Location(s)
This position is open to candidates currently based in Scotland, in line with the role’s operational requirements. The role is home-based with in person attendance to our ‘All Staff Days’ in London (5 per year), team meetings (roughly 6 meetings per year) and occasional travel to other meetings and Westminster as required. Where possible, these are combined with an overnight stay.
London office: AdviceUK, 83 Victoria Street, London, SW1H 0HW
Job Title: Policy and External Affairs Manager (Scotland)
Employment Type: Part-time
Reporting to: Head of Policy, Programmes and Media
Pay scale: £40,000 - £42,500 Full time equivalent (Actual salary £32,000-34,000)
Interview: In person interviews will take place on Friday 29th May at our London office
Working hours: 28 hours per week (4 days/0.8) within normal operating hours. Flexible working arrangements will be considered. (Normal operating hours are 8.00am - 6.30pm, Monday – Friday.) Lunch & other breaks are unpaid.
Special conditions: Some evening and weekend work may be required for which time off in lieu (TOIL) will be granted. Some travel will be required which may entail some overnight stays.
We are committed to diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all backgrounds, particularly encouraging those from underrepresented groups.
CHARITY OVERVIEW
Since 1979, AdviceUK has been supporting advice organisations by helping them to be efficient, competent and effective, and by campaigning for a policy environment that supports advice agencies and people needing advice.
We are both a membership body and charity. We support our 700+ members (109 of which are located in Scotland) to provide advice to around 2 million people every year. We are working towards a world in which every individual, regardless of means, is able to access the advice they need to exercise their rights and deal with any legal and social welfare challenges they may face.
JOB PURPOSE
To set up and manage our policy and public affairs activities in Scotland ensuring AdviceUK has a strong voice, so we can secure policy change to benefit organisations delivering advice and the communities they serve. The post holder will be responsible for establishing AdviceUK’s first policy and influencing strategy for Scotland, including through developing policy solutions informed by strong evidence and rooted in member experience, and leading effective political and stakeholder engagement which will influence change. They will work closely with colleagues across the UK to join up policy, influencing and communications work.
KEY TASKS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
1.Strategy
1.1 Develop AdviceUK’s first policy and influencing strategy for Scotland, through consultation with members and stakeholders and analysis of the landscape and opportunities in Scottish policy making.
1.2 Put plans in place to roll out a specific programme of proactive and reactive policy work to further AdviceUK’s strategic aims in Scotland and represent the voices of Scottish members.
1.3 Devise measures to monitor the impact of our policy and influencing work in Scotland and report back to staff, trustees, members and stakeholders about the difference we are making.
2.Policy development
2.1 Collaborate with AdviceUK members, partners, sector stakeholders and
beneficiaries to develop clear, concise and authoritative policy positions on key issues.
2.2 Produce high-quality, well-argued policy materials based on data and evidence, including reports, select committee responses, evidence statements, briefings and responses to Scottish Government consultations.
2.3 Provide policy input for media statements, press releases and social media posts relating to Scotland, which are managed by the Press Officer and Digital Marketing Officer.
2.4 Develop an expert knowledge of policy issues affecting Advice UK members, keep up to date on the political and legislative environment and identify opportunities to use these to further Advice UK’s strategic objectives.
2.5 Represent AdviceUK at policy and/or sector meetings and events.
3. Public affairs
3.1 Roll out a programme of public affairs work including Scottish parliamentary engagement to promote AdviceUK’s strategic priorities.
3.2 Build and maintain effective relationships with stakeholders across the Scottish Government and parliament, local and decision makers, non-governmental bodies and other relevant stakeholders.
3.3 Champion an evidence based approach to all Advice UK’s advocacy and external relations work, drawing on research and member insight to inform our campaign messages.
3.4 Ensure regular opportunities for Advice UK members in Scotland to feed into our public affairs and advocacy work, and regular communications on our impact, to demonstrate how we amplify their voice.
3.5 Monitor and evaluate public affairs work, including collecting relevant metrics, to report back on our success and inform future campaigns.
4. Research and data
4.1 Work with Policy, Programme and Media (PPM) colleagues as well as the wider AdviceUK team to develop the evidence base needed to inform our policy and campaigns work in Scotland.
4.2 Work with the Research and Policy Analyst to carry out analysis that identifies emerging trends in the Scottish advice world and use this to provide evidence-based policy briefings and specific policy solutions.
