PEACEPlus Nature - Nature Recovery Networks Conservation Advisor

RSPB; Antrim; Hybrid; GBP 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading conservation organization is seeking an individual to work in Northern Ireland focusing on habitat conservation for priority species. This full-time role involves data gathering, stakeholder engagement, and project communications. The ideal candidate will possess a relevant degree, strong ecological knowledge, and excellent communication skills. The position offers a salary between £33,027 to £35,259 and is funded through the PEACEPLUS Programme. Closing date is 31st October.

Qualifications

• Excellent knowledge of the ecology, species and habitats of the three landscapes.
• Understanding of land management practices.
• Proven ability to influence others and negotiate outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Gather and map data on priority habitats and species.
• Carry out stakeholder mapping for landscapes.
• Meet with stakeholders to build awareness and support.

Skills

Ecology knowledge

Communication skills

Negotiation ability

Education

Relevant degree level qualification or equivalent experience

Job description

Reference: SEP20251811
Location: Flexible in Northern Ireland
Terms: 3 years, Full-Time
Salary: £33,027.00 - £35,259.00

Your role will be to work in Lough Erne, Antrim Plateau and Lough Neagh to build relationships and seek out and map opportunities to create better, bigger, more and more connected habitats for NI priority species.

This role is funded through the PEACEPLUS Programme. PEACEPLUS is a cross-border funding Programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and supported by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland administration.

Key Responsibilities

• gather and map as much data as possible on the extent and condition of priority habitats and then overlay this with current and historic records of priority species relevant to each landscape with a focus on breeding waders (curlew, lapwing, redshank, snipe) and hen harrier and merlin.
• carry out stakeholder mapping for the landscapes to understand who the key landowners are - this will include statutory bodies such as Forest Service and NI Water, farmers, eNGOs etc.
• meet with stakeholders to build awareness and support for the need for landscape-scale restoration and look for opportunities to carry out habitat conservation and restoration for priority species and potential sources of funding.
• carry out field visits to ground-truth desk-based mapping and to demonstrate to partners what good landscape-scale restoration looks like.
• be responsible for managing relevant data and reporting systems, and will take part in any training necessary.
• contribute to project communications: deliver talks, write blogs, newsletters, social media content etc.
• produce an end of year report for each of the landscapes outlining key stakeholders; short, medium and long-term opportunities to create better, bigger, more and more connected habitats for priority species; and potential funding sources.

Essential Qualifications

• Relevant degree level qualification or ability to show equivalent work experience.
• Excellent knowledge of the ecology, species and habitats of the three landscapes and their land use pressures.
• Knowledge of delivery mechanisms for conservation work relevant to the landscapes e.g. agri-environment schemes.
• Understanding of the land management practices that we are seeking to influence
• Proven ability to influence others and negotiate desired outcomes.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written and presentational) - including an ability to speak confidently and cogently in public to a variety of audiences.

Closing: 31st October