Advocacy manager jobs

Title:  Senior Policy and Advocacy Manager

Salary:  From £45,000 - £55,000 per annum 

Contract:  Permanent

Hours:  37.5 per week (Monday to Friday) 

Holiday:     25 days per year plus bank holidays 

Location:  Home based with regular travel within / to London and across the UK

Probationary Period:  3 months

Reports to:  Head of Department 

Benefits:  An additional 3 days holiday between Christmas and New Year, Flexitime policy, 5% pension contribution

Title and salary to be commensurate with experience.

We are River Action

We are a small and agile campaigning organisation on a mission to rescue UK rivers from a toxic cocktail of agricultural, sewage and industrial pollution and water shortages. We support community action, galvanise and mobilise public opinion, influence government policy, take legal actions and call out destructive industrial practices to incentivise changes that end river pollution and secure freshwater. 

We are building a talented team of positive disrupters and stakeholder mobilisers to deliver our strategy to urgently protect and restore our rivers for the benefit of communities, rivers and wildlife.

Britain’s rivers are our life support system and they are dying. We need urgent action to bring them back to life.

Who we are looking for

We are expanding our political influence by introducing this new position, which will work closely with our existing Policy and Advocacy Manager to bolster our strategic reach particularly in the areas of water scarcity, security and justice, sewage and chemical pollution, and water sector reform.

We are seeking a dynamic and self-motivated individual who shares our passion for protecting rivers and securing our nation’s water, food, health, jobs and economy to join our team to drive forward our policy and advocacy work. This role requires a strategic thinker with strong policy insights capable of blending analytical problem-solving with intelligent advocacy to drive meaningful change. This role requires someone to have excellent writing skills and the ability to draft complex policy documents as well as top line arguments for wider communication. 

The ideal person will bring a combination of expertise, energy and ideas to amplify our impact, holding decision-makers and polluters accountable with a professional and diplomatic approach. They will engage with influential people across the sector, government, industry and media. 

If you thrive in fast-paced environments and want to be at the forefront of environmental policy and advocacy across multiple campaigns, we’d love to hear from you.

What you’ll be doing

As a Senior Policy and Advocacy Manager, you  will lead the development and drafting of River Action’s overall policy strategy as well as leading on specific policy areas. You will play a leading role in shaping and advancing River Action’s political and policy influence, working closely with the Senior Management Team, Chief Executive and wider organisation to develop and execute an impactful policy and advocacy strategy.

River Action is the Co-Secretariat for the APPG on Water Pollution, offering our Policy and Advocacy Manager a unique opportunity to shape the policy direction for River Action and also to influence policy development across Parliament. 

You will also work closely with our public affairs agency who manage our daily Westminster activities. 

You will:

• Lead River Action’s development and delivery of our policy and advocacy strategy on sewage, industrial water pollution, and water scarcity 

• Collaborate with River Action’s team and external partners to ensure our collective work is underpinned by robust and forward-thinking policy analysis and evidence.

• Develop policy analysis to support campaign, communications and policy strategies, based on a strong evidence base and a sound understanding of the relevant legal and policy frameworks.

• Translate complex policy and evidence into concise documents with clear messages and compelling campaigns to engage political and policy stakeholders.

• Monitor and analyse political and policy developments, interpreting their implications and opportunities for River Action and its supporters.

• Generate analysis to enable participation in public consultation processes, including drafting high-quality and persuasive consultation responses and briefings for Westminster and Whitehall audiences.

• Increase our political influence with exciting policy interventions, ensuring River Action’s voice is heard at the highest levels of decision-making.

• Build and maintain relationships with key policymakers, civil servants, industry experts and partner organisations.

• Support grassroots community groups and third-sector partners in engaging with their local representatives for effective advocacy.

• Organise and attend key political meetings and events, including the Water Pollution APPG, stakeholder roundtables and parliamentary events.

• Manage strategic policy partnerships, including our relationship with Wildlife and Countryside Link and other third-sector organisations.

• Ensure River Action’s policy and advocacy efforts align with our creative campaigns, by making sure colleagues and spokespeople are well-briefed and communications content is well-informed to maximise reach and impact.

You will also:

• Actively engage in professional development and training.

• Adhere to health and safety policies while working in different locations.

• Maintain confidentiality in all areas of work at River Action.

