We are looking for an experienced policy advocate who understands and can influence the policies that drive changes in the marine environment that impact on biodiversity, both positively and negatively. You will provide thought leadership, be well respected in this field and you will have strong advocacy, communication and campaigning skills.

Please note that we are currently advertising a Policy Officer role which may be of interest to recent graduates and/or anyone looking for a development opportunity.  For more information and on how to apply to our Policy Officer role, please visit - https://app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Careers/CareersPage.aspx?e=LMo8nnTwYNbd7TZR1BNdDZhh6inolLpKYsfUugSSZLP2z9oSbGj02yAHMCwCyOYL3kq8EicLNCk&iframe=True

About Role

Northern Ireland is globally important for a range of seabirds and other marine species. How we manage our seas in the coming decades will play a central role in halting declines in nature and combat climate change.  Offshore wind deployment is increasingly seen as an important aspect of NI’s future energy mix, and yet it presents significant risks for seabirds when poorly developed, delivered and managed. At the same time, Northern Ireland will be developing its first seabird conservation strategy and momentum is building for a more effective and comprehensive network of marine protected areas.  This role will allow the successful candidate to work across all these key issues and more.

The Senior Policy Officer (Marine) will work with policy staff across the four UK countries, specifically working with the Head of Land and Sea Policy in RSPB NI to lead the development of our overarching policy positions, helping to develop and coordinate our advocacy on marine policy issues and ensure their effective implementation. The role will involve advocacy on marine and fisheries policy with a focus on the NI Assembly and relevant NI government Departments, working closely with the NI Marine Task Force, as well as providing information, advice and support to other staff internally on marine policy issues.

Preference for the candidate to be NI based, but working remotely will be considered.

Duties include:

•    Monitor external policy developments to identify relevant marine policy issues and advocacy targets to further RSPB strategic priorities. 
•    Identify and facilitate the delivery of relevant marine policy research to inform RSPB policy positions. 
•    Be responsible for the development of RSPB marine policy positions, to advocate them to decision makers and to inform policy related RSPB communications.
•    Advocate RSPB marine policy effectively to relevant external audiences (including government, business, NGOs) 
•    Be responsible for the production of marine policy reports, consultation responses and briefings. 
•    Gather evidence to influence the development of Northern Ireland’s first Seabird Conservation Strategy 
•    Build and maintain effective relationships with marine stakeholders, including senior government officials, other NGOs, academia and business 
•    Lead the development and delivery of projects, internally and with relevant external partners to further RSPB’s marine policy advocacy objectives.
•    Lead RSPB input to development of marine-related partnership funding bids.
•    Work closely with colleagues to develop and deliver campaigns and communications material that effectively further RSPB ‘s marine policy advocacy objectives.
•    Provide support to Operations, especially Reserves with marine/seas/seabird interests and/or projects. 
•    Provide support and expertise to casework colleagues on marine related proposals. 

What we need from you

We are looking for a professional, persuasive and engaging individual with an excellent understanding of current marine policy. They should have the skills and personality to be able to bring together a dynamic coalition of marine stakeholders, inc. fishing industry, NGO’s, coastal communities and others to build, shape and advocate for new marine policies which are good for people and good for nature.

• Experience of working in a policy or advocacy role to influence the development of government policy
• Excellent knowledge and understanding of marine policy at international, EU, UK and NI level
• Ability to monitor external policy developments and horizon scan for relevant issues and opportunities
• Ability to write reports, consultation responses and concise policy briefings to support advocacy efforts.
• Excellent communication, writing and negotiation skills.
• Ability to develop policy positions and to communicate effectively to a range of audiences, including politicians, farmers and the public.
• Ability to work as part of a team to deliver a project and achieve shared objectives and outcomes.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas and proposals to a variety of audiences in a concise and clear way
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with external stakeholders.

In return we will offer:

• Option to work from home with the requirement for occasional travel to Northern Ireland
• 34 days annual leave (which includes bank holidays)
• Flexible working - Toil
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Life Assurance
• Cycle-to-work scheme
• Pension

Addition Information

Any questions please contact Jonathan Bell: jonathan.bell@rspb.org.uk

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

Before applying for this role we would encourage you to read through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer.