Job description and person specification: Public Affairs Intern
Cruelty Free International is the leading organisation working to create a world where nobody wants or believes we need to experiment on animals.
Our dedicated team are experts in their fields, combining award-winning campaigning, political lobbying, pioneering undercover investigations, scientific and legal expertise and corporate responsibility. Educating, challenging and inspiring others across the globe to respect and protect animals, we investigate and expose the reality of life for animals in laboratories, challenge decision-makers to make a positive difference for animals, and champion better science and cruelty free living.
We are widely respected as an authority on animal testing issues and are frequently called on by governments, the media, corporations and official bodies for advice or expert opinion. We work professionally, building relationships with politicians, business leaders and officials, analysing legislation and challenging decision-making panels around the globe to act as the voice for animals in laboratories.
With a history spanning over 100 years, Cruelty Free International has achieved so much for animals. Bringing the issue to public attention with our dynamic and determined approach, we have inspired generations of politicians, decision-makers and compassionate people to make a difference for animals used in experiments. As the problem has grown, we have stepped up to meet the challenge across the world, placing the issue on the global agenda for the first time. We have saved many thousands of animals from a life of suffering in laboratories, and together we can do so much more.
Established in 1898, Cruelty Free International is firmly rooted in the early social justice movement. Our founder, Frances Power Cobbe, was a formidable women’s rights campaigner and philanthropist. Previously known as the ‘British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection’ or ‘BUAV’, today Cruelty Free International is the leading organisation working globally to consign animal experiments to the history books.
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Proposed vacancy details
Job title: Public Affairs Intern Role: This is a full time, temporary intern position Location: Flexible working at London Hub & home working Reporting to: Director of Public Affairs Probation period: One week Terms, Conditions &Salary: Commensurate with UK national minimum wage
Objective:
Working within the public affairs team, you will assist with promoting Cruelty Free International objectives to government, parliamentarians, and media contacts in the UK, Europe and internationally.
Your strong research and organisational skills will allow you to help Cruelty Free International make the most of any political lobbying opportunities that may arise. And working in support of our public relations activity, your focus and attention to detail will help the organisation engage positively with media and influencers across the sector.
Working for an energetic and vibrant organisation at the cutting edge of animal protection, this internship will provide you with excellent experience for future work in the sector.
Key Responsibilities:
General
1. To assist with the promotion of Cruelty Free objectives and campaigns to UK ministers and MPs, MEPs and parliamentarians across the world and in international bodies.
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2. To monitor legislation, policy and parliamentary activity, as well as activity in overseas parliaments and at the United Nations to make sure any opportunity for Cruelty Free International to promote its policies is utilised.
3. To carry out research as required to ensure that all Cruelty Free International work is underpinned by well-researched and accurate information and analysis.
4. To assist with the organisation of events targeted at parliamentarians, including liaison with communications staff and the organisation of travel, accommodation and materials.
5. To provide administrative support to assist with the delivery of Cruelty Free International’s public affairs work.
6. To develop links with parliamentary cross-party animal welfare groups internationally.
7. To arrange meetings with UK and international parliamentarians to promote Cruelty Free International campaigns.
8. To maintain an easy-to-navigate and well-ordered electronic filing system for public affairs work.
9. Work to generate public affairs-specific media interest, and more generally support the work of the Public Relations Manager with regards to press and celebrity support engagement.
10. At the request of the post manager to undertake any other duties consistent with this post and assist with other areas of work as required.
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PERSONAL SPECIFICATION:
Essential Criteria Expertise/Competence/Skills
1. An ability to work well within a team and with colleagues in
different disciplines across the whole organisation.
2. Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to build
and maintain positive and productive relationships with
colleagues, officials, decision makers and other
organisations.
3. First class written and verbal presentations skills.
4. Developed research and analytical skills and the ability to
draft briefings, letters, parliamentary questions and
amendments as required.
5. Strong and proven organisational skills with the ability to
prioritise workloads to meet conflicting deadlines.
6. Excellent IT skills including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
7. Ability to work impartially in a political environment.
8. Confidence to make initial contacts through cold calling.
9. Demonstrated interest in how political decisions are made
and how policy processes work.
Qualifications (IT/Academic/Vocational)
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10. Educated to degree standard or equivalent.
11. Knowledge of the issues affecting Cruelty Free International
as a small, voluntary organisation working to create a world
where nobody wants or believes we need to test on
animals.
Experience
12. Understanding of the working of the UK political system and
the parliamentary and policy development process.
13. Proven experience of developing and maintaining
relationships with key opinion formers, decision makers and
officials across the political spectrum.
14. Strong research and analytical skills, particularly with
internet-based research.
Specific Qualities (e.g. attitudes)
15. A positive and flexible approach to work.
16. Commitment to animal welfare and the aims and objectives
Cruelty Free International.
17. Understanding of the working of the United Nations system. Desirable
18. Working knowledge of another major world language(s).
19. Experience of having worked in a public-relations led
environment.
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