We know that we need more money to help nature thrive. Traditional fundraising isn't enough, and nor is public grant funding. We know that there is now a market for nature and environmental benefits. Many companies need to invest because their shareholders want to see more being done for the environment. And there is a growing regulatory push for them to do so. This goes for individual corporations (large companies) as well as fund managers who bring together different pots of money and create a package to be invested.

We have a fantastic opportunity to explore this green market both on our estate and off-estate, working with others. Our Conservation Investment (CI) team is exploring these opportunities and developing pipelines of viable projects.

A vital component of the CI team’s work is business analysis to design, scrutinise and implement projects on and off the RSPB estate. You will be working across different ecosystem services, including carbon, biodiversity net gain and others such as nutrient neutrality and natural flood management. You will be helping RSPB site teams to develop their business cases and compare them against traditional agriculture and agri-environment funding. You will also be supporting multi-partner Landscape Recovery projects in England to develop their financial plans which combine revenue from ecosystem services with public and other sources funding. Finally, you will be analysing how the RSPB’s business processes and policies can help us deliver these green market opportunities. 

What's the role about?

You will help teams to:

• Analyse and understand business problems or opportunities, with a particular focus on financial viability;
• Undertake research and analysis into business services, and identify areas for improvement;
• Use analysis-led insights to make decisions on prioritisation and minimum viable product;
• Ensure new products and services meet business and user needs, and are aligned with organisational goals; and
• Understand any business and policy constraints that need to be considered, and assess the implications.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Competent IT user (e.g. MS packages, Outlook etc);
• Ability to understand financial systems;
• Leadership ability, able to lead without line management authority;
• Ability to use written and oral communications skills to persuade and influence a wide range of people, both internally and externally;
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to find creative solutions;
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances;
• Logical & methodical, analytical and a good eye for detail;
• Proven time management and organisational skills;
• Experience of delivering projects; and
• Experience of working to a standard project management approach (e.g. RSPB Project Management Framework, Prince2).

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• Experience of working with external stakeholders such as agencies and contractors;
• Demonstrable experience of developing and working in partnerships to achieve shared outcomes;
• Experience of delivering complex projects;
• Experience of working with landowners, tenants and farmers and their financial flows; and
• Experience of creating new special purpose vehicles and project finance including profit and loss, and cashflows.

This is a 2 year fixed-term, full-time role for 37.5 hours per week. For further information please contact paul.cottington@rspb.org.uk or tom.ward@rspb.org.uk

As part of this application process you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

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

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract. 

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