Who we are

Alcohol Focus Scotland (AFS) is Scotland’s national alcohol charity, committed to preventing and reducing harm to individuals, families, communities and Scotland as a whole.

Scotland had been making progress in reducing alcohol consumption and harm from record levels, not least due to the positive effects of minimum unit pricing of (MUP). Unfortunately, alcohol deaths have risen significantly since 2020, due to the effect of the pandemic on consumption by heavier drinkers combined with reduced access to services. Research suggests levels of harm will continue to rise for some time.

Join us at an exciting time as we champion evidence-based alcohol policies and advocate for better access to high-quality treatment and recovery support to tackle Scotland’s alcohol crisis.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking a skilled policy professional to join our passionate team. You will have a varied and challenging role, providing policy and research support across a number of policy areas, with an initial focus on alcohol marketing and control on the sale of alcohol. Your excellent analytical, organisational and communication skills will be vital in ensuring we meet our goal of effecting policy change in Scotland, to reduce alcohol harm and improve lives.

We are looking for a candidate with:

• Minimum of 3 years’ experience working in a fast-paced policy or practice environment
• Experience of analysing, interpreting and communicating evidence and research to support policy and practice development
• Experience of working collaboratively and strategically with external organisations and agencies to effect change

What we offer

Flexible and Hybrid Working

We offer flexi-time to give you more control over your working hours. We work a mixture of office and home-based days to meet the needs of the post and to accommodate the needs of the postholder.

Annual Leave

26 days paid annual leave, increasing after five years’ service. 10 days public holiday (incorporating closure between Christmas and New Year). An additional Celebration Day that may be taken at any time. Staff may purchase up to one week’s additional annual leave per holiday year.

Well-being support

We provide an Employee Assistance Programme which offers round the clock support for all staff.

Pension and Death in Service Insurance

4-6% matched employer pension contribution, rising to 7% after five years’ service. Death in Service insurance is calculated as two times salary.

Company Sick Pay

After completion of probation you can qualify for up to five months full pay then five months half pay, inclusive of SSP, in year one, increasing annually for five years.

Transport support

AFS is based in central Glasgow, close to transport hubs. We offer a Travel to Work loan to spread the cost of season tickets and access to the tax efficient benefits of the Cycle to Work scheme.

Learning

We offer a range of formal and informal training and learning opportunities to support your development.

Enhanced leave

Maternity leave and paternity leave are enhanced above statutory to help you and your family, after a qualifying service period.

Social Connection

As well as the satisfaction of working with a skilled, friendly and dedicated team to make change happen, we support formal and informal opportunities to take part in different activities and get to know your colleagues.

Alcohol Focus Scotland is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.