Natural Environment Improvement Project Officer

Would you like to be part of £12m investment into the environment, working with partners to deliver an ambitious grant programme that supports the environment in a nationally important landscape and beyond?

We’re passionate about working in partnership to get the best for the environment and communities in our National Landscapes. If you are too, join us as our Natural Environment Improvement Project Officer and make a huge and meaningful impact.

Your passion for working with people and the environment will help us and all those we work with to continue delivering in these exceptional landscapes. This is an opportunity for you to make a positive difference and contribute to a legacy of environmental enhancement.

Your role and responsibilities

You’ll support the effective delivery of the Sizewell C Natural Environment Improvement Fund. This is a £12 Million Fund to be invested in the National Landscape in East Suffolk and surrounding area. You’ll advocate for a cohesive vision for the area; ensuring that the Fund delivers its key objectives, to mitigate the residual landscape and visual impacts of the Sizewell C project in the National Landscape and beyond.

You will also:

• Recognise the value of working together to achieve the best outcomes by actively seeking out projects and organisations which can deliver benefits that meet the criteria of the Fund.
• Utilise your knowledge of the Natural Environment to support applicants to apply and engage with the opportunities presented by the Fund.
• Be a key person supporting the Natural Environment Awards Panel. Providing your professional expertise and guidance to ensure the Fund supports projects that deliver the best possible environmental outcomes.
• You’ll bring people together, build partnerships, and provide technical expertise to promote participation in project delivery that meets the criteria of the Fund.

You will need:

• Extensive experience in delivering environmental advice to a broad audience. This is coupled with a strategic vision for enhancement at a landscape scale.
• Sound knowledge and experience in the delivery of grant support and organisational skills to manage the administration of a grant programme.
• Extensive experience in building strong collaborative relationships to drive effective project delivery.
• To bring ideas, ambition, and positivity to realise the potential of this unique funding opportunity.
• A willingness to work in partnership and develop your skills and technical expertise in a highly motivated, supportive, and collaborative team.

The team 

• Our small dedicated National Landscapes team works across two of England’s finest landscapes, the Dedham Vale and the Essex and Suffolk Coast and Heaths National Landscapes. We deliver across a broad area of work - from practical conservation projects with the support of hundreds of volunteers every year to supporting an inclusive environment for people to visit and enjoy these special landscapes. We advise on major development proposals and administer community grants schemes to name a few.
• This role is focused on the East Suffolk part of the exceptional Suffolk and Essex Coast and Heaths National Landscape; renowned for its wildlife-rich habitats, shingle beaches, and heathland together with productive agriculture and forestry and picture postcard coastal towns. How about that for your place of work?
• We thrive on working in partnership with many organisations and have a well-established network that will support you in achieving in this role.
• Contributing to the enhancement of the National Landscape is a rewarding experience. However, we know there is much more to do and we’re passionate about reversing the decline in nature and advocating for the best possible outcomes for the area when it comes to development pressures.
• We have a well-resourced office base in central Ipswich, and the team works on a hybrid basis, with time spent in the office, working from home and on-site.

Empowering Everyone 

We are big believers in potential, possibility and the power of different ideas. We’re always searching for ways to encourage, respect and enable everyone to be the best they can be. We aim to include all communities we serve in our representation. To achieve this, we encourage applications from everyone. 

For more information 

Please contact Paula Bartholomew for an informal conversation. You can reach her by calling 07921404693 or emailing paula.bartholomew@suffolkandessex-nl.org.uk

Closing date: 11.30pm, 5 March 2024.
Interview date: 15 March 2024.

This authority is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. DBS checks or police vetting will be required for relevant posts. We are also committed to flexible working.

Suffolk County Council - welcoming diversity.