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Senior Policy Officer (Sites Policy) Flexible - Work from Home option

Reference: AUG20229709
Expiry date: 2022-09-26 22:59:00.000
Location: Flexible in UK
Salary: £33,600.00 - £37,275.00 Per Annum
Benefits: Pension, Life Assurance and Annual Leave
Attachments: CandidateGuidanceNotes2021.pdf

Making sure the best places for birds and other wildlife are properly protected, monitored and managed is central to the RSPB's strategy and to securing the effective recovery of nature at the landscape scale, and also has a critical role to play in tackling the climate crisis. The UK government and the devolved Governments of Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales have committed to protect 30% of land and seas by 2030, but analysis by the RSPB suggests that currently only around 5% of land in the UK is protected and well managed for nature, and that management measures have only been fully implemented in 10% of protected areas at sea.  Meanwhile there are growing calls for and commitments to make Protected Landscapes (National Parks and Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty) deliver more for nature, but as yet little tangible progress on the changes needed to achieve this, making this a really exciting and challenging time to work on protected areas policy.

About this role:

We are looking for somebody to lead the development of RSPB policy positions and to advocate them effectively to decision makers at a senior level in order to influence government policies and legislation to strengthen and deliver better outcomes for nature through terrestrial and marine networks of protected areas throughout the UK. The post holder will play a key role in protected sites policy development and advocacy, potentially working directly with governments, agencies and partners in each of the four countries of the UK (depending on the RSPB’s needs and priorities). They will also coordinate internal (four country) working groups to support and develop our policy work.

We are offering a permanent post within the RSPB’s UK Site Conservation and Species Policy Team, and we are looking for a passionate and motivated person to fill this role which also provides an opportunity to develop expertise in this highly technical area of work.

Essential criteria:

  • Degree level qualification in a relevant subject or ability to show equivalent ability through work experience
  • A good understanding of environment/biodiversity legislation, public policy and its implications for conservation practice in relation to protected areas and protected landscapes across the UK.
  • A good understanding of governmental and political institutions relevant to protected areas and landscapes across the UK 
  • A good understanding of the role of public facing communications/campaigns in supporting policy advocacy. 
  • Able to analyse complex issues in a fast paced environment coupled with well-honed political acumen. 
  • Effective negotiation and influencing skills relevant to role
  • Excellent communication skills (verbal, written and presentational), including an ability to speak confidently and cogently in public to a variety of audiences, including those with opposing views. 
  • Strong time management, prioritisation and organisational skills
  • Able to form effective teams (both internal and external) and work effectively as a team leader and a team player
  • Proven experience of operating effectively in a policy and or advocacy role

Working arrangements

The RSPB provides a supportive and flexible working environment (including home or hybrid working), with commitment to the training and personal development of its staff and volunteers.  As the post holder will be active throughout the UK, this role will require travel to RSPB offices and locations across the UK. We aim to be flexible as possible on location, but costs and feasibility of travel to the UK countries’ four political administrative centres will need to be considered.

 For application enquiries please contact - Kate.jennings@rspb.org.uk

Please note that you will be required to complete an application form where you will have the opportunity to tell us how you meet the criteria set above.

Please read through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert before applying.