Advocacy and Advice Intern

Application deadline: 16th May 2025, 5pm

Interviews: hybrid/online available

Start Date: ASAP

(Please note, the timeline described above is subject to change.)

Rate of Pay

£12.21 per hour

Anticipated time commitment per week: 10-15 hours per week (variable)

The Role

1. Promote the work of the Advocacy Co-ordinator through:
   1. Social media campaigns, leaflets, events
   2. Work with the Advocacy Co-ordinator  to update advocacy and advice service pages with updated policies and information. 
2. Conduct research projects where relevant, such as on service usage and policies with the Advocacy Co-ordinator 
3. Work proactively within the students association with Advocacy Co-ordinator  and Accommodation intern on projects as relevant. 
4. Attendance at specific University and Students’ Association meetings where relevant.

The St Andrews Students’ Association plays a central role in advocating for and representing the interests of the student body. As the Advocacy Co-ordinator manages all advocacy enquiries. The Advocacy Intern will play a crucial role in supporting the Advocacy Coordinator with research projects and tasks related to UG and PG students, meeting with reps and Presidents of both student groups while gaining valuable hands-on experience in advocacy issues and project management.

Working directly with the Advocacy Co-ordinator , this position will continue to promote and increase the availability of the Advocacy & Advice Service in the areas of academic and non academic issues, assisting in conducting research, and overseeing specific projects. 

Principle Responsibilities of Post-Holder

• Administrative Support:
  Provide administrative support to the Advocacy Co-ordinator on advocacy related issues including tracking actions, following up on required tasks, and supporting the Advocacy Co-ordinator with other administrative activities as needed.
• Research & Briefings:
  Provide research on advocacy issues, including updates to legislation. The Advocacy Intern may also support Executive and part-time Officers involved in advocacy/wellbeing issues, as required. 
• Communications Support:
  Assist with drafting communications, including Advocacy & Advice Service documents for the website and social media in the areas of advocacy.
• Special Projects:
  Assist with ad hoc projects related to advocacy led by the Advocacy Co-ordinator, as required. 

Experience & Skills:

Knowledge and experience

• Experience in higher education as a student or member of staff - E
• Dealing with confidential and sensitive information - E
• Experience in student leadership - D

Competencies and skills 

• Strong administrative skills - E
• Good communication skills (verbal and written) - E
• Research and skilled at presentation of information - E
• Good time management (tight deadlines so ability to prioritise  tasks and meet deadlines reliably - E                                                                                                             
• Adaptable and flexible - E
• Competent in Microsoft office suite - E
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently - E
• Ability to be proactive, take initiative and good organisational skills - E
• Ability to network internally and engage externally and build Relationships- E
• Ability to reflect and learn - D                 

Essential Criteria – requirements without which a candidate would not be able to undertake the full remit of the role.  Applicants who have not clearly demonstrated in their application that they possess the essential requirements will normally be rejected at the short listing stage. 

Desirable Criteria – requirements which would be useful for the candidate to hold.  When short listing, these criteria will be considered when more than one applicant meets the essential requirements.  

The University of St Andrews Students’ Association is committed to promoting diversity and equality for all and welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We particularly aim to include perspectives from people with disabilities, from BAME backgrounds, and those with diverse sexualities or marginalised gender identities. 

The University of St Andrews Students Association is a registered charity, charity no: SCO19883.