5. General duties
5.1 Ensure you effectively communicate Advice UK’s vision, mission and objectives to staff, members and external stakeholders.
5.2 Ensure you demonstrate Advice UK’s values and behaviours in all aspects of your work
5.3 Build and maintain positive relationships with key stakeholders including staff trustees; members, partners and suppliers
5.4 With support from your manager, deliver your agreed personal objectives and undertake any agreed development or training
5.5 Maintain a strong understanding of our members and the advice sector more generally, by reading internal reports; accessing relevant data reports; following our social media channels and, where possible, attending member and other relevant events. With the agreement of you line manager, ensure you make time to speak to members and visit their services.
5.6 Adhere at all times to Advice UK’s policies and procedures
5.7 Carry out any reasonable duties compatible with the post assigned by your line manager
Our purpose is to improve the lives of people in need of advice. We do this by supporting our members, so it is easier for them to help their clients.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
This is a new role, working remotely from the UK and reporting to the Directors to handle the increased financial and logistics workflow of the organisation as we embark on a new 18-month EU-funded grant. In this respect, the role involves day to day operational and financial administration but is also an opportunity for a flexible and pro-active person to support the organisation’s development and expand its capabilities, and also to engage with project partners and learn more about our work. While this is a fixed term contract, the role may be extended (subject to funding) and evolve to meet changing needs. As a small team, we are open to flexible working.
Grant management:
- Financial administration: ensure accurate records and supporting documentation is kept for all financial transactions, including regular entry of data into the relevant financial and budget management systems.
- Manage sub-grants to partners and consultants as allowed for within project budgets, ensuring timely receipt and processing of financial reports, and checking accuracy of invoices, timesheets, receipts and all supporting documentation, contracts, etc. in line with donor requirements.
- Budget monitoring and tracking: Preparing monthly forecasts and expenditure updates, to enable timely and efficient expenditure of project funds in accordance with the deliverables and budgets in grant contracts.
- Prepare quarterly financial reports for donors ensuring accuracy, accountability and alignment with donor contract requirements and Indie Peace policies.
Logistics support: Supporting the organisation and financial administration of Indie Peace project initiatives. Includes:
- Remote support in organising events, meetings and project activities in the regions where Indie Peace works, e.g. arranging meeting/conference venues within budget limitations, organising transport/accommodation bookings, ensuring documentation is in place (e.g. financial documentation, participant lists, etc.).
- Support Indie Peace Directors’ activities while travelling on business, as required, including supporting logistics, preparing expense reports with supporting receipts, maintaining timesheets, etc.
Other:
- Entry of financial transactions into accounting software, ensuring all financial records are recorded and all payments reconciled in a timely manner.
- Prepare monthly expense and financial reports, maintaining and updating cash flow forecast.
- General administrative support as agreed.
Line-management and relationships: While the position works with both Directors of the organisation, day to day line management and supervision is provided by the Director responsible for operations. Other people the post will need to liaise or maintain communication with on a regular basis include: in-country partners, consultants, and donor representatives. While this is a remote role, we would require occasional in-person meetings, usually in London which is where Indie Peace is based.
EXPERIENCE: Minimum of two years of proven experience in UK-based international non-profit organisation, involving financial management of EU grants.
Related Skills or Knowledge:
- Experience of EU grants and financial management.
- Experience in reporting and accounting in the not-for-profit sector, including donor reporting.
- Experience with budget monitoring and oversight.
- Experience of a range of finance functions (bookkeeping, reporting, audit, etc.).
- Experience of systems management (financial or otherwise)
- High level of professionalism and attention to detail.
- Ability to work on own initiative.
- Proficiency in MS Office Applications, especially Word and Excel, is required.
- Experience using accounting software, such as Xero.
- Ability to communicate effectively. Strong written and oral skills in English. Russian is a strong advantage.
Contract hours and time-frame: 15 months (July 2026 – September 2027) fixed term contract.
To apply, please submit an up-to-date CV (maximum 3 pages) and a cover note explaining your motivation, interest and relevant experience for the post (max 1-2 pages) by 25 May 2026.
Interviews will take place in early June. Only qualified candidates will be contacted.
Research, analysis, training & dialogue facilitation for conflict transformation
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.