (Ireland) Ltd (DSI) as a professional in the field of equine welfare, specifically donkeys and mules. You will respond to donkeys in need, while acting proactively to support a quality rehoming scheme within the West of Ireland and provide a range of high quality training and learning interventions. Act as a positive ambassador by displaying our charity values of compassion, collaboration and creativity and at all times provide a high level of customer service. 

About you: 

• High level of equine knowledge having worked practically with equines for a number of 
• Able to demonstrate an understanding of equine behaviour and able to provide practical delivery of this in the field. 
• Fully conversant with IT equipment so as to keep colleagues and HQ regularly updated and the ability to input into databases and systems, for example in uploading photographic and video images to support welfare cases. 
• Knowledge of legal practicalities and application of relevant animal welfare legislation.
• Excellent communicator who is able to demonstrate these skills to a variety of audiences in a variety of mediums, including presenting to small and large groups. 
• Full valid driving licence.

About the role: 

Your principal duties and responsibilities will include – 

• As a result of good experience and expert skills, take appropriate action when required to prevent donkeys and mules suffering; anticipating and taking preventative steps to avoid cruelty, distress or poor treatment by educating, supporting and informing a number of audiences in the care and welfare of donkeys and mules. 
• Work effectively using excellent communication skills in a variety of mediums, with groups from all social, racial and cultural backgrounds to inform and share best practice and model good practice to raise standards, informing and educating to improve the care and welfare of donkeys and mules. 
• Ensure objective evidence is gathered in a professional and effective manner to underpin action and provide sound evidence both verbally and in writing.
• Work collaboratively to develop positive and co-operative relationships to raise the profile of animal welfare issues and become the point of contact for donkey and mule welfare issues.
• Develop excellent professional relationships and networks of expert professionals such as vets, farriers, dental technicians, local authorities, animal welfare charities and other service providers to support the donkeys and mules and provide increased knowledge and expertise of donkeys and mules. 
• Work to achieve good professional relations with commercial operatives. 
• Grow the number of Guardian homes by considering creative opportunities and engaging with the public to promote the benefits of the Guardian scheme to both donkeys, mules and people. 
• Provide expert information, support and education to a growing number of good quality Guardian homes to support donkeys and mules in homes. 
• Provide practical advice to Guardian homes when required as well as expertise in all aspects of donkey and mule care, welfare and behaviour; making referrals to other expert colleagues when required. 
• Offer advice where appropriate for use of donkeys and mules for humane work taking into account the social and psychological benefits of human - donkey interactions.

What we offer in return: 

This is a full-time, Permanent contract starting as soon as possible, working an average of 40 hours per week on an annualised hours basis, 8 hours per day Monday – Friday. 

The post holder will be required to live within or relocate to the West of Ireland. The main counties covered are, Mayo, West Galway, Sligo, Roscommon. There may be occasions when the post holder may be requested to work at another location considered reasonable by the Charity. 

Benefits:    

• Competitive pension. 
• Life assurance. 
• 20 days holiday per year. This increases by one day each year until a maximum of 25 days is reached. There is an additional 10 public holidays 
• Wellbeing team. 
• Recorded Pilates classes. 
• Long service awards. 
• Healthshield plan, including reimbursement of some medical expenses up to the specified limits per membership, offers, discounts and cashback on shopping, travel and entertainment from participating outlets, access to a 24/7 GP and counselling service. 
• Free parking. 

Closing date for completed applications: Monday 9 March 2026.

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, and may be Garda vetted where required for the post. The Donkey Sanctuary is an equal opportunities employer.

The Donkey Sanctuary also participates in the Inter Agency Misconduct Disclosure Scheme and, for relevant posts, may request information from applicants’ previous employers about any findings of sexual exploitation, sexual abuse and/or sexual harassment during employment, or incidents under investigation when the applicant left employment.

Please note: The Guaranteed interview scheme is only applicable to candidates who consider themselves to have a disability applying for roles based within the United Kingdom.

NOTE TO APPLICANTS: We look forward to receiving your application, but we do ask you to complete this in your own words, and not to employ an Artificial Intelligence (AI) writing tool or assistant. Applications that are considered not to be an applicant’s own work may not be shortlisted for interview.