• Demonstrate a strong commitment to an inclusive, equal and diverse workplace.

• Work collaboratively with colleagues across River Action to collectively deliver our mission while being true to our values. 

UK travel will be required and regular trips to London. Training and operational activities may require overnight stays away from home, in which case costs will be covered and standard River Action procedures will apply.

What you’ll bring

The position will suit a self-motivated, strategic and determined person. You will be an excellent communicator, with exceptional writing skills and comfortable representing River Action and engaging with diverse stakeholders in positions of responsibility. You will have a passion to protect and restore our waterways and to hold decision-makers and polluters to account.

Essential knowledge, skills and experience:

• Experience in a senior policy and advocacy role, ideally within the environmental sector and including experience of water policy. 

• Policy and/or legislative experience, with a good understanding of the workings of the UK government and Parliamentary procedure.

• A good understanding of the UK water industry, the key UK water-related policies and the issues that are impacting our rivers, land and wildlife.

• Knowledge of the challenge of water scarcity.

• Excellent communication and writing skills with close attention to detail and the ability to produce concise and persuasive briefings, reports and consultation responses.

• Strong interpersonal skills and a collaborative approach to working creatively and at a fast pace with colleagues, stakeholders and partners. 

• Excellent organisational skills, including the ability to proactively plan and prioritise work and to report your progress and impact.

• Ability to work flexible hours and travel as necessary.

• A good and supportive team player with a willingness to muck in as and when required.

Why join us?

• Be part of a mission-driven organisation working to restore and protect the UK’s rivers.

• Work at the heart of political and environmental change, influencing decision-makers at the highest levels.

• Work in an agile, supportive and happy work environment where your ideas and expertise will have real impact.

• Opportunities for professional development and growth within the organisation.

Diversity and inclusion

Don’t meet every single requirement? Studies show that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every single criteria. We are committed to building a diverse, inclusive and equitable workplace. So if you like the look of this role but your past experience does not align perfectly with everything in the job description, we’d still love to hear from you. You may be just the right person for this role.

How to apply

To apply, please submit to jobs at riveractionuk dot com with the subject Senior Policy and Advocacy Manager’:

• your CV (2 pages), 

• a cover letter (2 pages) explaining why you want to work for River Action and how your skills and experience meet the requirements of the role, and 

• a written submission (2 pages) as described below. 

Only applications including all three documents will be accepted. Please provide your documents in pdf format. 

Written submission

Please prepare a 2 page policy briefing for Parliamentarians on the issue of water scarcity and water justice and how it affects UK rivers and our security.  Your briefing should be written in a clear, persuasive style suitable for a Parliamentary and government audience and:

• Identify causes of water scarcity and injustice.

• Provide a concise analysis of the impact on rivers, biodiversity and our economy.

• Summarise and assess gaps in relevant UK Government policies, legislation and plans.

• Propose two or three practical policy recommendations for decision-makers.

Application process

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until 5pm on Wednesday 15th July.

Should your application be selected during sift, the next stage will involve an initial 15-minute interview. You may then be invited to attend a second interview with a panel. 

Interviews will be held in the weeks commencing 19th July and 26th July via video conference. 

Please indicate in your covering letter or in a covering email your availability for interviews.

If you have any questions about the role or your application, please contact us on jobs at riveractionuk dot com.

Manager - Our Place and Our Voice
Pay: £37,650 - £41,250 per annum, pro rata
Hours: Part-time. 28 hours a week
Work Pattern: Spread across Monday to Saturday (mostly Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, with occasional Saturday work to support events and projects)
Contract Period: Permanent
Location: AoD Our Place Project, Normand Croft Community School, Lillie Road, London SW6 7SR

About Action on Disability

Action on Disability (AoD), founded in 1979, is one of London’s leading Disabled People’s Organisations (DPOs). Guided by the Social Model of Disability, we work to remove barriers and promote equality, inclusion and choice for all Disabled people.

AoD is a medium-sized charity with a Board of Trustees, 27 staff, and a strong pool of casual staff and volunteers. Many of whom have lived experience of disability. We are proud that 100% of our Board and 54% of our staff identify as Disabled.

We deliver four key services: Young Lives & Families, Employment, Welfare Benefits, and Independent Living.

