Use your policy skills to help nature’s recovery!  

This is a critical time for nature. Biodiversity is in crisis. More than ever, we need to keep rigorously protecting the best places for nature we have left.  But we also need to do much more to restore nature and to help it recover within and beyond these places.  
European sites, SSSIs and other protected areas have been vital strongholds for nature in Scotland.  

This role will lead our work making sure these protected areas, our best places for birds and wildlife, continue to be properly protected, monitored, and managed.  It will also lead our work to make sure these places are bigger, better, and more joined up in future, helping nature’s recovery and tackling climate change.

About this role:

This role will lead the development of RSPB Scotland policy positions and advocate them effectively to decision makers at a senior level, influencing government policies and legislation to strengthen and deliver better outcomes for nature through networks of protected areas across Scotland. You will also play a key role in protected sites policy development and advocacy, working directly with government, public bodies, and businesses, as well as with RSPB colleagues and our partners across the UK.  You will have the opportunity to work closely with RSPB Scotland’s policy, campaigns, communications and on-the-ground conservation staff, putting policy into practice.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Degree level qualification in a relevant subject or ability to show equivalent ability through work experience.
• A good understanding of environment/biodiversity legislation, public policy and its implications for conservation practice in relation to protected areas and protected landscapes.
• A good understanding of Scotland’s governmental and political institutions relevant to protected areas and landscapes.
• A good understanding of the role of public facing communications/campaigns in supporting policy advocacy.
• Able to analyse complex issues in a fast paced environment coupled with well-honed political acumen.
• Effective negotiation and influencing skills relevant to role.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written and presentational), including an ability to speak confidently and cogently in public to a variety of audiences, including those with opposing views.
• Strong time management, prioritisation and organisational skills.
• Able to form effective teams (both internal and external) and work effectively as a team leader and as a team player.
• Proven experience of operating effectively in a policy and or advocacy role.

This is a permanent post within the RSPB Scotland Policy Team and this will be a fantastic opportunity for a passionate and motivated person to develop expertise in this hugely rewarding area of work. The successful candidate can be based remotely, and will be expected to travel to Edinburgh regularly (at least once per week, sometimes more) for meetings, and elsewhere in the UK occasionally.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from week commencing 10th June 2024. For further information please contact aedan.smith@rspb.org.uk or vicki.swales@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.

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