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Head of External Affairs and Advocacy - Flexible
Reference: MAR20253693
Expiry date: 22:57, Thu, 17th Apr 2025
Location: RSPB UKHQ - The Lodge
Benefits: Pension Scheme, Life Assurance Scheme, 26 days' Annual Leave
This is an exciting opportunity to head up our External Affairs team in the RSPB's Global Conservation Directorate.
You would be responsible for developing and implementing the RSPB’s political strategy at Westminster, including through events, and managing our relationships with politicians and civil servants in Westminster and Whitehall, working closely with colleagues across the organisation to deliver our policy priorities. As an organisation working in each of the four UK countries, and globally with key partners like BirdLife International, you would also provide support where helpful for global and four country leads in developing and implementing political strategies and advocacy plans.
The political and legislative context that we operate in is like none that's come before. The routes to securing the political shifts that nature and the climate need, and need urgently, are varied and we need an effective operator who is politically astute and campaigns savvy. You will play a vital part in helping to develop RSPB communications and campaigns to ensure that they have real political reach and impact as well as liaising with our business engagement teams as we develop our relationships with the private sector. You will also oversee much of our partnership with other NGOs through coalitions such as Greener UK and Wildlife and Countryside Link, whilst expanding our influence by identifying and building relationships with new stakeholders.
Please note that while this role offers remote working, frequent travel to London will be required.
What's the role about?
* Political monitoring and strategy to contribute to RSPB’s overall strategy and Theory of Change and that build’s RSPB’s profile.
* Lead the development of strategic advocacy campaigns for our key policy priorities, engaging with MPs, Whitehall and the broader political community.
* Team development and broader political leadership including the development of training.
* Internal and external relationship management at a senior level, including identification of new relationships and relevant advocacy targets.
Minimum Requirements:
* A passion for nature with a drive to change its fate, and a broad understanding of and engagement in current and future environmental issues.
* Credibility within the environment sector and notable expertise in policy and advocacy with strong connections across the sector and parliament.
* Demonstrable experience of influencing UK politics, governments and/or business frameworks at multiple levels and an in-depth understanding influencing of tactics and the political context in which change happens.
* Knowledge of the UK and devolved country governance and frameworks affecting nature and climate and their use in public policy making.
* Proactive and confident decision maker with a commitment to building and maintaining a collaborative culture across the organisation.
* Excellent written and verbal communications skills to present, influence and represent the organisation with politicians, government officials and external partners.
* Capable team manager with experience of providing direction, leading change, building capability and providing professional & personal development support to their reports.
* Demonstrable commitment to the RSPB and its mission and values.
Additional Information
This is a Permanent role for 37.5 hours per week.
We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from w/c 19th of May 2025. For further information please contact: kevin.austin@rspb.org.uk
As part of this application you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete a short form. You will have the option to complete a cover letter section, where you will have the opportunity to explain how you meet the criteria set 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.
Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.
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