Purpose of the Role

The Part-Time Manager for Our Place and Our Voice leads AoD’s work on co-production, peer support, campaigning and community engagement. The postholder ensures Disabled people are actively involved in shaping services, influencing policy and strengthening their voice within the local community and beyond.

The role coordinates peer-led programmes, develops accessible training and events, and builds partnerships that promote inclusion and representation. Working closely with the Chief Executive and Chief Operating Officer, the postholder ensures that AoD’s values of co-production and Disabled leadership are embedded throughout the organisation.

Main Responsibilities

1. Lead, plan and coordinate AoD’s Our Place and Our Voice programmes, including co-production, peer support and community engagement initiatives.

2. Develop and deliver accessible training, workshops and events that build confidence, skills and leadership among Disabled people.

3. Recruit, supervise and support volunteers, peer facilitators and freelancers to deliver activities safely and effectively.

4. Build and maintain positive partnerships with local authorities, VCSE organisations, health services and community networks to promote the voice of Disabled people.

5. Promote co-production practice across AoD’s services, working with other managers to embed user involvement in service design and review.

6. Ensure all activities are inclusive, accessible and aligned with the Social Model of Disability.

7. Monitor and evaluate project performance, including collecting data, feedback and case studies to evidence impact.

8. Manage budgets within agreed limits and support financial planning and reporting to the Chief Executive.

9. Prepare and submit funding applications and tender bids (in conjunction with the Chief Executive) to support programme sustainability and growth.

10.  Ensure compliance with AoD policies and procedures, including safeguarding, health & safety and data protection.

11.  Represent AoD positively at external meetings, forums and events, promoting our work and values.

12.  Work collaboratively with other AoD departments to promote shared learning and inclusive practice.

General Responsibilities

Work in line with AoD’s aims, values and the Social Model of Disability.

• Follow AoD’s policies on Equality, Safeguarding, Health & Safety, Confidentiality and Data Protection.
• Actively contribute to team meetings, supervision and training.
• Promote AoD’s services and values to partners, employers and the wider community.
• Be flexible and willing to carry out other tasks that support the smooth running of the service.

Organisational responsibilities

All staff share responsibility for upholding AoD’s values and ensuring that our work reflects the principles of the Social Model of Disability. In this role you will:

• Work in line with AoD’s aims, values and strategic priorities, promoting equality, inclusion and co-production in all aspects of your work.
• Follow AoD’s policies and procedures, including those covering Equality, Safeguarding, Health & Safety, Data Protection and Confidentiality.
• Promote and represent AoD positively to partners, employers, funders and members of the public.
• Contribute to organisational development, suggesting improvements and sharing ideas to strengthen our services.
• Participate fully in supervision, training, team and organisational meetings, and support colleagues to achieve shared goals.
• Maintain accurate records and monitoring data, contributing to reports for funders, commissioners and internal use.
• Work flexibly across projects and departments when needed, supporting colleagues and adapting to new priorities.
• Ensure safe and responsible working practices in all aspects of your role, including the wellbeing of yourself and others.
• Uphold AoD’s commitment to being a DPO led by and for Disabled people.

In return we offer

• 25 days annual leave (pro rata), rising to 30 days after 5 years’ service
• Life Assurance (1x salary if enrolled in the auto-enrolment pension)
• Company sick pay (2 weeks after 6 months’ service; 1 month after 12 months)
• 2 weeks Disability Leave pay
• Employee Assistance Programme

Additional Information

• Some evening or weekend work may occasionally be required.
• An enhanced DBS check will be required.
• Travel across Greater London will be required; travel expenses reimbursed according to policy.
• Managers are expected to work on-site for at least four days per week (full-time equivalent); for part-time staff this will be proportionate to their hours.

Closing Date: 24th July
Interview Dates: 4-6th August
N.B. We reserve the right to interview and close the deadline early should a suitable applicant apply

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website where you can complete your application for this position.

We particularly welcome applications from Disabled people, as they are currently under-represented in leadership roles across the wider voluntary and community sector. As a Disabled People’s Organisation, we believe lived experience brings valuable insight and leadership to this role. We will provide reasonable adjustments at all stages of recruitment and employment.

No agencies please.

The Woodland Trust is looking for a Nature and Society Advocacy Manager to join our policy team. This exciting and important new role will lead a high-performing team to shape and deliver advocacy strategies that maximise the Woodland Trust’s influence on UK national and local policy, driving nature recovery and access to trees for all. 

