We’re looking for an outstanding individual to lead RSPB Scotland’s marine policy work. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a real difference for Scotland's marine wildlife.

There’s been some good progress in recent years but the pressure on Scotland's marine environment has never been greater and we need to do much more to solve the nature and climate emergency at sea.  We need to secure new highly protected areas; we need to ensure that new and existing sites are genuinely protected from damage, are well managed and are restored; and we need to eliminate threats to seabirds from unsustainable fisheries, marine developments and invasive non-native species.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead and manage RSPB Scotland’s Marine Policy Team.
• Work with UK Head of Marine and other UK marine teams to deliver UK Marine programme.
• Set and implement team’s strategic work programme in line with RSPB strategy and wider RSPB Scotland policy objectives.
• Advocate RSPB Scotland’s marine policy to relevant, high-level, external audiences (including relevant governments, businesses, NGOs) to effect change
• Build and maintain effective relationships, including formal partnerships where appropriate, with external stakeholders, including Government, industry, academia and NGOs, to build optimum conditions for successful advocacy of RSPB marine policy positions.
• Contribute to and support the strategic direction and development of wider RSPB policy work and relevant work programmes of other RSPB teams.
• Oversee relevant policy research, the development of policy positions and the development and delivery of projects and materials that further RSPB Scotland’s marine objectives.
• Create and identify media opportunities and carry out media work in liaison with media colleagues.
• Develop, monitor and manage programmes and projects, including budgets where relevant, so that objectives and targets are met.
• Accountable for the provision of expertise of the section to internal and/or external audiences monitoring external developments, identifying risks and opportunities to inform and add value to the RSPB’s strategy and delivery.
• Develop the skills and capabilities of the section (and self) towards high performance, celebrating successes and promoting the RSPB’s values and positive culture at all times

Key capabilities:

Qualifications:
•    Degree level qualification in a relevant subject or able to show equivalent ability through work experience

Knowledge:
•    Excellent understanding of marine conservation policy, especially related to seabirds, fisheries, offshore wind energy developments and invasive non-native species
•    A good understanding of public facing communications and campaigns in policy advocacy
•    Excellent understanding of Scottish and UK political systems, and other relevant international/global institutions
•    Knowledge of planning and regulatory systems and role of protected area networks

Skills:
•    Able to act on own initiative to generate policy positions and to facilitate others to generate ideas and collaboratively develop policy positions 
•    Excellent research and critical thinking skills, able to analyse complex information in a fast-paced environment to formulate propositions and proposals
•    Excellent written and verbal communication skills, relevant to the role. 
•    Excellent advocacy, influencing and negotiation skills

Experience: 
•    Experience of, or demonstrable capability to, lead a policy team and line manage and support the development of staff, ensuring they deliver quality work to time limited objectives. 
•    High-level network of contacts and relationships in specialist subject area
•    Proven experience of project management 
•    Proven experience of working collaboratively and in partnership

This role will require occasional work beyond normal office hours and overnight stays away from home, as well as frequent travel to Edinburgh. This role is flexible across Scotland.

This is a Permanent Full-Time role for 37.5 hours per week. 

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position on 13th March 2023. For further information please contact aedan.smith@rspb.org.uk .

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

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

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