Investigations Liaison Officer (Maternity Cover)

Job Description

Are you a skilled communicator with a passion for driving change? The RSPB’s Investigations Team is looking for a creative and versatile Liaison Officer to heighten awareness of the illegal killing of birds of prey and help advocate for change to secure a more just future for these protected birds.

You will act as a bridge between Investigations Officers and the general public, digesting and distilling complex subjects and turning them into eye-catching press releases, blogs, social media videos and other forms of communication – while ensuring factual accuracy at all times. Every last word or image must stand up to scrutiny, so an understanding of the challenges facing the RSPB in relation to this work is a must.

You will also be the point of contact between Investigations and other internal communications teams (eg media, social media, and supporter communications) across the UK’s four countries, as well as with the police and other partner organisations.

Day-to-day work is often reactive, and would suit anyone accustomed to working at speed, to tight deadlines. However you will also be responsible for project managing the team’s prestigious and hard-hitting annual report, Birdcrime, which requires good planning and meticulous attention to detail. Depending on experience, you may also be invited to front media interviews.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Degree in science/journalism and/or equivalent relevant experience.
• Sound ornithological knowledge.
• Thorough and proven understanding of issues surrounding raptor persecution and other crimes against wild birds.
• Knowledge of wildlife protection legislation.
• Proven written, listening, verbal and telephone skills.
• Out of the box, creative thinker, able to maximise the output of investigations work, often under direct and intense scrutiny by individuals/organisations with contrary views.
• Proven attention to detail, ensuring media content is accurate, up to date and scientifically sound in order to protect the society.
• Proven use of Microsoft Office software and digital media platforms including Twitter, Facebook, blogs, and YouTube.
• Strong social and interpersonal skills with the gravitas to influence internal and external stakeholders.
• Excellent planning and prioritisation skills, combined with the ability to meet tight deadlines and handle unanticipated workloads.
• Experience of working with media professionals in writing copy, blogs, press releases and verbal interviews especially focussing on bird conservation issues.

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• Experience of managing projects.
• Experience of working with statutory agencies, media, or the law enforcement arena.
• Knowledge of UK and International wildlife and conservation issues.
• Passionate, confident and determined

This is a Permanent, Full-Time role. We are looking to conduct interviews for this position on 19th June 2023 at our Headquarters in Sandy, Bedfordshire. For further information please contact mark.thomas@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.

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.

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