Parliamentary and Public Affairs Manager

About the job

Anti-oppressive statement

Foodrise is actively seeking to move through an anti-racist and anti-oppressive journey in every aspect of its work. We acknowledge that the environmental sector is less open to people from under-represented backgrounds, and we are strongly committed to identifying and correcting where we may be perpetuating patriarchal, white supremacist values and other forms of oppression in our organisational culture, partnerships, and community work. We especially want to hear from you if you feel that you have lived experience of power structures preventing you from accessing opportunities like this.

Read our full Equity, Justice and Anti-oppression statement.

Inclusive Recruitment

We have an opt-in Enhanced Chance Interview Scheme for candidates who declare a disability and/or are a person of colour and meet the essential criteria of the role profile. The scheme aims to provide a first-stage interview for candidates who meet the essential criteria of the role and opt in to the scheme.

If you would like to be considered under this scheme you must meet the essential minimum criteria for the role as outlined on the job description. You should take time to provide examples that you meet each of the essential criteria in your cover letter. Please ensure you select the relevant tick box on the application page ‘Enhanced Chance Interview Scheme’.

We are always happy to speak to candidates informally about the role before applying and encourage you to do so by emailing jobs@foodrise.org.uk.

About Us

Foodrise is a charity transforming the food system for climate, nature and justice.

We take bold action to uncover the root causes of injustice in our food system and expose how corporate power exploits people and the planet, while building truly just and resilient alternatives from the ground-up.

We speak truth to power. We take risks. We act where and when others won’t.

From launching legal action and producing hard-hitting research to working directly with local communities, we drive systemic change across food and farming, powered by grassroots energy and backed by the facts.

We exist to say what others won’t, do what others don’t, and never settle for “it can’t be done”. Change is possible, and we are rising to make it happen.

We are based in the UK and the Netherlands. See more about us on our website.

About the Role

The Parliamentary and Public Affairs Manager is a brand-new role for Foodrise. The successful candidate will lead on developing our first public and parliamentary affairs strategy to engage with political representatives and policymakers to advance our campaigning objectives and ensure progress towards our new strategic goals:

• Dismantling the animal industrial complex and supporting the transition to plant-rich food
• Eroding the social licence of large supermarkets and building alternative food economies

Ultimately, this role is about securing wins to meet our vision of a greener, fairer food system, where food is a commons, not a commodity.

This role is key to shaping public policy and legislative outcomes by building relationships, influencing decision-makers, and positioning Foodrise as an ambitious yet trusted voice in Westminster, Holyrood and amongst civil society across the UK. This role will work collaboratively with colleagues across campaigns, so would suit an adaptive candidate with strong communication skills, keen to advocate for Foodrise.

Job Description

Parliamentary and Public Affairs Strategy

• Develop and deliver a public affairs strategy aligned with organisational priorities and campaigns
• Identify and maximise opportunities to influence legislation, policy development, and public debate
• Monitor the UK political landscape, including Parliament, Government departments, and devolved administrations

Political Engagement & Influencing

• Build and maintain strong relationships with MPs, Peers, civil servants, special advisers, and political stakeholders
• Lead engagement with All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs), select committees, and public consultations
• Draft and coordinate parliamentary briefings, speeches, amendments, parliamentary questions and responses
• Work with lawyers to draft proposed legislation and legislative changes in support of our objectives
• Register for the UK lobbying register and keep our account up to date
• Lead high-impact advocacy moments such as parliamentary events, receptions, and policy launches

Integration of Parliamentary/Advocacy Asks into Foodrise’s Wider Work

• Work closely with campaigns and communications teams to integrate parliamentary and public affairs into campaigns
• Work closely with fundraisers and senior leadership to integrate parliamentary and policy asks in our fundraising and business development
• Ensure consistent and compelling advocacy messaging across all channels
• Provide regular updates and analysis on political developments relevant to the organisation’s work
• Track and evaluate the impact of public affairs activities
• Maintain accurate stakeholder records and engagement logs
• Work closely with our colleagues at Foodrise in the EU to support EU level advocacy where relevant to our campaigns
• Any other relevant tasks as requested by senior colleagues to support the organisation and further our objectives

Ways of Working

• Collaborative by default; independent work is balanced with regular coordination.
• Contribute to the development and embedding of anti-oppressive work across the organisation
• Flexible and adaptable in response to changing priorities.
• Present and available for colleagues, including regular in‑office presence.
• Proactive in communication, planning, and follow‑through.

Person Specification

Essential Knowledge, Experience and Network

• Extensive experience in public affairs, government relations, or political advocacy (at least 7 years’ working experience)
• Strong understanding of the UK political system, legislative processes, and policy-making
• Networks within the UK political and policy systems
• Knowledge of the key issues in food systems, environment and/or climate in the UK

Essential Skills

• Demonstrable experience of influencing political representatives, policymakers and delivering policy or campaign wins
• Excellent writing, analytical and research skills.
• Excellent organisational skills, with strong attention to detail.
• Outstanding communication, interpersonal and presentation skills.
• The ability to work collaboratively; build, maintain and develop flexible working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

What You Will Bring to Foodrise

• A can-do attitude, flexibility and adaptability, alongside a willingness to pitch in on delivery and help colleagues across the team, recognising that Foodrise is a small, nimble organisation with fast-changing priorities.
• An understanding of anti-oppressive practice and how it applies to Foodrise’s work and the role, and the ability to represent diverse perspectives through the work of the organisation.
• Sharing Foodrise’s values: audacity, collaboration, impact, celebration, solidarity.
• Willingness to undertake some limited travel domestically and abroad.

What We Offer

• Personal training and wellbeing funds
• Regular team socials
• Workplace pension
• Enhanced parental leave
• Enhanced sick leave
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Home & Tech scheme
• Flexible working hours (core hours 10am-4pm)

AI policy – We understand that you may use AI to help with your application, however we want to hear your authentic voice throughout your application.