Purpose
Working with the Cat Care and Control Consortium (C4) Board to develop strategic direction, with a focus on driving forward C4’s flagship Cat Population Control programme.
Background
C4 is a group of major animal welfare charities that pool information and resources to improve the effectiveness of cat care in London. We were formed in 1999 and our main project was the Free Neutering for Cats Scheme which aimed to stabilise the cat population in Greater London by offering free neutering on a means-tested basis. Over the last 23 years, we have raised nearly £6m and neutered over 180,000 cats through this Scheme. This has now evolved into a means-tested £10 neutering and microchip package as part of a rationalisation of voucher schemes across the country undertaken by Cats Protection
Throughout its history, the scheme has been administered by a small team of volunteers under guidance from the C4 Consortium Board. We are ambitious to do more but have historically lacked the capacity to develop a robust and strategic approach. This is a newly created post that will provide the necessary leadership and oversight to grow C4’s impact.
This is a middle-management role that is both operational and strategic. The post-holder will work independently but with the scope to recruit and oversee volunteers as needed. Your employment will be with the RSPCA Central London Branch registered charity number 248489. The RSPCA Central London Branch is a separate registered charity from the main RSPCA and is separately managed and financed, currently employing 50 people.
Key Responsibilities
– Lead the development of a strategic, systemic approach to drive C4 forward (this should include coordinated and consistent marketing and comms), including developing a Theory of Change or similar strategic planning tool; and galvanise the C4 members to actively support the execution of the strategy.
– Lead the development of a robust impact measurement framework for C4 to communicate impact and guide evidence-based decision making.
– Map and build networks of partners and agencies that are key to stabilising the cat population across Greater London to inform a more targeted approach.
– Scope and pilot a holistic, targeted approach to cat population management in select areas of London. This is expected to include multi-agency liaison to target the most vulnerable cats and their owners/feeders.
– Recruit and supervise C4 volunteers as and when additional capacity is needed.
– Develop and maintain relationships in the animal welfare sector and the wider voluntary and community sector designed to support our strategic goals.
– Undertake other duties as may be reasonably required by the C4 Consortium as the C4 Neutering Scheme and the environment develop and change.
Person Specification
Essential
– Minimum 3 A-levels Grades A to C or equivalent or significant relevant experience
– Cat welfare knowledge
– Significant project management experience
– Proven experience of leading and managing change
– Proven experience of establishing and managing effective relationships
– Experience of working collaboratively with multiple stakeholders
– Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
– First-rate organisational and planning skills with the ability to prioritise a high workload and with strong attention to detail
– Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to consult, negotiate and influence action
– High levels of numeracy and literacy with persuasive written and verbal communication skills
– Experience of dealing with sensitive issues with empathy and resilience
– Strong commitment to protecting people from harm and experience of managing risks including safeguarding and data protection
– Proficient IT skills, including fully literate in Microsoft Office
– Professional manner and credibility that generates trust and confidence in others
Desirable
– Educated to degree level
– Full clean driving license and own vehicle (travel will be required mostly within the M25, reasonable transport costs will be reimbursed)
How to apply
To apply, please submit your CV and a covering letter no longer than 2 pages outlining your motivation and suitability for the post, including how you meet the criteria and person specification to [email protected] by 10 November 2023. Applications will be anonymised before processing. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview and may be asked to complete a task or prepare a presentation. Note that you may be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check or equivalent.
