Do you have a good understanding of social and/or economic policy issues and a proven ability to undertake policy
development or campaigning work on specific issues in a wider context? Then join Shelter Scotland as a Senior
Advocacy Officer and you could soon be playing a vital role in helping us to deliver positive change for those
affected by the housing emergency in Scotland.
About the role
Your main focus will be to lead Shelter Scotland in effectively advocating for the structural policy changes required
to end the housing emergency, driving forward our strategic goals to secure more social homes, strengthen
housing rights, and build a lasting movement for change. You’ll develop and communicate clear, evidence-based
policy recommendations – drawing on research, lived experience, and sector insight – to influence key
stakeholders across government, parliament, and beyond. You’ll commission and manage external research, lead
stakeholder events, and work collaboratively across teams to ensure our policy work supports public affairs,
media, and operational activity. You’ll also line manage an Advocacy Officer, supporting their development and
overseeing their performance.
Role specifics
You’ll bring strong experience in crafting high-impact communications that influence decision-makers and persuade key
stakeholders. With a solid understanding of Scotland’s political landscape and public policy processes –
particularly within the Scottish Government and Parliament – you’ll have a proven track record of driving change
through effective advocacy and relationship-building at a senior level. You’ll be proactive in spotting
opportunities to influence policy, responding strategically to external developments. Alongside this, you’ll
have experience managing externally funded projects, including budgeting and reporting, and will be confident
leading and motivating a team to achieve shared goals.
Benefits
We offer a wide range of benefits, including 30 days of annual leave, enhanced family friendly policies, pension and
interest free travel loans. Our employees also have access to a tenancy deposit loan, payroll giving, cycle to
work scheme and an employee assistance programme.
We are happy to talk about flexible working, personal growth, and to promote a workplace where you can be yourself
and achieve success based only on your merit.
About the team
The Advocacy Team is part of Shelter Scotland’s Communications and Advocacy Department and is responsible for
developing the charity’s policy positions, research plan, and public affairs and professional stakeholder
engagement.
The Advocacy team works closely with colleagues in Community Advice and our Telephone and Online Advice services to
capture evidence of how Scotland’s broken and biased housing system is impacting communities, and colleagues in
Communications and Engagement to translate this evidence into compelling public campaigns and fundraising
appeals. The team have led the organisation on developing an anti-racism evidence base, the economic and social
benefits of social housing investment and the case for a human rights-based approach to meeting housing
need.