RSPB Cymru’s vision is for sustainable land management, which is good for people, climate and nature. We want to see farming, forestry and other land management across Wales that:

• Sustains and restores biodiversity as well as producing safe, healthy food, timber and other commodities;
• Protects the natural resources of soil, air and water we all depend on; and
• Provides income and employment for workers in rural areas and contribute to a diverse rural economy.

To deliver our vision we need to work with others to change how land is managed. This includes ensuring farmers, foresters and other land managers have the right balance of support (financial and other) to enable them to deliver for nature in addition to providing food, other commodities and environmental goods and services. It’s also vital we engage wider society to support these changes and make nature/environmentally friendly choices in the way they eat and live.

Job Description - Please see the attachment for the Welsh version.

We are looking for a Policy Officer to join our Wales Land and Sea Policy and Advocacy Team to develop and advocate RSPB Cymru policy positions and proposals on sustainable farming and land management, including the effective use of nature-based solutions. You will work with a range of stakeholders and advocates, particularly farmers, foresters, other land managers, and their representatives, environmental NGOs, statutory bodies and businesses to build, shape and advocate to the Welsh Government and the Senedd, to change the way we manage land to help save nature in Wales.

Key deliverables include:

• Developing policy positions in relation to:
• future agriculture and sustainable land management in Wales, including influencing the design and delivery of Wales’ new Sustainable Farming Scheme.
• Land use/management’s response to climate change including peatland restoration and the use of nature-based solutions.
• Fresh water, in particular the impact of land use/management on water quality.
• Working with colleagues across the RSPB, and where appropriate, with other NGOs, to ensure key messages and policy positions are aligned.
• Working closely with sustainable farming and land management advocates, such as the Nature Friendly Farming Network, to develop a strong movement for change
• Working closely with staff delivering ‘on the ground’ activities, such as project and reserves teams, and farm advisors, to help showcase best practice and develop “learning” for future policy and advocacy.
• Working closely with staff delivering communications and public engagement to build public and political support for our land use and management policy priorities.
• Increasing public awareness about the connection between land use/management, farming, food and the dual nature and climate emergency.

We are looking for a professional, persuasive and engaging individual with an excellent understanding of current agricultural and land use policy as tools to ensure outcomes for nature, and credibility within relevant stakeholder communities. They should have the skills and personality to be able to bring together dynamic coalitions of interested stakeholders to build, shape and advocate for new policies to secure sustainable land management that is good for people and good for nature.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Experience of working in a policy or advocacy role to influence the development of government policy.
• Experience of advocating policy effectively to external audiences (including government, relevant businesses, NGOs) to further specific policy and advocacy objectives.
• Knowledge of biodiversity and climate policy and policy drivers at international, EU, UK and Wales level
• Knowledge of EU, UK and Wales institutions relevant to the role
• Ability to monitor external policy developments and horizon scan for relevant issues and opportunities
• Excellent understanding of agriculture and related land use, nature and climate policy and policy drivers in a European, UK and specifically Wales context.
• Ability to write reports, consultation responses and concise policy briefings to support advocacy efforts.
• Excellent communication, writing and negotiation skills.
• Ability to develop policy positions and to communicate effectively to a range of audiences, including politicians, farmers and other land managers and the public.
• Ability to communicate complex ideas and proposals to a variety of audiences in a concise and clear way
• Ability to work as part of a team to deliver a project and achieve shared objectives and outcomes.
• Experience of working with others to develop and deliver a shared vision or set of proposals
• Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with external stakeholders
• Full UK Driving Licence

Desirable skills:

• The ability to communicate in Welsh (written and spoken).

This is a full-time, permanent position working 37.5 hours per week. The post holder will be working within the RSPB Cymru Policy and Advocacy Team. This position will be home based, within Wales (or close to).  The role requires regular travel within Wales for site/farm visits, policy events and advocacy, and Team meetings.

As part of this application process you will be asked to complete an application form to evidence of how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience requested. Should you have any questions, please contact arfon.williams@rspb.org.uk

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..

We look forward to receiving your application.

We reserve the right to close this advert at any time.