Head of Land in Belfast

This is an excellent opportunity to help secure a better future for Northern Ireland's countryside and seas at a critical time. RSPB NI are seeking an outstanding policy advocate for a 2 year period, to make a significant contribution to our ambition to influence public policy to benefit nature and its recovery.

The Head of Land and Marine Policy NI will lead our land-use policy portfolio, while managing policy advocacy staff to achieve more nature-positive approaches to a suite of land- and marine-uses. We are looking for an experienced policy advocate who understands and can influence the land-use policies that impact nature in Northern Ireland, particularly those on sustainable agriculture. As well as a strong knowledge of what wildlife needs to thrive, you will provide thought leadership, be well respected in this field and have strong advocacy, communication, and campaigning skills.

You will take an evidence-led approach to policy development and working with colleagues, you will use our Reserves and projects to showcase what good management for biodiversity looks like. Agriculture is a key land-use in Northern Ireland and how the land is farmed determines the fate of many of our countryside birds and other wildlife. Northern Ireland is at a crucial stage in the development of new approaches and influencing decision-makers to get the best deal for nature through agri-environment schemes and their funding, is a vital task in 2026 and beyond. Other important land-use issues for wildlife in Northern Ireland range from peatland restoration and water quality to forestry and nature-based solutions to climate change. Northern Ireland is globally important for a range of seabirds and other marine species, yet seabirds are now under unprecedented threat, declining faster than any other group of birds.

The successful candidate will be an inspiring advocate for the RSPB's cause to the NI Assembly and relevant NI government departments, working closely with other eNGOs. You will ensure external policy developments are monitored at the appropriate geographical level and advocacy targets are identified, to maximise effectiveness. You will build effective relationships with other stakeholders and partnerships to further our work.

You will be involved in the leadership of the wider NI Policy and Advocacy Team, and work with your counterparts across the UK to contribute to delivering the RSPB's strategy and allocate resources to achieve priorities. You will set work programmes and define clear expectations for performance standards across your team and when working with others. You will support and develop staff and inspire your team to excel. You will build collaborative relationships with colleagues across the RSPB, as well as providing information, advice and support to other staff.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Highly developed understanding of relevant environmental/biodiversity policy and legislation, particularly relating to land-use and agriculture, and the role of relevant institutions
• Experience of operating effectively in a policy and/or advocacy role to secure results
• Well-developed negotiating and influencing skills
• Proven line management skills and experience, providing effective leadership
• Able to provide strategic input and guidance to multiple projects, and managing risks
• Strong time management and organisational skills, able to prioritise effectively
• Confident communicator, capable of being a public face for RSPB NI policy and advocacy in the media and social media
• Experience of developing and delivering public-facing policy campaigns

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• Familiar with the relevant nature-related agriculture, land-use and marine policies in Northern Ireland
• Experience of working with the relevant institutions in Northern Ireland
• Good knowledge of and passionate about nature
• Budget management skills and experience

This is a Fixed-Term Full-Time role for 37.5 hours per week for 2 years. 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.

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.

This role is not eligible for UK sponsorship - The chosen candidate will be required to show proof of right to work in the UK upon appointment.

Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.