JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Head of External Relations

REPORTING TO: 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

· 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

· Coordinate and work with the Regional and Country Offices in support of the implementation of the external affairs strategy

· 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

· 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

· Degree in Political Sciences, International Relations, Economics or similar

EXPERIENCE

· 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)

· 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