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- Tasks: Support procurement for exciting conservation projects and build strong partnerships.
- Company: Join RSPB, a leading conservation organisation dedicated to protecting nature.
- Benefits: Enjoy a pension scheme, life assurance, and 26 days of annual leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on wildlife conservation while developing your career.
- Qualifications: CIPS qualification preferred; strong procurement knowledge and communication skills required.
- Other info: Fixed-term role until July 2029 with potential for extension.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Contract: Fixed-Term, until 31st July 2029
Hours: Full-Time, 37.5 hours per week
Benefits: Pension Scheme, Life Assurance Scheme, 26 days' Annual Leave
We have an exciting opportunity for a Project Purchasing Specialist to join the PeacePlus Nature Programme. We are looking for a positive and highly organised individual who will build strong relationships within RSPB and with our project partners.
PeacePlus Nature is an ambitious €20.8 million programme that brings together partners to tackle the decline in priority species and habitats in Northern Ireland, and the border counties of Ireland. The partnership includes RSPB NI, BirdWatch Ireland, Butterfly Conservation, Monaghan County Council, River Blackwater Catchment Trust, Truagh Development Association, Lough Neagh Partnership, NI Water and An Taisce. The programme will work to restore blanket bog, lowland wet grassland, limestone grassland and priority species including Curlew, Corncrake, Hen harrier, Small Blue butterfly and Irish Damselfly. This is an incredible opportunity to work in a programme team to increase the populations of some of Ireland’s most iconic wildlife.
In this role you will support the PeacePlus Nature projects with their procurement needs. Alongside the programme management team you will be responsible for leading, planning and delivering significant elements of procurement across the programme of conservation, science, data, ecology and local community objectives across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland. You will have strong links with the central procurement team and will provide purchasing support to your RSPB colleagues working on the programme while also building relationships with our project partners to assist them with any procurement relating to PeacePlus Nature.
Alongside the central procurement team, the successful candidate will develop the procurement strategy for the programme in line with internal procurement policy and funder guidelines. You will carry out tendering exercises for this substantial programme and advise project teams on the funder requirements for eligible spend. You will work closely with the finance team to ensure that all appropriate evidence is available for grant claims. You will ensure compliance with relevant regulations, policies, and ethical standards.
Essential skills, knowledge and experience:
- Member of, or CIPS qualification preferred (or working towards).
- Strong knowledge of procurement processes, contracts, and tender management.
- Excellent negotiation, communication and interpersonal skills.
- High attention to detail and strong analytical abilities.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and procurement software.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines effectively.
- OJEU and Procurement Act 2023 experience.
Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:
- Experience of working with grant giving and funding bodies.
- Experience of public procurement.
This is a Fixed-Term role for 37.5 hours per week until 31st July 2029. 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.
Closing date: 23:59, Sunday 15th February 2026
We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 27th February 2026.
If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.
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.
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.
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. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.
Project Purchasing Specialist employer: RSPB
Contact Detail:
RSPB Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Purchasing Specialist
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in your industry, especially those connected to the PeacePlus Nature Programme. A friendly chat can open doors and give you insights that a job description just can't.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the RSPB and their partners. Knowing their projects and values will help you stand out and show you're genuinely interested in making a difference in conservation.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Project Purchasing Specialist, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate effectively. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to sharpen those skills before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team and contributing to the amazing work at RSPB.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Purchasing Specialist
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Project Purchasing Specialist role. Highlight relevant experience in procurement processes and any qualifications like CIPS. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Skills: In your application form, don’t just list your skills—show us how you've used them! Give examples of your negotiation and communication skills, especially in a procurement context. This will help us understand your practical experience.
Be Detail-Oriented: Attention to detail is key in this role. When filling out your application, double-check for any typos or errors. A polished application reflects your ability to manage multiple projects effectively, which is crucial for us.
Apply Through Our Website: Remember to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to navigate—just click that apply button!
How to prepare for a job interview at RSPB
✨Know Your Procurement Stuff
Make sure you brush up on procurement processes, contracts, and tender management. Familiarise yourself with OJEU and the Procurement Act 2023, as these are crucial for the role. Being able to discuss these topics confidently will show that you're serious about the position.
✨Show Off Your Communication Skills
Since this role involves building relationships with various partners, practice articulating your thoughts clearly. Prepare examples of how you've successfully negotiated or communicated in past roles. This will demonstrate your interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively.
✨Get Organised
With multiple projects and deadlines to manage, organisation is key. Bring a planner or digital tool to the interview to showcase how you keep track of tasks. Discuss your methods for prioritising work and ensuring compliance with regulations and policies.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Your Experience
Prepare specific examples from your past work that highlight your analytical abilities and attention to detail. Think about times when you’ve worked with grant-giving bodies or public procurement, as these experiences will be particularly relevant to the role.
