Senior Policy Officer – Agriculture

This decade is crucial if we are to turn the tide for nature, and every year counts. With an
ambitious new global deal for 2030 agreed in Montreal at the end of 2022, the UK Government,
England’s environmental arms-length bodies and local government throughout England, now all
need to show they can deliver action as well as promises. As one of the most influential voices
for nature in England, the RSPB has a pivotal role to play in holding those in power to
account, and we want you to be a part of that.

This role is an exciting opportunity to become part of the new Sustainable Land Policy Team in
RSPB England. Working closely with passionate colleagues in communications, campaigning,
science and those delivering nature on the ground, you will develop compelling policy
solutions, influencing decision-makers and harnessing people power to scrutinise progress you
will ensure nature’s voice is heard.

If we are to begin nature’s recovery by 2030, we need effective policies to support sustainable
nature positive farming soon. In this role, you could help make happen.

What’s the role about? 

We are looking for an effective advocate with expertise and experience in influencing policy
development and implementation related to agriculture and land use in England. You will be
passionate about protecting nature and securing policies that drive sustainable nature policy
farming and land management. You will have strong policy development and advocacy skills,
knowledge about agriculture, agri-environment schemes, and land use as well as strong people
skills to drive forward this work internally and externally.

This role will provide leadership in RSPB England’s agriculture policy advocacy through the
latest evidence to influence relevant government policies. 

The Senior Policy Officer will work within the Sustainable Land use Policy team in the RSPB
England’s Policy and Advocacy Team. Internally, the role will involve working with policy staff
across England to build and advocate RSPB’s policies. 

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• A good understanding of environmental policy and its implications for conservation practice
  in the specified department and location
• Degree level qualification in a relevant subject or ability to show equivalent ability
  through work experience
• A good understanding of the role of public facing communications and campaigns in
  supporting policy advocacy.
• Able to analyse complex issues in a fast paced environment coupled with well honed
  political acumen.
• Effective negotiation and influencing skills relevant to role
• Excellent communication skills (verbal, written and presentational), including an ability
  to speak confidently and cogently in public to a variety of audiences, including those with
  opposing views.
• Confident and capable of being a public face for RSPB policy and advocacy to the media and
  social media.
• Strong time management, prioritisation and organisational skills
• Able to act independently to generate and lead on policy positions and project development
• Able to form effective teams (both internal and external) and work effectively as a team
  leader and a team player

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• Proven experience of operating effectively in a policy and or advocacy role
• A good understanding of the agriculture and land use policy.
• Experience of developing policy campaigns

This is a Permanent role for 37.5 hours per week. We are looking to conduct interviews for this
position from 20th April 2023. For further information please contact [email protected] 

As part of this application process you will be asked to 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 will require completion of standard pre-employment checks. The RSPB is a licenced
sponsor. This role is eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship.