Project Officer (Maternity Cover)

Introduction

Nature is in Crisis, and here at the RSPB we are working across the UK and overseas to save it. As the UK's largest nature conservation charity, with a workforce of over 14,000 employees and volunteers, we have an ambitious programme of work to transform our approach and deepen our impact. We are looking for a talented individual with experience of working in project and programme environments to help support delivery of a range of organisational changes to make the RSPB more efficient and effective. The work will be fast-paced, diverse and will provide a unique perspective on the work the RSPB does. You can be based anywhere in the UK, and we are very supportive of flexible and remote or hybrid working.
What's the role about?

If you have experience in providing support to programme managers, programme boards, capturing and maintaining programme documentation and strong organisation and communication skills, we’d love to speak to you. Key activities will include:

• Collating data from a range of sources and keeping key programme documentation up to date;
• Supporting programme processes, managing programme information, capturing key actions and decisions;
• Working collaboratively with members of projects and programmes team to co-ordinate and collate submission of status reports;
• Scheduling programme board and other meetings with key stakeholders;
• Working directly with our dedicated team of volunteer Project Reviewers, to support project and programme managers to co-ordinate reviews;
• Taking a lead in the management of the programme SharePoint (online document filing platform) sites;
• Co-ordinating team activities which contribute to the culture of the team, this could include running sessions within team meetings or chairing informal sessions.

As we look to meet the future challenge in saving nature, there could be opportunities for you to manage or support discrete areas of activity including projects or change activities.

Change is a key part of the role so you will be able to manage the effect this has on your day to day tasks and be comfortable with an iterative and agile approach to processes and systems.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Experience of working within a Portfolio / Programme Management structure;
• Strong communication, organisation and time management skills;
• Ability to work well as part of a cross-functional team;
• Excellent problem solving skills and ability to find creative solutions;
• Able to work under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances;
• Proactive and able to work on initiative;
• IT skills, including use of MS packages for example Teams, Excel, PowerPoint and Visio etc. 

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• A qualification in programme or project management;
• Experience of working with volunteers. 

We are offering a Full-time or Part-Time position on a 12-month fixed-term contract. We would be open to receiving applications from anyone interested in working at least 23 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.

As part of this application process you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and 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.

For any role enquiries, don't hesitate to get in touch with Suzie.Kennedy@RSPB.org.uk.

We are aiming to interview between 27th May- 7th June.