Policy and research assistant jobs in manchester, greater manchester
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Are you a talented communicator who shares our passion for using scientific evidence to benefit the lives of animals? Can you help us to disseminate knowledge about animal welfare to a wide range of audiences?
We, the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW) and the Humane Slaughter Association (HSA), are two sister charities focused on the promotion of scientific, evidence-based approaches to animal welfare. We fund research, support the animal welfare science community, and advocate for evidence-based improvements to animal welfare worldwide. Communicating animal welfare science to both specialist audiences and the wider public is key to turning knowledge into real-world improvements in animal welfare. We are seeking a Scientific Communications and Content Assistant to join our talented Scientific Communications Team during an exciting period of growth and change for both charities.
The Scientific Communications and Content Assistant will support us to deliver our scientific communications strategy by helping to draft, design and publish engaging content for our print and digital platforms. This includes assisting with the creation of visual and written content that effectively convey complex scientific information to our diverse audiences.
The role will report to our Scientific Communications and Outreach Manager and work closely with the Public Affairs Lead and other internal teams to create engaging content for our audiences. We are seeking candidates with strong written, editing and visual skills, attention to detail, and the ability to collaborate with subject matter experts to ensure accuracy and clarity.
The ideal candidate will enjoy working as part of our small multi-disciplinary team and be confident to work unsupervised when necessary. You will be happy working across multiple projects, adapting to different communication styles and priorities, and keeping messaging clear and consistent across varied audiences.
This role will be home-based. Because we’re based in the UK, the appointee will need to be UK-based and legally entitled to work in the UK. You will be expected to occasionally attend our offices in Hertfordshire to carry out duties as required and attend meetings. Travel costs and subsidence will be covered for you in these situations. The role may also require occasional travel within the UK and possibly overseas for events and other relevant activities - some of which may occur at weekends or in the evening.
What you’ll be doing
- Drafting copy, designing graphics/visual materials (eg using Canva) and producing content for print, web, email, and social media
- Overseeing the Charities’ day-to-day social media activity, including scheduling posts, monitoring channels, and responding to engagement.
- Assisting with the creation and dissemination of the Charities’ content including but not limited to press releases, newsletters, and digital campaign materials.
- Liaising regularly with internal teams to stay up to date on the Charities’ activities and to plan and schedule content across channels.
- Monitoring social media analytics and Mailchimp performance metrics to support reporting and strategy development.
- Collaborating with internal teams, for example Fundraising, to ensure consistent messaging and branding.
- Occasionally creating, editing and publishing video content.
- Liaising with external agencies, partners and stakeholders.
- Ensuring all materials and communications are accessible and inclusive.
- Occasionally travelling within the UK and overseas for conferences, meetings and other events - some of which may take place during evenings or weekends.
What we’re looking for
- Proven experience in digital communications, content creation and social media.
- Demonstrable writing and editing skills with a high level of accuracy and attention to detail.
- Proficiency in using social media platforms (eg LinkedIn, Facebook, BlueSky and YouTube) and scheduling tools such as Hootsuite.
- Experience using graphic and content design tools such as Canva.
- Ability to monitor, analyse and interpret performance analytics from platforms including Mailchimp, social media, Hootsuite etc.
- Proven organisational and time management skills.
- Experience of working collaboratively with diverse teams, with well-developed interpersonal skills.
- Knowledge of and commitment to inclusion and accessibility.
- Experience working within brand and tone of voice guidelines.
- Experience creating content tailored to a diverse range of audiences and stakeholders.
- An understanding of and comfort with the Charities’ approach to animal welfare which includes co-operation with the livestock and slaughter industry, as well as laboratory animal researchers. Whilst both charities promote the highest standards of animal welfare, they do not oppose the use of animals by humans for research or food.
It would be great if you have
- Experience working in a charity or non-profit environment.
- A background in science such as a BSc or relevant experience in a scientific charity or setting.
- Knowledge of animal welfare science and practices.
- Familiarity with website content management systems such as WordPress.
- Experience creating and editing video content.
- Understanding of policy communications or advocacy work.
- Understanding of SEO, engagement metrics, and digital advertising.
