Political officer jobs

Internship opportunities for 2026-27

Are you a young *Christian who is passionate about issues of justice and peace? Do you want to explore the intersection of faith, policy, and politics, and potentially pursue a career in one of these fields? The Joint Public Issues Team (JPIT) is recruiting to two full time paid internship positions to start in September 2026.

Interns work as part of a small ecumenical team on a diverse range of tasks and initiatives including communications, policy, campaigning and supporter engagement, contributing to the public advocacy and political engagement work of the Baptist, Methodist and United Reformed Churches.

JPIT is a partnership between the Baptist Union of Great Britain, the Methodist Church and the United Reformed Church, and the Church of Scotland is an associate partner. Its purpose is to help the Churches to work together for peace and justice through listening, learning, praying, speaking and acting on public policy issues. It is a team which brings together around ten staff working across the denominations. In recent years it has focused on issues around poverty, the economy, refugees and migration, the environment, peace and conflict, and politics.

These internships provide opportunities to develop skills in campaigning, communications, research, and policy within a dynamic team environment. There will be opportunities for professional and personal learning and development to equip the intern for further employment after their time on the internship. Whilst we are looking for some evidence of certain skills and experience, candidates will have the opportunity to develop relevant skills during their time in the role.

They are full time paid roles with fixed-term contracts to the end of August 2027, and a salary of £26,936.00 per year (we are committed to paying at least the London Living Wage). The roles are based in the Methodist Connexional Team which offers hybrid working arrangements, with an expectation of spending at least two days a week at an office base in central London.

We welcome and encourage applications from a diverse range of people. You should be aged 21-30, have excellent communication skills, be enthusiastic and willing to take on new challenges, be interested in political engagement and be a practicing Christian. An Enhanced DBS Check will be required.

Our Culture, Values and Benefits

Thank you for considering joining our inclusive and welcoming team that strives for excellence and values employee wellbeing.

We value and support all those who join our team through a positive work-life balance augmented by generous annual leave (plus an extra 3 days over Christmas/New Year), TOIL, flexi-leave and an on-site Well-being Adviser service. We offer a generous occupational pension scheme, where the Methodist Church will pay double the employee contribution up to a maximum of 16% employer contribution.

The Methodist Church is an inclusive and supportive employer. We are actively committed to encouraging applications from people of all backgrounds. We welcome applications from people of Black, Asian and other Minority Ethnic groups.

We are a Disability Confident employer and welcome applications from people living with disabilities. If you need any reasonable adjustments at any stage, please contact the HR team (details on our website). 

Application Details

• Visit the JPIT site for further details of the role. 
• The closing date for completed application forms is Friday, 10 April 2026
• Interviews will be held in London on Wednesday 6th May 2026. Candidates called to interview will be notified at least a week in advance.

*This post is restricted to Christians due to the nature of the role. The Occupational Requirement section under Schedule 9 (Part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 applies.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone passionate about activism, campaigning, and collective organising to play a central role within our Democracy & Representation Team. The successful candidate will support and strengthen the delivery of officer-led campaigns and projects, working closely with our five elected Sabbatical Officers. You will help turn their ideas into meaningful change, from coordinating campaign activity and managing deadlines to ensuring officers have the tailored support they need. You will help connect work across the Students’ Union, contributing to campaigns on key issues such as liberation, student rights, fair representation, and intersectionality.

If you are motivated by supporting others, thinking creatively about campaign strategy, and contributing to impactful, student-led change, we would love to hear from you.

War on Want challenges the root causes of poverty and injustice. We run impactful campaigns in the UK - and work with partner organisations across the Global South. We are currently relaunching our trade justice campaigning and are looking for an energetic early career campaigner to work on it. 

The trade system sits at the heart of the rigged global economy. It perpetuates social, economic and climate injustice. From fossil fuel corporations suing governments in secret courts, to British mining giants violently extracting minerals from countries in the Global South, to upholding neocolonial patterns of economic inequality. 

Our re-launched campaign will challenge these secret ‘ISDS’ courts and the dangerous global rush for critical minerals, while championing trade justice.

This is a diverse and challenging role. On a typical day, the successful candidate might be planning a panel discussion, producing social media content, meeting an MP, carrying out research, organising a protest, or coordinating with allied organisations. We are looking for an ambitious self-starter with a passion for social justice. 

Take a look at the application pack or get in touch to find out more.

About the role

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) is seeking an experienced and strategic professional to represent the organisation at the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) and related global aviation bodies.

This role will play a key part in ensuring that the voices and interests of aviation workers are reflected in international regulatory frameworks and industry standards.

Working closely with the ITF Civil Aviation Director and ITF affiliates, the successful candidate will strengthen ITF’s influence in global aviation policy discussions and support unions to engage effectively with international regulatory processes.

Key responsibilities

• Represent ITF at ICAO and related international aviation bodies.
• Develop strategies to influence global aviation regulatory frameworks and technical standards.
• Support ITF affiliates to participate in ICAO processes and policy discussions.
• Monitor developments in aviation regulation, policy and technology.
• Provide strategic advice and analysis to the Civil Aviation Director, elected leadership and affiliates.

About you

You will have experience working on aviation policy, regulation or industrial issues within trade unions, international organisations or the aviation sector.

You will bring strong negotiation, diplomatic and communication skills and the ability to operate effectively in complex international policy environments. You will also be able to build strong relationships with unions, regulators and industry stakeholders.

Why work for ITF?

The ITF is a global trade union federation representing transport workers around the world. Our work supports more than 700 affiliated unions in over 150 countries, campaigning for workers’ rights, equality, safety and sustainable transport.

By joining ITF, you will:

• Contribute to advancing the rights and protections of transport workers globally.
• Work in a diverse and international organisation committed to social justice.
• Collaborate with unions and labour movements across the world.
• Play a meaningful role in shaping international policy affecting aviation workers.

ITF is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds

THE ORGANISATION

The International Transport Workers’ Federation (ITF) is a democratic, affiliate-led federation recognised as the world’s leading transport authority. We fight passionately to improve workers' lives, connecting more than 700 affiliated trade unions from 150 countries to secure rights, equality and justice for workers' globally. We are the voice for nearly 18.5 million transport workers across the world.

We have offices in London, Abidjan, Amman, Brussels, Geneva, Hong Kong, Montreal, Nairobi, New Delhi, Panama City, Rio de Janeiro, Singapore, Sydney, and Tokyo, with members spanning the globe.

Purpose:

The ITF constitution sets out the following aims:

• To promote respect for trade union and human rights worldwide
• To work for peace based on social justice and economic progress
• To help our affiliated unions defend the interests of their members
• To provide research and information services to our affiliates
• To provide general assistance to transport workers in difficulty

Values

At the ITF, our values are at the heart of all that we do. We demonstrate solidarity. We are democratic. We are dynamic. We are determined. We are dedicated to bringing together a diverse group of people to truly strengthen the ITF as the global voice for transport workers. Find out more about our values.

Equal opportunities statement:

At the ITF, we are committed to providing an inclusive environment for our team and our affiliates. We see the diversity of our staff as a source of intelligence and our strength. This means that we work creatively to make the most of the unique experiences and perspectives. We are an equal opportunities employer. We welcome all applications regardless of gender, marital status, sexual orientation, pregnancy, race, migration status, colour, ethnic origin, nationality, religion or beliefs, disability, age, political opinions or trade union affiliation or activity.

Our client, a well-known anti-poverty charity is looking to recruit a Director of Policy & Engagement on a maternity contract of up to 12 months. This great charity provides front-line advice, advocacy and campaigning and policy work on behalf of people in London beneath pension age, who are experiencing issues around benefit payments, disability and housing or who are at risk of homelessness. The services they provide have become even more essential during the current cost of living crisis.

The role:
As Director of Policy & Engagement, you will lead the organisation’s policy, public affairs, and campaigns function, shaping and delivering local and national influencing to drive change on social security and housing issues. You will ensure the voices of people with lived experience are central to all of the organisation’s work, embedding meaningful participation across the organisation, in governance, services, policy and campaigns.

You will also oversee strategic external communications to support the organisation’s influencing, brand and fundraising objectives and will direct all fundraising for your department including managing funder relationships, identifying opportunities and leading on bid writing and reporting.
 
This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for influencing policy and practice locally and nationally and representing the charity as a spokesperson in the media, with government ministers, MPs, and other senior stakeholders. 
 
You will manage a small multidisciplinary team of four, ensuring integrated effective delivery across the organisation. 
 
The role will cover strategic leadership, policy, public affairs & campaigns, stakeholder & media engagement, external communications, embedding participation, fundraising leadership, team leadership and cross-organisational Integration.

The person:
The successful candidate will be a strategic, politically astute leader with experience of leading policy, public affairs and campaigns at a senior level. They will have experience of integrating research campaigns, participation, external communications and fundraising to deliver impact locally and nationally. They will have excellent media stakeholder and political engagement skills, with experience of acting as a spokesperson for an organisation. This person will value and embed lived experience in all aspects of their work and will have a strong understanding of social security and housing policy. 

This person will also have substantial experience of leading on research for social policy influencing purposes in addition to having developed and shaped policy  for an organisation in a charity which works towards combatting poverty and other social justice issues. Having managed political and media engagement and external influencing activities in the past, this person will be an effective relationship manager both internally and externally, in addition to having provided knowledge based leadership to small teams in the charity sector. In addition to being a highly effective project manager, this person will be a very strong communicator both verbally and in writing, and will be fully committed to the aims and objectives of this anti-poverty charity.
​​​​​​​
This organisation is an equal opportunity employer. People with lived experience of poverty, from global majority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ individuals and disabled people are strongly encouraged to apply. We welcome evidence of experience from both work and non-work settings such as volunteering and personal life. 
 

We are a small and passionate team making a tangible difference to the lives of families. We are hiring a Senior Communications Manager, to oversee and run our media and external communications, who will bring expertise and creativity to the organisation. If you're an experienced media operator and exceptional mission-driven communicator, and looking for your next big challenge, we'd love to hear from you. 

Please see attached full job description. 

We’re growing our Criminal Justice Services and bringing in a range of roles that really matter. This work is about supporting people in the secure estate who have experienced trauma and sexual harm, and making sure support is actually accessible, not just in theory, but in practice.

Our Outspoken service delivers trauma therapy to residents across the secure estate, particularly those who have experienced ACEs or sexual harm. It’s a space focused on safety, trust, and meaningful therapeutic work.

Our Outspoken Navigators are often the first point of connection. They support people in accessing the right help, whether that’s through assessments, regular check-ins, lower-intensity support, or helping them find the right pathway.

Why Join Us?

• a competitive salary.
• annual leave package with incremental rises plus bank holidays.
• company sick pay.
• Birthday annual leave.
• monthly clinical supervision.
• pension contribution.
• and a range of discount and benefit programmes.

At We Are Survivors, we care deeply about making sure male survivors can access support wherever they are. That includes the spaces that are often overlooked.

Introduction

the3million is the largest grassroots organisation for EU citizens* in the UK, formed after the 2016 referendum to protect the rights of people who have made the UK their home. 

Our work ranges from organising EU citizens’ communities and informing people about their rights, to holding the Government to account on the implementation of the Withdrawal Agreement and advocating for social justice.

We are looking for an experienced, values-driven and thoughtful Communications Manager to help shape and strengthen the3million’s public voice. The role focuses on sharing our work as widely and effectively as possible, through social media, supporter communications and news media. You will act as a spokesperson for the3million, write and develop communications materials, and help grow our supporters and donors base through lived-experience focused communications.

The ideal candidate is a passionate communicator, motivated by social justice and passionate about amplifying the voices of EU citizens and other migrant communities. You are as comfortable shaping strategy as you are delivering high-quality content, and you are committed to challenging injustice and influencing decision-makers.