Working collaboratively with colleagues, partners and supporters, you will develop evidence-based, practical policy solutions and identify new opportunities to influence decision-makers across key areas including nature recovery, land use, planning, infrastructure, ecosystems, access to nature, and health and wellbeing. 

This role is advertised as full-time, 37.5 hours per week, however we would consider applications from those wanting reduced hours at 30 per week. 

The Role: 

• Lead and develop the Nature and Society Advocacy team, identifying capability gaps and providing coaching, direction and support to deliver effective policy advocacy. 
• Build strong cross-organisational relationships to secure coordinated support for advocacy activities and ensure senior leaders and colleagues are effectively briefed. 
• Provide expert advice on UK and international policy developments to senior stakeholders, enabling consistent, evidence-based advocacy, communications and campaigns. 
• Develop and maintain influential relationships with government, parliamentarians, NGOs, businesses, academics, media and other key stakeholders to advance advocacy objectives. 
• Represent the Woodland Trust externally at high-level forums and with key audiences to strengthen the organisation’s influence and achieve policy outcomes. 
• Contribute to the strategic development of the Trust’s policy advocacy work and lead the development and promotion of policy positions through stakeholder engagement and media activity. 
• Commission and apply policy research, and provide specialist input to reports, consultation responses, briefings and other advocacy materials. 
• Oversee the effective delivery of advocacy projects through budget management, monitoring and evaluation, and continuous learning to maintain high-quality, up-to-date policy expertise. 
• This is a hybrid position with a mix of home working, and from our head office in Grantham, Lincolnshire. Head office attendance would be required no more than once a month on average. Occasional travel to other offices and remote locations may also be required. 

The Candidate: 

• Demonstrated success in leading and developing high-performing teams, managing people, projects and multiple workstreams. 
• Expertise in budget management, policy research and the delivery of evidence-based advocacy programmes. 
• Significant experience in policy advocacy across nature recovery, land use and planning, and access to nature. 
• Proven ability to develop, negotiate and secure policy solutions that deliver positive outcomes for nature and society. 
• Strong track record of building and influencing senior-level internal and external stakeholder relationships. 
• Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences and present complex issues clearly across a range of channels and media. 
• Experience designing and implementing theory of change, monitoring, evaluation and continuous learning frameworks. 
• Degree-level qualification in conservation, ecology, geography, land management, environmental or biological sciences, with a strong understanding of UK environmental and social policy, legislation, and evidence analysis. 

Benefits and Wellbeing: 

Joining our team means you’ll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our staff, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer: 

• Enhanced Employer Pension 
• Life Assurance 
• Flexible & Hybrid Working Options 
• Generous Annual Leave - 25 Days Plus Bank Holidays (pro rata’d for part-time) 
• Buy and Sell Holiday Scheme 
• Enhanced Parental Pay 
• Employee Assistance Programme 

About Us: 

The Woodland Trust is the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity.  We want to see a world where trees and woods thrive for people and nature. The Trust engages and inspires people to make their difference tackling the nature and climate crisis helping protect, restore and create our vital woods and trees. 

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion: 

To achieve our vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature, we need to better reflect society and the communities we work in. All people, no matter their background, identity, ability, or circumstance, should benefit from trees.

People of colour and disabled people are currently under-represented across the environment and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we particularly encourage you to apply.  

Please contact us to discuss any additional support or adjustments you may need to complete your application. 

Application Advice: 

For fairness we keep our candidates’ personal details hidden from the hiring managers, and CVs are redacted until after shortlisting is complete.  

Make sure that your Personal Statement clearly shows how your skills and knowledge link to the specifications in the job description and you share with us your passion for the role.  

Acceptable Use - Artificial Intelligence (AI): 

We understand that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their job applications-for example, to help structure or edit written responses. We welcome the use of AI in this way, particularly where it helps improve accessibility, such as for neurodivergent applicants. However, we ask that any information submitted reflects your own experience, skills and understanding. During interviews, candidates are expected to respond independently without the use of AI tools.

Apply Now: 

If you're ready to make a difference and grow with us, send in your application today. We might close the job opening early if we get a lot of applications, so it's a good idea to apply soon. If we do close the advert early, and you have an application in process, we will email you prior to closing to give you time to complete.

Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams on 28th & 29th July.