Overview

1. Introduction

Action for Conservation is an innovative young charity with a mission to create the next generation of nature conservationists. We are currently looking for an energetic, capable and motivated individual to join our growing team as Programme Coordinator.

2. Role Details

This is a 6-month full-time fixed term contract with a starting salary of between £20,000 and £22,000 per annum, depending on experience. You may occasionally be required to work out of these hours and to travel nationally.

There is a possibility of extending the contract beyond 6-months, subject to sufficient funds being raised.

As an organisation we work flexibly and so the position will be based from home, co-working spaces, schools and the great outdoors! Ideally you will live in London and be willing to travel around the UK.

Prior to appointment, the chosen candidate will be required to provide two references and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check will be carried out. A full driving license is desirable but not essential.

The Programme Coordinator will be responsible to the Programme Manager and Director and will be required to manage volunteers and freelance staff as the role develops.

3. Background and context

Just 21% of children in the UK have an adequate level of connection to nature. As children and young people lose this link they are more at risk of depression and obesity and they are less likely to fight to protect the natural world as adults. With over 50% of UK species in decline, we simply cannot afford to lose a generation of volunteers, supporters and professionals. Action for Conservation (AFC) is a UK charity using pioneering approaches to inspire and empower young people, between the ages of 12 and 18, to become the next generation of nature conservationists.

To us, being a “conservationist”; doesn’t just mean following a career as a field biologist or as a campaigner. We believe that a passion for conservation can flow through anyone’s life, whatever their day-job. We want to inspire today’s young people to a long-term belief in the wonder of the natural world, which will shape their dreams and actions however their life turns out.

Vision

That every young person in the UK is moved and empowered to protect the natural world.

Mission

To bring the magic of nature into young people’s lives, inspiring a youth movement committed to conservation and to the earth.

Values

Wonder, Hope, Action, Change.

Core Programmes:

WildED Workshop Programme:

We run conservation education workshops in secondary schools in urban areas with high levels of student deprivation, delivered by our staff and team of young conservation professionals from around the world. These dynamic volunteers, who receive training and support from us, create a sense of wonder and inspire young people with their stories of change and hope. WildED consists of a series of tailored workshops where students gain the knowledge, skills and support they need to lead their own environmental action projects over the course of a school term. We encourage ongoing engagement by connecting students with opportunities to take action with local conservation organisations in the field.

Residential Camps:

Young people can enter our challenge to spend an all-inclusive week on our conservation camps, which have taken place in Pembrokeshire, Wales for the last two years. During the camps students connect with nature and take action for conservation, alongside peers from across the UK, through conservation activities, careers sessions and adventures guided by young conservation professionals, the AFC team and partners including the National Trust and The Nature Conservancy.

Ambassador Programme:

Young people return from camp as AFC Ambassadors, ready to drive change in their local communities through our one-year Youth Ambassadors Programme of events, action days, webinars and skill-building activities coordinated by the AFC team.

4. Role Responsibilities

We are looking for a passionate and capable Programme Coordinator to work alongside our team to develop and expand our reach and deliver our vision. You will work closely with the Programme Manager, volunteers and project partners to help coordinate and deliver all aspects of our programmes. This position suits a dynamic self-starter with motivation and a passion for passing the conservation torch to the next generation. If you feel you would make the most of an opportunity to join an exciting young charity, hit the ground running and take on plenty of responsibility, then we want to hear from you!

The Programme Coordinator’s key duties are as follows:

• Support the Programme Manager in organising and delivering AFC’s school workshops in priority areas of the country.
• Assist in recruiting, training and managing a network of young conservation professionals who support our team in delivering WildED workshops, Ambassador activities and Residential Camps.
• Plan and coordinate group events, webinars and skill-building activities for our cohort of Youth Ambassadors from across the country and provide ongoing remote support for them as they lead action in their local area.
• Plan and deliver Action for Conservation Residential Camps, with the support of volunteers, partner organisations and the Programme Manager and Director.
• Create or commission education and marketing materials directed at young people, schools and supporters.
• Monitor progress towards programme outcomes through agreed indicators.
• Manage interns and volunteers as required.
• Contribute to the communications output of the charity, including social media, blogs, newsletters, articles, talks and maintenance and development of the website.
• Support project partnerships with other NGOs and corporate sponsors.

• Network on behalf of the charity and identify new partnership opportunities.

5. Person Specification

Essential:

• Experience or knowledge of working with young people in an environmental/educational context.
• Strong knowledge and awareness of environmental issues and techniques for raising awareness and creating behaviour change.
• Experience of organising and/or delivering workshops or events.
• A degree or equivalent work experience.
• Strong interpersonal skills and an understanding of how to engage people, and young people in particular.
• Self-motivated and committed.
• A flair for innovation and creativity.
• Strong administrative and database management skills.
• Experience using social media and other communication tools.
• Willingness to learn and to take on lots of responsibility quickly.

Desirable:

• Experience of delivering environmental education workshops.
• Experience of hands on conservation or other environmental work.
• Teaching experience and/or a teaching qualification.
• Direct experience of working with communities to create positive change.
• Experience of managing staff and/or volunteers.
• Marketing experience.
• Experience with graphic design software, such as Adobe Illustrator.
• Social research/survey skills or experience of monitoring impact.

6. Application Procedure

We are committed to creating an inclusive working environment, where diversity is valued and there is equality of opportunity. We therefore welcome applications from all sections of the community and we encourage a healthy work life balance.

The deadline for applications is 6th February 2018 at midnight and interviews will take place on the 15th/16th February 2018 in central London. We are looking for someone to start as soon as possible after 1st March 2018.

To apply please send your CV, with contact details for two referees, and a cover letter of no more than two sides of A4 outlining your suitability for the role, addressed to the Director, to: info@actionforconservation.org with the subject line: ‘Programme Coordinator’. Referees will only be contacted after interview and prior to appointment.

For more information about Action for Conservation, please take a look at our website at: www.actionforconservation.org