Key responsibilities

1. Communications strategy & leadership 

• Lead the development, delivery and evaluation of the communications strategy of the3million, working closely with the3million’s CEO, Head of Policy and Advocacy and Organising team to deliver timely strategic communications support
• Growing and safeguarding the3million’s brand identity, integrity and strategic positioning across all our external channels, networks and audiences
• Develop new initiatives to expand and improve the reach and engagement of the3million’s communications
• Regularly reviewing the effectiveness of campaigns and responding to opportunities that arise
• Use analytics tools to evaluate performance and inform strategic decisions
• Support the3million’s sustainability through effective fundraising messages and campaigns
• Maintain positive and productive relationships with partner organisations, working on shared campaigns and promoting strategic collaborations, opportunities for engagement and projects

2. Content and digital communications 

• Build the3million’s public messages, using the most effective frames to communicate complex issues clearly to targeted audiences, with lived experience underpinning these messages
• Take overall responsibility for developing the3million’s website content, creating written and visual content
• Oversee and manage the3million’s online presence, engaging with relevant online platforms
• Produce regular newsletters, with clear and effective calls to action 
• Develop effective fundraising content to disseminate to supporters 
• Manage the3million’s social media channels, leading on creating engaging social media content (written and visual), developing and expanding the3million’s social media presence using relevant up to date digital tools 
• Support EU citizens in having their stories heard, sourcing and writing compelling stories, ensuring safeguarding and consent policies are followed

3. Media relations 

• Monitor media outlets for issues related to our campaigns, respond to developments in an appropriate and timely fashion
• Write and disseminate press releases, opinion pieces and articles
• Manage press enquiries, liaising with journalists and other media contacts
• Proactively pitch, develop and maintain relationships with relevant media stakeholders, developing our contacts list
• Support people with lived experience in working with journalists to have their stories heard
• Develop key messaging and briefings for staff and spokespeople to ensure consistency across communications, as needed
• Lead on crisis communications and rapid response messaging in reaction to political or media developments 

4. Campaign communications & messaging 

• Work closely with the policy and advocacy team to translate complex issues into compelling narratives 
• Work with the Community Organising team to ensure lived-experience led storytelling is embedded in the community organising strategy
• Support with the development of published materials (in print and online) such as leaflets and reports. Lead on the visual design of published materials
• Support people with lived experience (including community leaders) to be effective spokespeople for the3million, delivering relevant communications training and support their leadership development (working closely with the Organising team)

5. General: 

• Maintain relationships with relevant funders of the3million’s communications activities, providing regular reports and updates 
• Represent the views of the3million at events, conferences and in the media
• Provide assistance in other areas of the3million’s work as and when deemed necessary by the CEO

Person specifications

Knowledge and experience: 

• Demonstrable experience (minimum 2 years) in managing communications for a charity or an NGO in the UK
• Strong understanding of the UK media landscape, including experience securing media coverage and managing press relationships 
• Experience managing digital communications channels (website, email, social media) and growing engagement 
• Experience supporting or working alongside people with lived experience in communications, storytelling or campaigns 
• Experience using data and analytics to evaluate communications performance and inform strategy

Skills:

• Excellent writing, editing and storytelling skills, with the ability to adapt tone for different audiences and channels 
• Ability to identify and quickly respond to external opportunities and risks, including fast-moving political or media developments 
• Strong media relation skills, including pitching stories and handling press enquiries 
• Digital communications skills, including social media management, email campaigns (eg using Mailchimp or Action Network) and website content management 
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• Ability to develop clear, compelling messaging and narratives grounded in lived experience
• Confidence in supporting and briefing spokespeople, including people with lived experience
• Good design and visual content skills (including using Canva for content production)

Personal attributes:

• Passionate about EU citizens’ rights and committed to supporting and advancing the rights of all migrants, irrespective of nationality, immigration status, or other matters
• Strong understanding of power, inequity and intersectionality
• Ability to work independently, managing competing priorities and thrive in a fast-paced environment
• A positive, proactive and solutions-oriented attitude, able to take initiative
• Willingness to occasionally travel across the UK

Desirable: 

• Experience with campaigning or political communications 
• Knowledge and experience in fundraising communications (donor messaging, appeals)
• Knowledge of migrants rights or the EU Settlement Scheme
• Experience delivering media or communications training 

Before you apply

One of the3million’s core values is equity - we are people led, we value diversity and are enriched by differences. We strive to listen to, engage with and represent the broadest range of people. 

