Senior Scientific and Policy Officer - Animals in Entertainment & Media

We have an exciting opportunity to join the Wildlife team, within the Policy, Prevention and Campaigns Division, as a Senior Scientific and Policy Officer - Animals in Entertainment & the Media.

This pivotal role will address a significant gap in the protection and welfare of animals used in entertainment and media. Tens of thousands of animals are featured in films, television shows, advertisements, often facing substandard treatment and welfare conditions. Despite public concern, current legal and industry safeguards remain inadequate. 

The creation of this new role within the RSPCA, is not only vital for addressing current deficiencies in animal welfare within the entertainment industry but also reinforces the RSPCA's commitment to leading positive change. 

This role will drive forward critical initiatives, ensuring that the welfare needs of animals are prioritised and protected, reflecting the values and expectations of society.

This role is being offered as a 24 month fixed term contract. We are open to flexible working options, such as part time hours and the role will be offered on a hybrid working basis; working from home and from our London and or Horsham office. 

Are you ready to join our movement?

What a day might look like for you:

As our Senior Scientific and Policy Officer - Animals in Entertainment & the Media, you will develop and implement a strategic plan to raise industry standards, improve legal protection, and shift public attitudes to improve the welfare of animals used in these industries.

The role is situated in the RSPCA's Wildlife Department but the scope of the work includes all animals, including companion animals, so you will work collaboratively across several departments. 

You can find a full description of what the role entails on the attached role profile but in a nutshell, we will look to you to:

• Generate and maintain RSPCA policies, strategic aims, goals and objectives relating to animals in entertainment and the media.
• Develop and implement a strategic influencing plan to improve industry standards, legal protection, and public attitudes towards animals in entertainment and the media
• Build strong relationships with stakeholders, including those in the entertainment industry, animal welfare organisations, and regulatory bodies, and represent the RSPCA in advocacy coalitions to achieve the RSPCA's goals and objectives.
• Prepare and deliver evidence-based briefing papers, policy reports, position statements, articles, and press releases.
• Work with RSPCA colleagues to ensure RSPCA standards are based on the latest scientific evidence and best practices.
• Undertake media interviews as the RSPCA's lead spokesperson on animal welfare in entertainment.
• Stay up-to-date on animal welfare science, legislation, ethics, and industry developments.

What makes a great Senior Scientific and Policy Officer - Animals in Entertainment & the Media?

To succeed within this role, it is essential that you have:

• A degree level qualification in a relevant discipline.
• Strong relationship building, negotiation and influencing skills.
• Strong stakeholder management skills.
• Proven experience of high level influencing and setting the strategic direction for advocacy on animal welfare issues.
• An ability to build and utilise networks of contacts effectively and to work in coalition with others.
• Broad knowledge of animal welfare issues and specific knowledge and experience relating to animals specific to the post. 
• Expertise in developing compelling policies, shaping agendas and working in coalition to achieve change.
• Experience of translating policy and research into change through advocacy, and a strong track record of driving policy change with national and local governments.
• Excellent research and writing skills with the ability to effectively condense, summarise and make sense of large amounts of information quickly, pulling out salient points and spotting potential weaknesses or problems. 
• You must also be aligned to our vision and values.

This role is both rewarding and challenging and it is a very exciting time to join the RSPCA during our 200th year, so if you have the skill set we are looking for, please apply! We encourage people from all sections of our community to apply for jobs with us.

Final note from us & good luck with your application!

Interviews will take place on the 22nd and 23rd October.

We are really lucky that some of our roles attract a high level of interest and for this reason we review applications as they are received, unfortunately on some occasions this means roles may close earlier than advertised; so early submissions are highly recommended.  We are unable to accept applications past the close date.