The RSPB is seeking a Deputy Director for Policy & Advocacy to lead our work to change the political and economic frameworks that drive the loss of biodiversity and to promote the solutions that will restore nature and respond to climate change.

About the role

In this role you would be an influential leader in shaping the public and political response to the nature and climate emergency.  Your work will involve leading teams that aim to stop damaging decisions, hold decision makers to account on their commitments and promote positive solutions to enable restoration at scale through policy, law, standards, plans and collaborations. 
We are looking for a credible environmental leader, with strong political nous, able to build influential networks and coalitions across sectors. You will be able to see the big picture and understand the policy detail. With experience of leading people and facilitating teams, you will be an articulate and inspiring communicator for nature. You will facilitate multi-disciplinary teams and with colleagues from across the countries of UK and international teams, to create advocacy and influencing strategies and propositions that maximise our impact and align people and resources around shared priorities.

What we need from you:

Essentials

•    A passion for nature and a drive to change the fate of nature, and a broad understanding of and engagement in current and future environmental issues;
•    Credibility within the sector and notable expertise in policy and advocacy -  with demonstrable expertise across a breadth of subject areas (e.g. at least three of agriculture, land use, water, forestry, marine, planning, sites, species, casework, economy, energy, climate.)
•    Demonstrable experience of influencing politics, governments and/or business frameworks at multiple levels and an in-depth understanding influencing tactics and the political context in which change happens;
•    Substantial and broad experience of leading a professional function and/or large geographically dispersed team to implement strategy;
•    Knowledge of the International, UK and devolved country governance and frameworks affecting nature and climate and their use in public policy making;
•    Proven leadership and people management skills, able to convene teams, develop individuals and teams for high performance and build a positive collaborative culture;
•    An innovative, creative thought leader, able to think clearly and deeply on issues, help others think out of the box to develop new propositions and approaches using analysis of an array of different inputs e.g. scientific evidence, policy & legislation, operational experience and political/social contexts;
•    Excellent written and verbal communications skills to present, influence and represent the organisation including to the media;
•    Capable team manager with experience of providing direction, leading change, building capability and providing professional & personal development support to their reports;
•    Facilitative leadership skills and a demonstrable experience of leading teams without direct line management authority;
•    Able to develop professional guidance and set ways of working to guide the performance and effective working of teams to meet standards;
•    Experience of developing and leading teams through change – developing new capabilities, skills and ways of working;
•    Demonstrable commitment to the RSPB and its mission and values. 

Desirables

•    Experience of leading political campaigns, strategic communications and/or wider behaviour change campaigns;
•    Partnership development, stakeholder management and negotiation skills;
•    Strong collaboration skills to build relationships, navigate politics and address conflicts;
•    Financial acumen to develop and manage budgets, forecasting, use of business metrics and understanding financial and wider socio-environment benefits of conservation, including ethical considerations;
•    Understanding and commitment to using Programme and Project Management Frameworks;
•    Project management skills to plan and manage successful projects, manage risks, costs, time and project teams;
•    Experience in the not for profit sector, working in a resource constrained environment and/or with volunteers as a key part of the workforce;
•    Experience of corporate decision making beyond particular remit.

Additional Information

For additional information on this role, please see attached Candidate information pack.

Interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams on the 1st of July 2022, with the 2nd interviews in person in London on the 12th July 2022.

For all application/role please contact - Emily de Gray (Exec PA to Executive Director, Global Conservation) -emily.degray@rspb.org.uk

Please note that you will be required to upload a CV and complete an online application form where you will have the opportunity to tell us how you meet the criteria above.

Before applying for this role we would recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by/exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.