Overview

Policy Officer – Future Nature – English Policy
Reference: JUL20213520
Location: Flexible
Salary: £27,574.00 – £30,590.00 Per Annum
Benefits: Pension, Life Assurance, 26 days Annual Leave

The next decade will be crucial for nature in England. We know the UK is already one of the most nature-depleted countries in the world. We’re looking for an energetic and committed colleague who would relish the opportunity to work within one of the most influential organisations for nature in the UK.

Being a Policy Officer at the RSPB involves working as part of a passionate and committed Policy & Advocacy community to:

  • Develop new policy ideas or solutions to solve challenges faced by nature – working with other policy experts, our conservation scientists and colleagues delivering for nature on the ground to ensure new policy proposals are evidence-based and founded in practical delivery experience.
  • Advocate policy positions and solutions to civil servants, ministers, MPs and Peers.
    Track government process and outputs to understand the context and timing of new policy developments.
  • Work with colleagues in communications and campaigns to harness the power of our supporters and the public to influence government policy.
  • Brief internal colleagues about relevant policy developments to ensure an informed and consistent approach to policy and advocacy across the RSPB.
  • Build and maintain effective relationships with external stakeholders in relevant policy areas.

This role will involve leading policy development and advocacy in England on several key areas, including:

  • Emerging Biodiversity Net Gain (BNG) policy and any related legislation, including the extension of BNG to apply to Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects (NSIPs).
  • Working with Defra, Local Authorities and our RSPB Area Teams to influence the policy and implementation framework for new Local Nature Recovery Strategies, including their ability to support nature’s recovery by linking into planning reforms, environmental assessment, and in directing funding and investment.
  • Tracking key components of the Government’s 25 Year Environment Plan and how they are being delivered across government.
  • The England-focused components of Defra’s forthcoming Nature Strategy.

You will be working across two teams – the UK Future Nature team and the England Policy & Advocacy team – both central to the RSPB’s Policy & Advocacy Community. Based in England, the role can be flexible: either home-based or – as offices re-open – based in one of our offices in England. Occasional travel within England, particularly to London, will be necessary in the longer-term.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

  • A passion for nature, and the energy and urgency to respond to the nature and climate emergencies we face.
  • Ability to develop innovative new ideas, drawing on conservation science and operational experience.
  • Capacity to distil and assess complex information in a fast-paced environment.
  • Experience of operating in a policy and/or advocacy role.
  • Experience of working as part of multi-disciplinary teams.
  • Ability to negotiate with and influence others.
  • Educated to degree level or equivalent in a relevant discipline.
  • A working understanding of UK and English institutions relevant to the policy areas covered by this role.
  • An understanding of the role of public facing communications and campaigns in supporting policy and advocacy.
  • Strong time management and organisational skills.
  • Able to prioritise effectively.
  • Able to manage projects effectively.
  • Competent use of Microsoft Office.

This is a Permanent, Full Time role.

Closing date: 23:59, 29 August 2021
We are looking to conduct interviews for this position on 10th September 2021.

Interested?

If you would like to find out more about this position, please click the Apply button to be directed to our website where you can complete your application for this position.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

No agencies please.