JOB DESCRIPTION
JOB TITLE:
REPORTING TO:
Head of External Relations
Director of External Affairs, Research and Public
Learning
Developing and managing relationships with key stakeholders is critical for WSPA,
particularly with respect to its reputation, access and influence. A new opportunity
now exits for to provide support and research capabilities in the International Office
as part of the International Programmes Department.
The External Affairs unit has accountability for developing, maintaining and
leveraging WSPA’s relationships with key stakeholders including governments,
international bodies, academia, industry, non-government organisations, etc.
External Affairs is part of the External Affairs, Research and Public Learning team
within the Programmes Department and works closely with staff responsible for
WSPA’s priority campaigns, projects and communications in the international,
regional and country offices.
POSITION IN ORGANISATION
 Line managed and directed by Director of External Affairs, Research and
Learning
 Line Manger of the External Affairs unit – part of the External Affairs,
Research and Learning team
 Works closely with all staff, particularly the global programme team and
Regional and Country Directors
 Liaises at all levels internally and also externally as directed by the Director of
External Affairs, Research and Learning
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
External
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Supporting the work of external affairs on strategic projects and major policy
issues including stakeholder mapping, new country research and assessment
of the impact of new policies and regulation on the organisation’s strategy
Developing the team’s strategy into clear project plans for the unit
Developing and managing key stakeholder relationships (e.g. Governments,
NGOs, International Organisations, Civil Society organisations with a direct
and indirect relevance to animal welfare) and in support of WSPA’s
programmes
Undertaking and commissioning bespoke research and analysis to identify
target stakeholders
Organising external affairs events and meetings and coordinating internal and
external engagements, working in conjunction with the Coordinator, External
Affairs
Internal
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Coordinate and work with the Regional and Country Offices in support of the
implementation of the external affairs strategy
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Assist in the external affairs input to internal reporting requirements and
processes
Contribute to the preparation of advice, briefing material, presentations and
speaking notes for senior executives in their engagement with external
audiences
Author articles, case studies, etc on the work of the External Affairs team
Represent WSPA’s interests at external meetings including speaking at key
conferences
Represent WSPA’s interests in external publications, including journals,
media and policy papers
Provide analysis and recommendations to the Programmes’ team as
requested by relevant Programme Director
General duties
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Produce budgetary proposals, implementation plans and project updates
Work with the Programmes Department SMT to integrate activities as
effectively as possible
Provide material for Communications
Carry out administrative duties e.g. routine correspondence;
Carry out any other task as reasonably requested.
DIMENSIONS & LIMITS OF AUTHORITY
 Responsibility to ensure effective and co-ordinated liaison with stakeholders
based on sound research and analysis
 Responsible for accurate communication of factual information to diverse
audiences
 Responsible for representation of WSPA’s interests externally as directed by
the Director
 Collaborates with professionals externally
QUALIFICATIONS
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Degree in Political Sciences, International Relations, Economics or similar
EXPERIENCE
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Substantial senior level experience in an external facing/public affairs role
Knowledge of the development sector and strong interest in international
affairs
Strong teamwork, research and analytical skills, and interpersonal skills
Building and maintaining collaborative relationships
Willingness to travel and a desire to engage with people of all backgrounds
and cultures
Strong general management and project management experience (essential)
Knowledge of the UN and/or other institutions (essential)
Excellent communication skills – written, oral and presentation (essential)
Extensive research skills across a range of research methods (essential)
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Competent at computing and web based skills relevant to the job (essential)
Flexible to travel globally with advance agreement (essential)
Sensitive to social and cultural issues (essential)
Knowledge of a second language (desirable)
March 2011