We recognise our team is not currently representative of communities that experience racism and that our own ways of working may replicate wider societal oppression and injustices. We are actively working towards becoming an anti-oppressive organisation, including taking steps to create a more inclusive recruitment process.

You may not have worked in an organisation whose focus is campaigning for migrants’ rights. Or you may have experience in a grassroots setting which is not formalised. Please still consider applying as many other settings offer transferable skills.

If you are from a background that is underrepresented in the migration sector - for example you are from a community that experiences racism, or you have lived experience of migration, or you are a disabled person, or you did not go to University or had free school meals as a child - we strongly encourage you to apply.

We believe our work will be stronger with greater diversity. the3million welcomes the whole person to work, and we understand that each of us brings our experiences, our backgrounds and our own unique lens to what we do.

About applying 

Apply by submitting an up to date CV and cover letter through CharityJobs, detailing your motivations for applying for this post and how your skills, knowledge and experience fit the person specifications of the role. Please note we will not be reviewing applications which do not include a detailed cover letter.

Working conditions 

Position: Full time 
Duration: one year contract, with possibility of extension, subject to funding 
Salary: £35,000
Location: Remote, UK. Home working. Occasional travel required - within the UK (all travel expenses covered)
Benefits: 28 days holiday + bank holidays, contributory pension scheme, flexible working patterns.
Reporting to: CEO

Closing date: 21st April 2026. Please note we are reviewing applications on an ongoing basis and this vacancy may be closed early if we find a suitable candidate.

We’re growing our Criminal Justice Services and bringing in a range of roles that really matter. This work is about supporting people in the secure estate who have experienced trauma and sexual harm, and making sure support is actually accessible, not just in theory, but in practice.

Our Outspoken service delivers trauma therapy to residents across the secure estate, particularly those who have experienced ACEs or sexual harm. It’s a space focused on safety, trust, and meaningful therapeutic work.

The Outside Outspoken Navigator, supports people as they leave the secure estate and begin rebuilding in the community, helping create some continuity during what can be a really uncertain time.

At We Are Survivors, we care deeply about making sure male survivors can access support wherever they are. That includes the spaces that are often overlooked.

Why Join Us?

• a competitive salary.
• annual leave package with incremental rises plus bank holidays.
• company sick pay.
• Birthday annual leave.
• monthly clinical supervision.
• pension contribution.
• and a range of discount and benefit programmes.

We’re growing our Criminal Justice Services and bringing in a range of roles that really matter. This work is about supporting people in the secure estate who have experienced trauma and sexual harm, and making sure support is actually accessible, not just in theory, but in practice.

Our Outspoken service delivers trauma therapy to residents across the secure estate, particularly those who have experienced ACEs or sexual harm. It’s a space focused on safety, trust, and meaningful therapeutic work.

Our Outspoken Pathfinder role is often the first point of connection. They support people in accessing the right help, whether that’s through assessments, regular check-ins, lower-intensity support, or helping them find the right pathway.

Why Join Us?

• a competitive salary.
• annual leave package with incremental rises plus bank holidays.
• company sick pay.
• Birthday annual leave.
• monthly clinical supervision.
• pension contribution.
• and a range of discount and benefit programmes.

We’re growing our Criminal Justice Services and bringing in a range of roles that really matter. This work is about supporting people in the secure estate who have experienced trauma and sexual harm, and making sure support is actually accessible, not just in theory, but in practice.

