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- Tasks: Lead the Bird Atlas project, coordinating teams and engaging stakeholders for a successful rollout.
- Company: Join BTO, a charity dedicated to securing the future for birds and nature through science and monitoring.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 25 days annual leave, and discounts on cycling and bird care products.
- Why this job: Make a real impact for birds while working in a collaborative and inclusive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong leadership and project management skills required; experience with volunteer-driven projects is a plus.
- Other info: Hybrid work options available, with a focus on collaboration at our Thetford HQ.
The predicted salary is between 38000 - 51000 £ per year.
Job Description
Senior Programme Lead (Bird Atlas)
Thetford, Norfolk (other locations considered)
Full time, permanent
£45,435 per annum + 11% employer pension contribution
The BTO is seeking a Senior Programme Lead to lead the three-year development phase of Bird Atlas 2027–31, playing a pivotal role in coordinating cross-functional teams and engaging with key stakeholders to develop a clear plan for the rollout of the Atlas. This position requires strong leadership, project management skills, and experience in managing large-scale volunteer-driven projects.
This new role will be pivotal to the success of the project, overseeing the planning, resourcing and development of all key aspects. The postholder will be expected to draw on approaches and learning from previous atlases and similar projects and assess new opportunities to help craft an Atlas that will deliver impact for birds and engage diverse volunteer observers. They will work with key internal and external stakeholders to develop the strategic objectives, deliverables and milestones which will be tracked through a comprehensive delivery plan. They will identify the resource requirements and, working closely with colleagues, develop a compelling case for support and associated marketing collateral that will help to secure significant investment from funders, partners and participants. The role will identify key risks that could delay delivery and propose mitigation strategies. The postholder will be expected to report on development progress to BTO Board, staff and other stakeholders, ensuring that everything is in place prior to the start of the Atlas.
This role will focus almost entirely on the development of the Atlas but there will be opportunities for some low-level involvement in other projects.
Our preference is that this position is based at our HQ in Thetford, Norfolk, with the option to work from home part of the time on a hybrid working regime (40% from home and 60% office based), although, we will consider applications to work from other BTO offices, or remotely. Flexible start and finish times can also be accommodated to ensure a good work-life balance. The highly collaborative nature of this role means that the postholder is likely to benefit greatly from significant amounts of time spent in the Thetford office over the initial period of their contract, but also to travel to and interact with Country Programme staff based in Stirling, Bangor and Lisburn.
WHAT DOES BTO DO?
BTO helps to secure the future for birds and nature, using our science, monitoring and data to inform good environmental decisions, inspiring others with the wonder of birds and empowering them to work with us. Our priority is to make a positive impact for birds, using our strong and objective science in partnership with others. We strive to work sustainably and to welcome everyone.
Our values
We are evidence-led, inclusive, collaborative and empowering.
Birds Science People; it is a powerful combination – will you be part of it?
WHAT WE OFFER
£45,435 per annum
Annual leave entitlement on starting is 25 days plus bank holidays (pro rata if part time).
Paid ‘journey days’ (up to 2 days) to staff who travel on holiday by land or sea instead of flying.
Life assurance (four times salary)
11% employer pension contribution
Employee Assistance Programme
Enhanced sick pay
Enhanced Family leave
Retail discounts
Cycling friendly employer- gold accredited
Cycle to work scheme- spread the cost of purchasing a new bike and save money
Discounts on: BTO books, Bird care from Vine House Farm (10% discount on orders placed on the website) and Opticron (30% off)
Free access to BTO training courses
Flexible working- A combination of home and office working and flexible start and finish times (where this meets business needs)
Free eye tests and a contribution of £49 towards prescription glasses for VDU use only.
Free car parking
Effective job evaluation policy that recognises where staff increase their level of responsibility over time
Coaching and mentoring scheme
Commitment to creating an inclusive environment
Commitment to sustainability
Closing date for receipt of applications is 23:59 on Sunday 2nd March and Interviews will be held in Thetford on Monday 17th March. If you have any questions, please contact Dawn Balmer.
If you have a disability or long-term illness that otherwise prevents you from meeting any of the essential criteria, please contact us to discuss whether a reasonable adjustment could be made.
As users of the disability confident scheme, we guarantee to interview all disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the vacancy.
We recognise that candidates from minority ethnic groups are under-represented in our organisation, and that there are often additional barriers present for people from these groups when applying for roles in the charity sector and beyond. We are committed to taking positive action to expand the diversity of our staff team, and if you meet the essential criteria for a role and are from a minority ethnic background, you’ll be guaranteed a first stage interview.
Charity No. 216652 (E SC039193 (Scotland)
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Senior Programme Lead (Bird Atlas) employer: BTO
Contact Detail:
BTO Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Programme Lead (Bird Atlas)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with the Bird Atlas project and its previous iterations. Understanding the history and impact of past atlases will help you articulate how your experience aligns with the goals of Bird Atlas 2027–31.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the conservation and ornithology fields. Engaging with key stakeholders and potential collaborators can provide insights into the role and demonstrate your commitment to the project.
✨Tip Number 3
Highlight your leadership and project management skills through examples from your past experiences. Be prepared to discuss specific challenges you've faced in managing large-scale projects and how you overcame them.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the BTO's values and mission. Showing that you resonate with their evidence-led, inclusive, and collaborative approach will strengthen your application and demonstrate your fit within the organization.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Programme Lead (Bird Atlas)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Understand the Role: Make sure to thoroughly read the job description for the Senior Programme Lead position. Highlight key responsibilities and required skills, such as leadership and project management experience, to tailor your application accordingly.
Showcase Relevant Experience: In your CV and cover letter, emphasize your experience in managing large-scale volunteer-driven projects. Provide specific examples of how you've successfully led similar initiatives and engaged stakeholders.
Align with BTO's Values: Demonstrate your alignment with BTO's values of being evidence-led, inclusive, collaborative, and empowering. Use examples from your past work that reflect these principles to strengthen your application.
Prepare a Compelling Cover Letter: Craft a cover letter that not only outlines your qualifications but also expresses your passion for birds and nature. Explain why you want to be part of BTO and how you can contribute to the success of the Bird Atlas project.
How to prepare for a job interview at BTO
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Programme Lead, demonstrating your leadership experience is crucial. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led cross-functional teams and managed large-scale projects in the past. Highlight specific challenges you faced and how you overcame them.
✨Understand the Project's Impact
Familiarize yourself with the Bird Atlas project and its objectives. Be ready to discuss how your previous experiences can contribute to the project's success and how you plan to engage volunteers effectively.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Engagement
Since this role involves working with various stakeholders, think about your approach to building relationships. Prepare to discuss strategies you've used to engage and communicate with different groups, ensuring their needs are met.
✨Discuss Risk Management Strategies
The role requires identifying risks and proposing mitigation strategies. Be prepared to talk about past projects where you successfully managed risks, and share your thought process on how to anticipate and address potential challenges in the Bird Atlas project.
