Landscape Recovery Project Manager

Job Description 

Post: Landscape Recovery Project Manager
Directorate: Park Management
Responsible to: Head of Conservation and Environment
Responsible for: 3 x Project Officers (Data, Farming and Engagement)
Grade: Band 6
Term: 2 year Fixed Term Contract
Workbase: Based from our offices in the Sill or Hexham including travel within the National Park. Hybrid work from home options also available 

Job purpose 

This post will report to Head of Conservation and Environment and will be responsible for the following main tasks:

• Strategic lead for the Defra funded Hadrian’s Wall Wetlands Landscape Recovery Pilot on behalf of Northumberland National Park Authority. 
• To lead and manage the Hadrian’s Wall Wetlands Landscape Recovery team and consultants. 
• To be strategic lead on the promotion and showcasing of this exciting project, both internally and externally.
• Overall responsibility for budget management, project claims and reporting. 
• To lead the strategic coordination with partners including Hadrian’s Wall Recovering Nature steering group members and other stakeholders. 
• Lead on the Hadrian’s Wall Wetlands Landscape Recovery business and delivery plan and blended finance model. 

Key Result Areas

Project Development and Implementation 

• To develop a blended finance model for the project area and beyond. 
• Seek opportunities to work with land managers beyond throughout the Hadrian’s Wall Recovering Nature project area. 
• Develop frameworks which facilitate communication and engagement between National Park staff, the land management community and key stakeholders of the National Park; specifically promoting the Landscape Recovery Project. 
• To ensure that programme funds are applied consistently to achieve strategic priorities in accordance with project deliverables. 
• To evaluate the outcome of project funding allocations to inform effective ongoing decision making and wider learning lessons. 
• To oversee the management of and reporting on the project deliverables. 
• Alongside the Head of Communications and Development and team, horizon scan and build relationship with partners and funding organisations to help identify project and programme opportunities and to position the Authority as a key delivery partner.
• Develop and provide strategic project management support and oversight of governance and leadership. 
• Manage and produce timely management reports on budgets and performance targets. 
• Lead project and programme level evaluation, including reporting to funding bodies and the National Park Authority. 

Communication and reporting

• Support the Project Officers (engagement and data) with the communications and engagement workstream, including ensuring digital data platforms are up to date and a programme of engagement activity is developed. 
• Lead the preparation and presentation of reports in respect of the Hadrian’s Wall Wetlands Landscape Recovery project to the National Park Authority to ensure effective governance and compliance.
• Ensure the Authority delivers its obligations and reporting requirements (statutory and project related) in respect of Hadrian’s Wall Wetlands Landscape Recovery project.
• Produce performance information the Hadrian’s Wall Wetlands Landscape Recovery to support Authority wide performance reporting and to demonstrate the impact of projects and delivery of corporate outcomes. 
• Work closely with colleagues. 

Leadership and Line Management

• Lead corporately on strategic projects and programmes and inspire and motivate others in pursuance of agreed project and programme outcomes.
• Lead by example in demonstrating the Authority’s commitment to investing in people and ensure that colleagues are fully supported and develop staff through effective work planning and through the Authority’s appraisal, and personal development procedures.
• When acting as a manager, lead by example in demonstrating the Authority’s agreed Culture and Values, and Living Values through your work.
• To establish and maintain effective management and communication systems and processes within the Environment Department and the rest of the Authority. 
• To motivate teams and individuals by providing clear direction, timely communication and maintaining positive relationships with all stakeholders. 
• To lead by example in demonstrating the Authority’s commitment to human resource and organisational development and ensure that staff are fully supported and developed through effective work planning and through the Authority’s appraisal, personal development and wellbeing procedures. 
•  Promote a culture based on teamwork, open communication and collaboration throughout the Authority and the wider Defra programme partnership. 
• Manage contractors as appropriate.

Other Duties 

• Ensure that work and service provision is carried out in a manner which safeguards the health and safety of the workforce and the general public observing and applying Health & Safety Policy and Practices.
• Due to the evolving nature of the Farming in Protected Landscapes programme, udertake any other duties consistent with the post as may be directed by the Head of Conservation and the Environment. 
• Proactively support the promotion of equality and inclusion in all areas of work. 
• Comply with General Protection Data Regulation (GDPR) and implement Memorandum of Understanding with key partners, as appropriate. 
• Any other duties consistent with the nature, level and grade of the post as may be required. 

Person Specification 

Essential

Knowledge

• Educated to degree level in an environmental, land management or project management related discipline or equivalent level of experience.
• Knowledge of agricultural and forestry land management policy and grant schemes, issues and techniques to achieve environmental improvement and habitat connectivity. 
• Knowledge of current Natural Environment policy and issues facing rural upland communities. 

Skills 

• Excellent interpersonal skills, in particular an ability to discuss and negotiate effectively with landowners and other stakeholders. 
• Ability to influence partners, land managers in a way that leads to effective delivery and good working relationships. 
• Confident in the use of information technology systems, the use of Microsoft Office 365, MS Teams and Geographical Information System (GIS) applications. 

Experience 

• A track record of working with partners in collaborative projects. 
• Practical experience of fieldwork in an upland environment. 
• Experience of drawing up contracts, and managing projects undertaken by professional contractors. 
• Experience of managing grant aided projects e.g. working to deadlines, management of budgets using spreadsheets and reporting to funders.

Personal Qualities 

• Ability to work a flexible pattern and travel to sites to fulfil the requirements of the post. 
• Ability to meet physical requirements of the post including walking for long periods over rugged ground. 

Desirable 

• Knowledge of National Parks and protected areas. 
• A sound knowledge of health and safety procedures.