Our Outspoken service delivers trauma therapy to residents across the secure estate, particularly those who have experienced ACEs or sexual harm. It’s a space focused on safety, trust, and meaningful therapeutic work.

The Outspoken Trauma-Informed Therapists focus on one-to-one therapy, offering both stabilisation and processing work, adapting to where someone is at and what they need.

At We Are Survivors, we care deeply about making sure male survivors can access support wherever they are. That includes the spaces that are often overlooked.

Why Join Us?

• a competitive salary.
• annual leave package with incremental rises plus bank holidays.
• company sick pay.
• Birthday annual leave.
• monthly clinical supervision.
• pension contribution.
• and a range of discount and benefit programmes.

We’re growing our Criminal Justice Services and bringing in a range of roles that really matter. This work is about supporting people in the secure estate who have experienced trauma and sexual harm, and making sure support is actually accessible, not just in theory, but in practice.

Our Outspoken service delivers trauma therapy to residents across the secure estate, particularly those who have experienced ACEs or sexual harm. It’s a space focused on safety, trust, and meaningful therapeutic work.

The Outspoken Service Manager will work alongside peers to lead the service, making sure staff feel supported and that what we deliver stays high quality and of good practice.

At We Are Survivors, we care deeply about making sure male survivors can access support wherever they are. That includes the spaces that are often overlooked.

Why Join Us?

• a competitive salary.
• annual leave package with incremental rises plus bank holidays.
• company sick pay.
• Birthday annual leave.
• monthly clinical supervision.
• pension contribution.
• and a range of discount and benefit programmes.

Senior Global Fundraising Manager

Contract: 12 Month Fixed-term contract, Maternity Cover, (Part-time or full-time, 4-5 days a week)

Location: This role may be based in one of our WaterAid member offices, London, United Kingdom, Stockholm, Sweden, Canada, New York, United States, Melbourne, or New Delhi, India, subject to right to work eligibility in the respective countries.

The role offers flexible location options. Candidates must align with UK working hours, as the hiring manager is based in the UK, while also maintaining flexibility to accommodate global time zones.

*Each WaterAid office has its own local hybrid working requirements:

Salary and Benefits: Salaries and benefits will vary by country, depending on the successful candidate's location and experience. See further details below:

• UK: GBP £61,645 per annum with excellent benefits*
• Other locations: Competitive salary packages with excellent benefits, in line with local market rates and dependent on experience

*We offer competitive, market-aligned starting salaries. While most roles are offered at the advertised starting salary, we may adjust this in exceptional cases depending on a candidate’s experience, skills, and potential.

Change starts with water. Change starts with you.

Every day, millions of people live without clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid exists to change that – for everyone, everywhere. Join us, and your energy will help unlock people’s potential and create a fairer future.

About WaterAid

We’re a global federation driven by one vision: a world where everyone, everywhere has clean water, sanitation and hygiene by 2030. Powered by our values of Respect, Accountability, Courage, Collaboration, Integrity and Innovation, we work alongside communities, partners and supporters to make change happen.

About the team

The Senior Global Fundraising Manager will report to the Global Lead for Communications and Fundraising (Executive Director), currently based in WaterAid UK. They will be an integral member of the Global Communications and Fundraising Executive, made up of senior colleagues from across the WaterAid federation.

The WaterAid Federation consists of the International Secretariat, 7 members - Canada, USA, UK, Sweden, India, Japan and Australia, 3 Regional hubs and 22 country programme offices.

About the role

This role will play a strategic part in driving income growth across the WaterAid federation by proactively collaborating and learning, and seeking opportunities to strengthen our collective action, enhancing efficiency and effectiveness. Critically they will play a lead role in developing a long-term global income plan, ensuring that we make the best collective decisions for organisational growth and impact, and ensuring that risk is managed globally. The role holder will work closely with the Executive Director who is the Global Lead for Communications and Fundraising, in overseeing and driving action through the Global Communications and Fundraising Executive (GCFE) made up of communications and fundraising leaders across the federation; and leading key initiatives identified by this group.

