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Policy Officer (Marine) - RSPB Northern Ireland

Reference: OCT20222655
Expiry date: 2022-10-30 23:59:00.000
Location: RSPB Northern Ireland
Salary: £28,420.00 - £31,529.00 Per Annum
Benefits: Pension, 26 days Annual Leave, Life Assurance

This is an outstanding opportunity to help ensure a better future for Northern Ireland’s seas and seabirds. You will support the development and advocacy of RSPB policy on marine and fisheries issues and influence important debates and decisions within Northern Ireland and further afield.

We are looking for an enthusiastic, passionate and motivated person to fill this role which provides an opportunity to develop policy and advocacy skills and build expertise in a key area of policy.

This role may also suit a recent graduate or someone in the early stages of their career. This role can be conducted Remotely (from home) but will require regular visits to Northern Ireland.

Please note that we are currently advertising for a Senior Policy Officer and are also interested in hearing from people who would be best suited for a Senior Policy Officer role. For more information and on how to apply, please visit https://app.vacancy-filler.co.uk/salescrm/Careers/CareersPage.aspx?e=LMo8nnTwYNYbT1GsG-GwcGreHQq03cx8EcPGSq0TUzKf8cDYIzeudsDeqAtYm4TQx1iCkrSmmUQ&iframe=True

What’s the role about? (Policy Officer)

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 combating 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 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.

The successful candidate will work with a wide range of policy staff across the UK and with colleagues in our Conservation Science, Communications and Campaigns, and Operations teams to ensure we have an impact.

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

Key aspects of the role include:

•    Inputting credible policy positions based on sound science and evidence;
•    Supporting the delivery of advocacy strategies that will achieve results;
•    Undertaking advocacy and communicating persuasively;
•    Coalition campaigning and communications;
•    Building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders; and
•    Helping to deliver work across different teams and disciplines to ensure we influence policy decisions in each of the four UK countries.

What we need from you

Essential:

•    Educated to degree level or equivalent, or experience relevant to the role.
•    Able to analyse complex issues in a fast paced environment.
•    Able to negotiate with and influence others e.g. professional, persuasive, engaging, confident.
•    Good written and verbal communication skills, and competent use of Microsoft Office
•    Strong time management and organisational skills.
•    Able to prioritise effectively.
•    Able to manage projects effectively.

Desirable:

•    Practical experience of operating in a policy and/or advocacy role.
•    Experience of working in a marine policy role
•    An understanding of environment/biodiversity policy in general, and protected areas policy in particular
•    Working understanding of the most important 4 countries (i.e. England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales), UK, European and global institutions relevant to environment/biodiversity policy in general, and protected areas policy in particular
•    An understanding of the role of public-facing communications/campaigns in supporting policy advocacy

Additional Infiormation

You will be required to only complete an online application form where you will have the opportunity to tell us how you meet the criteria set above.

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

Please note that we are actively recruiting for this role and reserve the right to close this vacancy.

For any queries about the role, please contact Jonathan Bell jonathan.bell@rspb.org.uk

Advert closes on 30th October 2022 and Interviews will be conducted on 7th/8th November 2022.

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