Advertised from 22 July 2025

Role

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 an 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

In this role, you’ll play a key part in Shelter Scotland’s work to drive the structural changes needed to end the housing emergency, in line with our strategic aims: securing a new generation of social homes, strengthening the right to a safe home, and building a movement for long-term change. You’ll produce high-quality written outputs such as briefings, consultation responses and reports, and build strong relationships with government, elected officials, housing organisations and think tanks to promote and advocate for our policy positions. You’ll also identify opportunities to work in partnership with others, monitor and analyse data to inform evidence-based policy making, and collaborate closely with teams across Shelter Scotland to ensure our policy and research work informs our wider public affairs, media, fundraising and operational activity. 

Role specifics

You’ll be a confident and persuasive communicator, able to produce high-impact written and verbal content that influences decision-makers and engages key stakeholders. With a strong track record of building effective relationships both internally and externally, you’ll bring a proactive mindset – spotting opportunities to influence change and responding swiftly to external developments. You’ll have a solid understanding of Scotland’s political and public policy landscape, including how the Scottish Government and Parliament operate, and how policy is shaped and influenced. You’ll also be comfortable working with data - using Excel, extracting information from datasets, and analysing statistics to identify and communicate key trends.

Apply to be part of our team and be the change you want to see in society. 

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 wider Communications and Advocacy department is responsible for promoting Shelter Scotland’s brand and leading our policy advocacy, public campaigning, and digital communications to fight the housing emergency and achieve change for people who do not have a safe, secure, or affordable home in Scotland.

Our work targets national and local government as well as communities and stakeholder groups. We use rigorous research, client insight and human stories to develop advocacy action plans and public campaigns for change to tackle the root causes of Scotland’s housing emergency. The Advocacy team sits within the Communications and Advocacy department and includes our advocacy, public affairs and our Empty Homes team.

Application notes

For further information and to apply, please visit our website.