In this role, you will;

• Lead the process for the development of a long-term global income generation plan/strategy which maps WaterAid’s growth trajectory, income stream balance, and required enablers and dependencies.
• Takes a lead role in global fundraising projects which address the enablers and dependencies identified in the plan for multiple markets. This could include identifying new approaches such as emergency fundraising; addressing processes and ways of working holding us back; driving efficiencies through centralised procurement.
• Lead on quarterly global performance monitoring and trend analysis – ensuring and supporting all members to provide a qualitative and quantitative overview which enables us to identify trends, opportunities and threats and act upon them. Reporting key findings to WaterAid International where required
• Monitor risk across the income portfolio and support senior fundraisers in managing and mitigating risk identified.
• Identify and coordinate/lead global income generation activities which require central management – including project management of key programmes of work.
• Ensure global engagement in key initiatives is relevant and easy, with low resource impact, for smaller members and Country Programmes (CPs).
• Support the Global Lead for Communications and Fundraising with initiatives which drive global alignment, transparency and effectiveness.

To be successful, you’ll need:

• Demonstrable experience in working on global initiatives with globally dispersed teams
• Excellent collaboration and negotiation skills with the ability to drive integration and alignment. 
• Proven ability to work effectively with stakeholders from across a range of cultures, locations and backgrounds
• Experience of developing complex plans and strategies - monitoring and reporting against them
• Strong knowledge of fundraising practices and experience delivering fundraising campaigns (restricted or unrestricted income generation)
• Ability to analyse fundraising data and create narrative and actions from that to shape continuous improvement

Although not essential, we’d prefer you to have:

• Knowledge of all fundraising streams – public fundraising, philanthropy and trusts, corporate and institutional
• Knowledge of different fundraising markets.
• Ability to flex working hours to ease time zone challenges

Closing date: Applications close 12 PM UK time on Monday, 20th April 2026. Interviews are expected to take place week commencing 27th April.

*Shortlisting and interviews will be scheduled on a rolling basis, and the role may close earlier if a suitable candidate is found. We therefore encourage you to apply at an early stage.

How to apply: Click Apply to answer the pre-screening questions, upload your CV and Cover Letter.

Can I use Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology in my application? At WaterAid, we strongly advise against using AI technology at any stage of the recruitment process. Our goal is to ensure a fair and transparent process that provides every applicant with an equal opportunity to succeed. We value hearing about your unique experiences and perspectives in your application, and, if shortlisted, during the interview as well.

Pre‑employment screening: To apply for this role, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the respective country. All pre-employment checks will be carried out according to local law and WaterAid’s Safer Recruitment policy. All UK based roles require a basic Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

Benefits

As a global organisation, WaterAid is committed to creating an environment where you can thrive and be yourself at your very best. Alongside our inspiring mission and meaningful work, we offer a range of benefits tailored to each country’s context and policies. These will be shared during the process

Our Global Commitment:

Our people promise

We will work with passion and focus to make sure everyone everywhere has clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene. WaterAid is a place of purpose – where people have a real commitment and shared responsibility for the impact we have. We are a global community with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, motivated by inspiring, stimulating work. We are determined to be a place where people feel safe and able to contribute their voice and truly live our values.

Equal Opportunities

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, beliefs, customs, traditions, ways of life and status. This includes, but is not limited to, race, ethnicity, caste, colour, gender, language, religion, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth, disability status, neurodiversity, age, marital and family status, sexual orientation and gender identity, health status, place of residence, economic and social situation.

Safeguarding

We are committed to protecting everyone we come into contact with. We have a zero- tolerance approach to abuse of power, privilege or trust across our global work, and to any form of inappropriate behaviour, discrimination, abuse, bullying, harassment, or exploitation. Safeguarding the people and communities we work with, our staff, volunteers and anyone working on our behalf is our top priority, and we take our responsibilities extremely seriously. All offers of employment are subject to satisfactory references and appropriate screening checks (which can include counterterrorism, safeguarding and criminal records checks).

