Business Practice and Advocacy Manager

The RSPB is seeking a dynamic and committed individual to take on an exciting opportunity in our Business Engagement team, supporting businesses to deliver tangible change for nature and support income growth and impact by working to deliver long term strategic partnerships.

Reporting to the Head of Business Practice and Advocacy, within the Business Engagement team, the Business Practice and Advocacy Manager will play a vital role in helping the RSPB achieve its ambitious goals to tackle the nature and climate crisis. This role will focus on driving forward our business practice change programme and advocacy work, enabling businesses to transition to nature-positive operations.

You will collaborate closely with the Head of Business Practice and Advocacy and other internal teams, including Corporate Partnerships New Business and Partnership Delivery functions, Nature Positive Economy, Policy, and Communications. Together, you will help position the RSPB as a leader in advocating for nature-positive frameworks, raising crucial funds for our work in nature and positive nature practices in the private sector.

• Support the delivery of the RSPB's Business Practice Change Programme, focusing on engaging businesses to adopt and implement nature-positive policies and frameworks.
• Collaborate with the Head of Business Practice and Advocacy to develop and implement strategic advocacy plans that position the RSPB as a trusted partner in the private sector.
• Research and do due diligence on prospects, ensuring they are measured against guidelines we have set out for diligence and support the navigation of complex negotiations/parameters of which we should engage, including measuring the impact of strategic partnerships that are evidence based.
• Work with businesses, through the New Biz and Partnership Delivery teams to navigate the complexities of their sustainability journeys, providing advice and guidance on adopting frameworks such as SBTN (Science-Based Targets for Nature) and TNFD (Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures).
• Develop external propositions to businesses that drive change while generating income to reinvest in conservation, policy advocacy, and business practice improvements.
• Act as a key liaison between internal teams, including Corporate Partnerships, Conservation Investment, Science and Policy, to ensure a unified and strategic approach to business engagement.
• Build capacity and capabilities within the RSPB to advise on ethical and reputational considerations when engaging with businesses.
• Contribute to developing thought leadership in business advocacy, supporting the RSPB's role as a leading voice for nature in the private sector.
• Support and work on campaigns that consider Thought Leadership through to business.

• Strong understanding of conservation and sustainability, including CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) and ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) principles.
• Knowledge of SBTN, TNFD, would be very beneficial and other relevant frameworks.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to inspire and influence both internal and external stakeholders.
• Analytical mindset with strong critical thinking skills.
• Good project management experience and relationship building skills.
• Proven experience in developing and managing successful relationships with businesses.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and navigate complex organisational structures.
• Experience in project management and delivering on strategic objectives.
• Passion for nature conservation and a commitment to the RSPB's mission.

• Experience in delivering thought leadership initiatives.
• Understanding of how businesses can drive nature-positive change across supply chains.
• Experience in navigating ethical and reputational risks in partnerships.

By joining the RSPB, you will be part of a passionate team making a real difference for nature. You will have the opportunity to work with leading experts in conservation, sustainability, and business engagement, driving impactful change in the private sector. This role offers the chance to develop innovative solutions, influence major businesses, and contribute to the global movement to protect and restore nature.

This is a Fixed-Term role for 18 months for 37.5 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.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 10th February 2025. For further information please contact katie.wakefield@rspb.org.uk

As part of this application you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete a short form. Please provide a cover letter with your application (to be included at the end of your CV document upload), including a link to your LinkedIn profile where available.

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 from 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.