Species Recovery Partnership Manager (Fixed-Term)

Job Description

Rethink Nature is a partnership of seven leading species conservation organisations whose aim is ‘to combine their extensive knowledge and experience to catalyse the action that species need across the four nations of the UK’. We have received funding from Esmée Fairbairn Foundation to set up a Species Recovery Partnership for NI to strengthen and build the Rethink partnership in NI, and work with government, other eNGOs and key stakeholders to better deliver key outcomes for species. You will work on behalf of the Partnership but be managed by the Head of Species at RSPB NI, and will be responsible for managing the Partnership Administrator. You will also work closely with Rethink Nature UK's Species Advocacy Lead. The role allows for hybrid working between your home and your place of work which will be RSPB NI Headquarters.

What's the role about?

We are looking for a highly organised and passionate individual with a good working knowledge of priority species in NI, the mechanisms needed to deliver for them, and the ability to bring stakeholders together. You will be responsible for managing the project to sure that that the following key outcomes are delivered within budget and on time.

• A set of Species Recovery Principles for NI
• A cross-taxa list of highest priority species for NI and concise species action plans (cSAPs) for these species
• A 3-day facilitated workshop to agree on the prioritised list and how the cSAPs and the bid will be developed.
• A NI Species bid, similar to those in GB (Species on the Edge, Back from the Brink, Natur Am Byth), to deliver the critical actions outlined in the cSAPs. This would form the basis of a bid to NLHF for development and delivery funding for a NI species bid.
• A document outlining the key policy and legislative changes needed to deliver for species in Northern Ireland and associated advocacy to ensure it gains attention and influences change.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

1. Demonstrable experience of developing and working in partnerships to achieve shared outcomes.
2. Demonstrable leadership ability, able to lead without line management authority
3. Organising meetings, facilitated workshops and events
4. Excellent written, spoken communication and presentation skills for a wide variety of audiences
5. Competent IT user (e.g. MS packages, Outlook etc)
6. Demonstrable ability to manage project budgets and changes within projects
7. Able to work under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances
8. Proven time management and organisational skills
9. Project Management Qualification or appropriate training
10. Educated to degree or HND level in a biological or environmental science, or equivalent experience.

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

1. Knowledge of priority species in NI and main mechanisms for delivery of conservation action
2. Knowledge of operating environment in NI
3. Experience of working with external stakeholders such as statutory agencies and other eNGOs

This is a Fixed-Term role for 37.5 hours per week from mid-June 2024 until mid-January 2027.

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 24 May 2024. For further information please contact annemarie.mcdevitt@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.

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

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