Together, we’ll change the world through water.

Join us and be part of the change!

Associate Director, Scotland
Ref: REF000006
Location: Home-based, Scotland (However, travel and overnight stays within the UK will be required as part of this role)
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 35 hours per week
Salary: Circa £66,000 per annum

Finding strength through support

The Stroke Association is the UK’s leading charity providing lifelong support for all stroke survivors and their families. We provide tailored support to tens of thousands of stroke survivors each year. This support includes one-to-one and group support, funding vital scientific research into stroke prevention, acute treatment, recovery and long-term care, and campaigning to secure the best care for everyone affected by stroke. 

We’re here for stroke survivors and their loved ones, from the moment they enter the new and frightening post-stroke world, supporting them every step of the way as they find their strength and their way back to life.

It’s only thanks to the generosity of our supporters and donors that we can provide vital support.

Stroke Association is driven by our ambition to improve the lives of everyone affected by stroke. This means we’re determined to create an equitable and inclusive workplace that benefits from the difference, and thrives on the diversity, of our people. Guided by Our approach to solving inequity in stroke, we are prioritising listening to, and learning from, lived experience across our charity.

We are working to improve the representation of this lived experience at all levels within the Stroke Association, and we are eager to recruit applicants from a variety of communities and backgrounds. We are keen to receive applications from people affected by stroke, people of colour, members of LGBT+ communities, and disabled people because these identities and experiences are underrepresented and would add enormous value to how we work.

We are a Disability Confident employer, and we are making great progress focusing on flexible working, reasonable adjustments and access to work. Our charity has a variety of staff network groups, and we're committed to continuously improving our diversity and inclusion efforts. If you have questions, or access needs, we’re happy to discuss any support and adjustments we can make throughout the recruitment process so that you’re able to contribute your best in a way that meets your needs.

About You and The Role

We’re looking for an exceptional systems leader to drive our work across Scotland and ensure people affected by stroke have the support they need to rebuild their lives. You’ll shape and deliver our vision for Scotland, focusing on what matters most to stroke survivors and ensuring our work has real, measurable impact.

In this influential role, you’ll build strong relationships across health and social care, Scottish Parliament and Government, and the wider stroke community. You'll bring deep understanding of the Scottish context and ensure our work is grounded in the lived experience of stroke survivors and their families.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Lead the Stroke Association’s strategic direction and impact in Scotland, ensuring people affected by stroke receive high quality support.
• Build and manage relationships with key health, social care and political stakeholders, acting as a credible and respected systems leader.
• Adapt organisational priorities for Scotland and ensure effective delivery through strong planning and performance oversight.
• Lead and develop the Scotland team, addressing capacity needs and building volunteer capability to meet local priorities.
• Strengthen partnerships across the stroke community to improve access to support and tackle health inequalities.
• Lead engagement in local policy and pathway development, influencing improvements at health board level.

You will have:

• Significant senior-level experience in advocacy and influencing, including shaping policy change in values-driven, social-impact contexts within Scotland’s health and social care sector.
• Substantial experience developing and managing senior-level relationships across partner organisations, using strong negotiation skills and sound political judgement.
• Experience leading complex organisational change and transformation, ensuring people-centred and sustainable outcomes.
• Strong understanding of the Scottish health and social care landscape, including Parliament, Government, influencing systems, and awareness of UK-wide legislative procedures.
• Ability to balance local, national and UK-wide organisational priorities.

To fulfil the role, you must live in Scotland and have the right to work in the UK. This role requires travel and overnight stays across the UK. Candidates must be able to demonstrate how they can meet this requirement of the role.

Closing Date: 5 April
First Interview (online) Date: Monday 20 April or Tuesday 21 April
Second interview and Roundtable Discussion (face to face): week commencing 27 April 
Please note all roles close at midnight

Please state any preferences for flexible options in your application. Applications from individuals who are seeking flexible working options, including reduced hours or job shares are welcomed.

Interested?

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

No agencies please.