The RSPB’s vision is for a sustainable food and farming system which is good for people and good for nature. We want to see systems of farming across the UK that sustain and restore farmland biodiversity as well as producing safe, healthy food, protect the natural resources of soil, air and water that farming itself depends on, provide income and employment for famers and other workers in rural areas and contribute to a diverse rural economy.

To deliver our vision we need to work with others to change our food and farming system so that it provides farmers with the right balance of support to allow them to deliver for nature in addition to food and other services and engages wider society to support these changes and make nature and environmentally friendly choices in the way they eat and live.

The Policy Officer - Sustainable Agriculture will develop RSPB policy positions and proposals on food and farming, and advocate for the creation of a sustainable and integrated agriculture policy.  It involves working with a range of stakeholders, advocates, particularly farmers, but also farming representatives/unions, agri-businesses, food groups etc. to build, shape and advocate to the NI Assembly and the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, to change the food and farming system to help save nature in Northern Ireland.

Key deliverables include:

• Developing policy positions in relation to, future agriculture and sustainable land management in Northern Ireland.
• Contributing to the development of other RSPBNI positions and advocacy on related land use policy issues including climate change, forestry, peatlands and water.
• Working with colleagues across the RSPB, and where appropriate, with other NGOs, to ensure key messages and policy positions are aligned.
• Working closely with staff delivering communications and public engagement to build public and political support for our food and farming and land use policy priorities.
• Working closely with farmer advocates, such as the Nature Friendly Farming Network, to develop a strong movement for change
• Working closely with staff delivering ‘on the ground’ activities, such as farm advisors, to help showcase best practice and develop learnings for future policy and advocacy.
• Increasing public awareness about the connection between farming, food and the nature and climate emergencies.

Essential Skills and Abilities

We are looking for a professional, persuasive and engaging individual with an excellent understanding of current agricultural policy, and credibility within the farming community. They should have the skills and personality to be able to bring together a dynamic coalition, particularly farmers, but also farming representatives/unions, agri-businesses and food groups, to build, shape and advocate for new policies for food and farming in NI that are good for people and good for nature.

• Experience of working in a policy or advocacy role to influence the development of government policy
• Experience of advocating policy effectively to external audiences (including government, relevant businesses, NGOs) to further specific policy and advocacy objectives.
• Knowledge of biodiversity and climate policy at international, EU, UK and NI level
• Knowledge of EU, UK and NI Institutions relevant to the role 
• Ability to monitor external policy developments and horizon scan for relevant issues and opportunities
• Excellent understanding of agriculture, food and related land use and climate policy in a European, UK and specifically Northern Ireland context.
• 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.
• Experience of working with others to develop and deliver a shared vision or set of proposals
• 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

We look forward to receiving your application outlining how you meet the criteria for the role.

Additional Information

This is a full-time permanent position, working 37.5 hours per week.

The post holder will be working within the RSPBNI Policy and Advocacy team, which is based at RSPBNI Headquarters in Belvoir Forest Park, Belfast.  There is an option to work from home.

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

In order to apply you will be required to upload a CV and complete our application form where you will have the opportunity to explain how you meet  the criteria set above.

Before applying please read though our candidate guidance notes attached.

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.

We reserve the right to close this advert at anytime.