How to apply
Please submit your CV and a covering letter (of no more than two pages of A4) that describes how your knowledge, skills and experience meet the requirements of our role. Applications close at 23:30 BST on Sunday 19 October.
First round interviews will be held online on 3 November 2025, and second round interviews held in London on 10 November 2025.
We use anonymous recruitment at the screening stage to enable an inclusive recruitment process.
What we can offer you
- 25 days annual leave increasing to 30 days after ten years of service*.
- Flexible working, including opportunities to work from home.
- Day one employer pension contributions of 8% of salary, into our pension scheme.
- Access to AonProtect Assistance which includes access to counselling services, legal, tax, medical and bereavement advice
- Access to Mental Health First Aiders with two wellbeing days* per year to rest, recharge, and focus on mental, emotional, or physical health - without using annual leave.
- Optional childcare salary sacrifice scheme.
- Pet bereavement leave.
- Generous sick pay policy.
- Training and development opportunities.
*Pro-rata for part-time employees.
Please submit your CV and a covering letter (of no more than two pages of A4) that describes how your knowledge, skills and experience meet the requirements of our role. Applications close at 23:30 BST on Sunday 19 October.
Registered Charity 
11 - 20
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Early Learning and Childcare Advisor
We are looking for an Early Learning and Childcare Advisor to join the team based in Scotland, in this remote working role.
Position: Early Learning and Childcare Advisor
Location: Remote/Scotland
Hours: Part-time, 18.5 hours per week
Salary: £28,000 - £32,000 pro rata
Contract: Temporary contract until 31st March 2026
Benefits: Include 26 days’ holiday, rising to 30 after service increments plus 8 bank holiday, Personal Pension Scheme, Healthcare Cash Plan, Employee Assistance Programme, Staff Awards Scheme, Company Sick Pay Scheme, flexible working patterns
Closing Date: 10th October 2025. Interviews will be taking place on a rolling basis so this role may close earlier than advertised.
The Role
The Early Learning and Childcare Advisor supports the organisations contribution to policy development and guidance on the delivery of early learning and childcare. Ensuring an effective voice of the sector in Scotland is critical to success, as will strengthening support for and developing our membership base. The Early Learning and Childcare Advisor supports delivery of the Scottish Government contract ensuring achievement of targets.
The role also involves the development of training, publications and other products and services for Scotland members.
The Early Learning and Childcare Advisor will be supported by the National Operations Manager (Scotland) and the NDNA central team.
Main duties include:
- Support the National Operations Manager (Scotland) to ensure Scottish Government contract is delivered to meet all agreed criteria
- Support policy development and guidance on the delivery of early learning and childcare in Scotland, ensuring nurseries have access to appropriate information, support, guidance, and training to contribute to improved quality of delivery of early learning and childcare
- Track and report on sales and trends to inform the development of products and services
- Support the National Operations Manager (Scotland) in the completion of sector consultations
- Gather intelligence and research from nurseries and public and third sector partners/stakeholders to inform on national policy and representation work and Scottish Government national policy as related to private nurseries
- Ensure effective dissemination of information to members, colleagues, other agencies
- Develop and maintain effective partnerships and relationships with partners and other agencies at regional and national level to enhance and promote activities and ensure maximum benefit for long-term sustainability and our members
- Promote the benefits of membership and access to its products, services and support
About You
We are looking for someone with a degree level qualification or equivalent experience in childcare and also:
- First hand experience of working in an Early Learning and Childcare role
- Experience of managing a demand-led workload
- Business and strategic planning
- Strong customer service or related experience.
To apply please submit your CV along with a covering letter detailing how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the requirements of the role.
About the Organisation
The organisation is a national charity and membership association specifically for nurseries. They work in partnership with nurseries, local authorities, national government and a range of partners to develop an environment in which early learning and care can flourish.
The organisation is committed to a policy of equal opportunities and is actively opposed to discrimination in society.
You may also have experience in areas such as EYF, Childcare, Nursery, Teacher, Teaching Assistant, Early Years Advisor, Childcare Advisor, Early Years and Childcare Advisor, Early Years and Childcare Support. #INDNFP
PLEASE NOTE: This role is being advertised by NFP People on behalf of the organisation.
