Would you like to collaborate with our partners toward the recovery of Blanket Bogs in Northern Ireland? This dynamic role offers an opportunity for the right candidate to advance Blanket Bog restoration in Northern Ireland, with particular focus areas in the Antrim Hills and the Sperrin Mountains. They will gain hands-on experience in conservation practices while deepening engagement with key partners; mostly landowners, along with Northern Ireland Water and RPS. The project will collaborate with stakeholders to both develop and execute restoration plans tailored to specific sites and their challenges. This collaborative approach will be vital in achieving the project’s long-term conservation goals. This is a Project Manager role for a project titled “Peat Restoration in Collaboration”, run by RSPB NI and funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA) and the Shared Island Initiative and it runs to September 2027. The post holder will work in collaboration with key contacts internally and externally in Northern Ireland, in other UK countries and the Republic of Ireland as appropriate. About the Role You will take responsibility for many of the Peatland Restoration and Recovery objectives within RSPBs Peatland Restoration Programme. There will be ample opportunity for personal and role development. Candidates may be able to demonstrate some or all of the skills and experience we need already; however we welcome applications from those who recognise their own development needs and we will help realise their potential as a conservation practitioner delivering high impact outcomes. You will line manage two project officers once recruited, and working with the Programme Manager, you will divide work and delegate as appropriate the actions to bring about positive change in the landscape. The actions for the team include fieldwork-based survey, (drones, peat depth mapping, hydrological monitoring, habitat and species recording etc), mapping sites according to established or emerging protocols and drawing up restoration plans from this data which can align with funding mechanisms such as through grant or other means. The other major portion of the project involves delivery of restoration, adhering to legislative compliance, procurement, securing value for money. You will work with the programme manager in managing reputational and financial risk, while delivering outcomes and upskilling the project officers in the same. What we need from you: A growth mindset which enables the development of a comprehensive working knowledge of the theory, practice, opportunities and constraints related to restoration of peatland habitats, specifically blanket bog, in Northern Ireland. Ability to pass on learning and understanding through mentorship and leadership. Managing a team to deliver project objectives, developing the skills and capabilities of the team (and self) towards high performance, celebrating successes, promoting the RSPB’s values and positive culture at all times. Risk management, ensuring the work of the team is delivered following RSPB and partner procedures and funder requirements in order to manage financial and reputational risk and contribute to suitable mitigations where required. Reporting and contributing to papers and reports for partners, internal governance and the technical advisory group of the Peatland Programme. Delivery of peatland restoration contracts, including meeting Procurement, Health & Safety and Legislative requirements. Monitor and oversee management of the project budget so that financial targets are met. Effective stakeholder management that facilitates collaborative external and internal relationships to ensure successful project delivery and further peatland restoration. This is a Fixed-Term, Full-Time role for 33 months. The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term. We are looking to conduct interviews for this position on 17th December 2024. For further information please contact martin.cliftrspb.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. This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract. Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.