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LIFE Raft Programme Manager

Reference: SEP20212695
Expiry date: 2021-09-24 23:59:00.000
Location: Rathlin Island
Salary: £36,604.00 - £40,608.00 Per Annum
Benefits: Pension, Life Assurance, 26 days Annual Leave (pro-rata)
Duration:5 years
Attachments: CandidateGuidanceNotes.pdf

Project background:

The RSPB is recruiting for a Programme Manager for the LIFE Raft project - Rathlin Acting for Tomorrow: Removing invasive non-native ferrets and rats from the Rathlin Island SPA, Northern Ireland.

Rathlin Island is Northern Ireland’s only inhabited offshore island, with a permanent community of around 150 people. Rathlin is of great importance for wildlife at both national and EU levels, but this wildlife is under threat from invasive non-native ferrets and rats. The aim of the LIFE Raft project is to safeguard this wildlife by eradicating both the ferret and rat populations from the island, whilst embedding sound biosecurity measures to prevent their return. The project will strengthen existing local pride in, and stewardship of, the island’s natural heritage and create significant socioeconomic opportunities for a sustainable future. Success will require a multi-disciplinary approach covering technical operations, community engagement and collaborative working across the project partnership and with key external stakeholders.

About the role: This role is required to manage this new £4.5 million project. This project is supported by a steering group consisting of RSPB, DAERA, RDCA and CCGHT. The Programme Manager will work with the steering group and the LIFE Raft project team to ensure the project objectives are met and risks are managed effectively. We are looking for an inspiring leader and experienced Programme Manager, to lead this priority invasive non-native species eradication project. Experience in delivering complex conservation projects on the ground and knowledge of invasive non-native species eradications is essential. The Programme Manager will be responsible for the successful delivery of the project. The role will include responsibility for identifying and responding to any risks and emerging issues as well as co-ordinating and supporting the delivery of all elements of the project. It requires experience of working with communities and stakeholders in a collaborative and sensitive way. 

About you: You’ll be a passionate advocate for Rathlin Island and the recovery and conservation of breeding seabirds in this fragile island ecosystem. You will have substantial experience of both leading teams (being accountable) and working within teams (delegating and collaborating). You’ll need a good working knowledge of how to achieve the eradication of invasive non-native species from islands with a diverse community.  

Key tasks will be:

Responsibility for delivering all project outputs and outcomes and instigating and managing change where required

Responsibility for fulfilling funder requirements.

Responsibility for financial management of the project, including budget forecasting and identifying and fulfilling additional resourcing needs if required

Inspiring confidence in all internal and external stakeholders

Ensuring stakeholder support and engagement is maintained throughout the project’s lifetime and securing a sustainable lasting legacy for the project 

Essential qualifications, skills and experience:

Please ensure to address the following criteria in your application form: 

1. Educated to degree level or educated by experience with at least 3 years as a Programme Manager.

2. An ability to lead, inspire and influence a wide range of people, both internally and externally.

3. Experience of managing complex projects and programmes with immovable deadlines.

4. Demonstrated ability to provide advice and interpretation of policy and procedures associated with project and programme management.

6. Experience of working with international stakeholders such as NGOs, agencies or contractors.

7. Demonstrable experience of developing and working in partnerships to achieve shared outcomes.

8. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

9. Competent IT user.

10. Budget management including experience of LIFE + and NLHF funding requirements.

11. Knowledge (essential) and management experience (desirable) of invasive non-native species impacts and their management.

This project was made possible with funding from EU LIFE+, National Lottery Heritage Fund (development phase) and Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), with contributions from RSPB NI, Rathlin Development and Community Association (RDCA) and support from the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust (CCGHT

As part of this application process, you will be asked to complete an application form to evidence of how your meet the skills, knowledge, and experience requested. The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer.  Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert. Interviews will be held on Monday 6th October.

For further information please contact Claire.Barnett@rspb.org.uk