LIFE Raft Programme Manager

LIFE Raft Programme Manager Reference:MAR20253968 Location: Rathlin Island Salary: £44,315.00 - £47,312.00 Per Annum Contract: until December 2026 Hours: Full-time, 37.5 hours per week Benefits: Pension Scheme, Life Assurance Scheme, 26 days' Annual Leave (pro rata) Project background: This recruitment is for an exciting position as RSPB NI's Programme Manager for the LIFE Raft project - Rathlin Acting for Tomorrow: Removing invasive non-native ferrets and rats from the Rathlin Island SPA, Northern Ireland. Rathlin Island is Northern Irelands only inhabited offshore island, with a permanent community of around 160 people. Rathlin is of great importance for wildlife at both national and EU levels, but this wildlife is under threat from invasive non-native ferrets and rats. The aim of the LIFE Raft project is to safeguard this wildlife by eradicating both the ferret and rat populations from the island, whilst embedding sound biosecurity measures to prevent their return. Success will require a multi-disciplinary approach covering technical operations, community engagement and collaborative working across the project partnership and with key external stakeholders. This project will be made possible with funding from EU LIFE, National Lottery Heritage Fund, Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs (DAERA), and the Garfield Weston Trust with contributions from RSPB NI, Rathlin Development and Community Association (RDCA) and support from the Causeway Coast and Glens Heritage Trust (CCGHT) and the Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council (CCGBC). About the role: This role is required to manage this £4.8 million project. This project is supported by a steering group consisting of RSPB NI, RDCA, DAERA, CCGHT and the CCGBC. The Programme Manager will work with the steering group and the LIFE Raft project team to ensure the project objectives are met and risks are managed effectively. Experience in delivering complex conservation projects on the ground and knowledge of invasive non-native species eradications is essential. The role will include responsibility for identifying and responding to any risks and emerging issues as well as co-ordinating and supporting the delivery of all elements of the project. It requires experience of working with communities and stakeholders in a collaborative and sensitive way. About you: Youll be a passionate advocate for Rathlin Island and the recovery and conservation of breeding seabirds in this fragile island ecosystem. You will have substantial experience of both leading teams (being accountable) and working within teams (delegating and collaborating). Youll need a good working knowledge of how to achieve the eradication of invasive non-native species from islands with a diverse community. Key tasks will be: Responsibility for delivering all project outputs and outcomes and instigating and managing change where required Responsibility for fulfilling funder requirements. Responsibility for financial management of the project, including budget forecasting and identifying and fulfilling additional resourcing needs if required Ensuring stakeholder support and engagement is maintained throughout the projects lifetime and securing a sustainable lasting legacy for the project Essential qualifications, skills and experience: Educated to degree level or educated by experience with at least 3 years as a Programme Manager An ability to lead, inspire and influence a wide range of people, both internally and externally Experience of managing complex projects and programmes with immovable deadlines Demonstrated ability to provide advice and interpretation of policy and procedures associated with project and programme management Experience of working with international stakeholders such as NGOs, agencies or contractors Demonstrable experience of developing and working in partnerships to achieve shared outcomes Excellent written and verbal communication skills Competent IT user Budget management including experience of LIFE and NLHF funding requirements Knowledge of invasive non-native species impacts and their management Desirable experience: Management experience of invasive non-native species impacts and their management. Additional Information: Some parts of this role can be conducted remotely, however there will be a requirement for the successful candidate to spend some time on Rathlin Island. This is a fixed term role until end December 2026, full time at 37.5 hours per week. 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. Closing date: 23:59, Sunday, 4th May 2025 We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 14th May 2025. 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 natures 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. 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. As part of this application process, you will be asked to complete an application form to evidence how your meet the skills, knowledge, and experience requested. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

Location: Ballycastle, GB

Posted Date: 4/18/2025