PeacePlus Programme Manager - Northern Ireland (Fixed-Term)

Job Description

RSPB NI are seeking an experienced programme manager to lead the development and submission of our PeacePlus funding bids. We need your drive, focus, expertise and energy to develop and initiate these complex, large-scale multi-partner projects that will help save nature.

You will work across RSPB and with external partners to scope and design projects and programmes that will enable us to deliver our strategic objectives. As a line manager, you will lead and motivate the team to achieve success, working within the RSPB project management and risk frameworks.

The successful candidate will have great people skills, able to inspire, enthuse, motivate and influence staff, volunteers and funders, plus external stakeholders at a senior level. You will be a great communicator, able to lead on project assurance as well as procure and manage external contractors.

You will be responsible for:

• Developing and managing complex funding bids within the RSPB project management framework to ensure that high quality PeacePlus applications are made on time
• Developing effective working relationships with key stakeholders including RSPB senior managers and other staff, funders, statutory agencies and programme partners
• Day to day management of the programme to include funder relations, risk management, dependencies and deliverables to ensure that work is focused on the strategic priorities and remains on track.
• Identify, research and recommend developments for the programme to deliver against changes to strategic priorities.
• Work closely with participating organisations to ensure the programme meets business needs and build capabilities related to the programme outcomes
• Work closely with RSPB leadership teams and senior managers to ensure strategic change delivered by the programme is embedded effectively within the organisation.
• Monitoring spend against targets and managing day-to-day procurement
• Line management and leadership of the project team

Essential skills, experience and qualifications:

• Educated to degree level in relevant subject or have relevant professional experience
• Understanding of financial systems, cost and budget management
• Ability to produce clear written documentation and have good verbal skills.
• Ability to persuade and influence a wide range of people, both internally and externally.
• Ability and experience of managing complex projects and programmes including ability to manage changes within programmes.
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to find creative solutions, including ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Demonstratable ability to provide advice and interpretation of policy and procedures associated with project and programme management.
• Demonstrable experience of developing and working in partnerships to achieve shared outcomes.
• Experience of working to a standard project and/or management approach (eg RSPB Project Management Framework, Prince II).

Desirable skills, experience, and qualifications:

• Experience of working with major funding programmes such as, LIFE, ERDF/Interreg, HLF
• Demonstrable leadership ability, able to lead without line management authority and confidence to make decisions without needing to refer upwards.
• Experience of working with international stakeholders such as NGOs, agencies and contractors
• Experience of leading and managing multidisciplinary teams.

This is a fixed-term, full-time role for 37.5 hours per week for two years from the commencement of taking up the role. Consideration will be given to requests for less than full time / flexible working.

We would like to candidate to commence the role as soon as possible in April 2023. The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 3rd April 2023. For further information please contact sara.mccracken@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.

The RSPB is a licenced sponsor. This role is eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship.

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