Public Affairs Assistant (Devolved Nations)

Impactful research. Expert communication. Panoramic vision.

PUBLIC AFFAIRS ASSISTANT (DEVOLVED NATIONS)

Salary: 25000 - 28000 per annum

Reports to: Public Affairs Manager (Scotland)

Department: Policy Information and Communications

Location: Edinburgh Office w/ high-flex (1 2 days per week in the office). We are open to discussing further options regarding flexibility for the successful candidate.

Employment type: Permanent

Working hours: 35 hours per week (we are open to Compressed Hours in this role)

External closing date: 10 June 2026 23:55

Internal closing date: 14 June 2026 23:55

How do I apply

We operate an anonymised shortlisting process in our commitment to equality diversity and inclusion. CVs are required for all applications; but we wont be able to view them until we invite you for an interview. Instead we ask you to fully complete the application questions and work history section of the online application form for us to be able to assess you quickly fairly and objectively.

If you require more time to apply as part of a reasonable adjustment please contactas soon as possible.

Recruitment process: 1 stage interview consisting of an interview task and role based competency interview.

Interview date: From 18 June 2026

Please note: You must be eligible to work in the UK to apply for this vacancy. Cancer Research UK is not able to offer visa sponsorship.

At Cancer Research UK we exist to beat cancer.

We are professionals with purpose beating cancer every day. But we need to go much further and much faster. Thats why we were looking for someone talented someone who shares our vision someone like you.

For CRUK its vital that we ensure cancer is high on the political agenda. As the largest independent cancer research organisation in the world we are uniquely placed to work with politicians across the UK to keep cancer high on the political agenda.

We are looking for a Public Affairs Assistant to join our team in Scotland. Youll assist in supporting Cancer Research UKs public affairs activities across Scotland including party conference planning and delivery and briefing and liaising with politicians. Further to this youll also support the secretariat of the Scottish Parliament Cross Party Group on Cancer and the delivery of its Scottish Cancer Conference.

What will I be doing

• Logistical management of all aspects of the Scottish Cancer Conference including administration of all bookings raising invoices communications with all attendees and venue
• Operating full secretariat service to Scottish Cancer Coalition including production and dissemination of all minutes recording meeting and maintaining member databases
• Supporting the Public Affairs Officer in monitoring and collation of parliamentary intelligence through daily reviews of parliamentary business and MSP activities
• Supporting the Public Affairs Officer in briefing MSPs on key policy issues and relevant parliamentary activities
• Writing and sending regular internal updates on devolved activities and emerging priorities
• Providing support to public affairs activities across all devolved nations as may be required.

What skills are you looking for

• Experience of coordinating events
• Good understanding of Scottish Government and Parliament
• Good political intuition
• Good abilities in research with experience of producing policy-based documents
• Ability to absorb information quickly
• Excellent administrative skills
• Excellent organisational skills with basic project management experience in terms of delivering multiple tasks to deadlines.
• Excellent verbal communication skills and confidence in discussing Cancer Research UK priorities with policy makers.

Our organisation values are designed to guide all that we do.

Bold:Act with ambition courage and determination

Credible:Act with rigour and professionalism

Human: Act to have a positive impact on people

Together:Act inclusively and collaboratively

Were looking for people who can believe in and embody these organisation values and can use them to drive forward progress against our mission to beat cancer.

What will I gain

We create a working environment that supports your wellbeing and provide a generous benefits package a wide range of career and personal development opportunities and high-quality tools. Our policies and processes enable you to improve your work-life balance take positive steps in your career and achieve your personal wellbeing goals.

You can explore our benefits by visiting our careers web page.

Internal Eligibility criteria

Internal candidates should ideally have completed their 6-month getting started period before applying for other roles. You should also advise your current line manager at the point you make an internal application or at the latest at the point of being invited for an interview.

All internal candidates applying for a secondment must have:

• completed their getting started period
• discussed their intention to apply and gained approval to apply with their line manager
• been in their substantive (home) role for at least 6 months (this is only applicable if you have previously been on secondment)

If you do not confirm that you meet these requirements we will not be able to progress your application.

Additional information

For more information about working with us please visit our website or contact us at .

For more updates on our work and careers follow us on: LinkedIn Facebook Instagram X and YouTube.

Our vision is to create a charity where everyone feels like they belong benefits from and participates in the work we do. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and cultures in particular those from ethnic minority backgrounds who are currently under-represented.

We want to see every candidate performing at their best throughout the job application process interview process and whilst at work. We therefore ask you to inform us of any concerns you have or any adjustments you might need to enable this to happen. Please contact or 0as soon as possible.

Unfortunately we are unable to recruit anyone below the age of 18 so that we can protect young people from health & safety and safeguarding risks.