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- Tasks: Lead impactful projects to improve rivers and engage with local communities.
- Company: Join Thames21, a dynamic environmental charity making a difference in the Thames Basin.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working options, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on biodiversity and water quality while working with passionate teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and a passion for environmental sustainability are essential.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
The predicted salary is between 32900 - 36700 £ per year.
Salary: £38,346 - £42,544 per annum (depending on experience and skill level)
Contract length: Permanent
Location: Remote/ Hybrid – Oxfordshire preferable but open to other locations within catchment area, flexible working.
Responsible to: Programme Manager Catchment Partnerships, or directly to Assistant Head of Improving Rivers / Head of Improving Rivers
About Thames21
Thames21 is an environmental charity which works across London and the Thames Basin to deliver high-impact nature-based solutions to the climate and biodiversity crisis by restoring rivers, whilst also connecting communities to their local green-blue spaces and inspiring long-term stewardship of them.
Diversity at Thames21
Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at Thames21 is key to our success and as such we employ staff from a diverse range of backgrounds, this we feel is key in ensuring that everybody has an equal opportunity and is not treated differently or discriminated against because of their characteristics. We value the voices of our individual employees, and we strive to work in a collaborative, innovative balanced way. The postholder must actively support this.
Purpose of the job
To drive forward Thames21’s ‘Thames Valley’ (broadly Oxfordshire/ Buckinghamshire/ Berkshire) catchment areas programme in line with our 5-year plan and future strategies ensuring appropriate integration across Thames21 and partner organisations. This includes building and sustaining a team to reduce diffuse pollution, increase biodiversity, improve water quality, and support agricultural businesses to deliver environmental improvement works and nature friendly farming practices.
The postholder requires operational experience and knowledge at catchment scale as well as project and people management experience. They will take a strategic overview of the programme and guide our growth in the thematical and geographical area, with a particular focus on the following outcomes:
- Work with 20 farmers each year to reduce diffuse pollution at source and flood risk.
- Offer advice on nature-based solutions and grant funding to farmers and landowners.
- Plant 30,000 trees annually.
- Input and support the achievement of other applicable 5-year plan targets, i.e. River restoration and catchment scale monitoring.
- Increase Thames21 presence in the Thames Valley, identifying opportunities, supporting, and complementing the work of other NGOs and regional Rivers Trusts.
The role is a relatively new area of work for Thames21 and may consist of supporting a range of projects and programmes including Catchment Partnerships, Farm Clusters and Natural Flood Management. Finally, the postholder will take a lead in progressing Thames21’s resilience strategy, i.e. working closely with the Fundraising Team, the Catchment Partnership Team, and partner organisations to increase private and public investment to deliver healthy resilient rivers and catchments. Additional requirements may include supporting other Thames21 projects and funding applications, as the need arises.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
You will oversee and manage the delivery of diverse projects. You will also develop your team’s scope, strategy and action plan in order to grow the team to deliver 5-year plan targets, work closely with expert (e.g. statutory bodies, authorities, NGOs and academics) and non-expert (e.g. community groups and volunteers) stakeholders to develop, fund and deliver projects within the catchments, and oversee their management. You will also work closely with the Assistant/ Head of Improving Rivers and other members of the Thames21 team to develop funding applications and steer the direction of the catchment areas.
Tasks include:
- Programme Development & Integration - Develop and expand the Thames Valley catchment programme in line with Thames21’s 5-year strategy, ensuring integration with other teams.
- Funding & Financial Management - Secure diverse funding sources and manage project budgets, including financial reporting and cost tracking to meet objectives.
- Project & Risk Management - Lead project delivery, monitor progress, and identify risk mitigation strategies to ensure continued success.
- Team Leadership & Staff Development - Manage and support staff through training, appraisals, workload balancing, and adherence to health and safety requirements.
- Stakeholder Engagement - Build and maintain relationships with internal teams, funding bodies, landowners and other external stakeholders.
- Technical & Farm Advisory Support - Provide farm advice, generate reports (including GIS mapping), and maintain a database of visits and environmental opportunities.
- Catchment-Based Approach Advocacy - Promote and apply catchment-based principles internally and externally in water and land management.
- Health, Safety & Compliance - Ensure compliance with health and safety policies and broader regulatory requirements across all projects.
- Information & Data Management - Maintain accurate documentation and project data systems, supporting transparency and accountability.
- Promotion & Communications - Support production of publicity materials and represent Thames21’s work to broader audiences.
Other Duties
This job description cannot cover every issue or task that may arise within Thames21. At various times the post-holder will be directed to carry out other reasonable duties in support of other Thames21 activities that are consistent with those in this Job Description.
Catchment Partnership Manager - (Rural/ Thames Valley) in Oxford employer: Thames21
Contact Detail:
Thames21 Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Catchment Partnership Manager - (Rural/ Thames Valley) in Oxford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the environmental sector, especially those connected to Thames21. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about asking for informational interviews. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Show your passion for the environment! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share your experiences and ideas related to catchment management and biodiversity. Let them see how committed you are to making a difference in the Thames Valley.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by researching Thames21’s projects and values. Familiarise yourself with their 5-year plan and think about how your skills can contribute to their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly understands their mission.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at Thames21. Keep an eye on our careers page for the latest opportunities!
We think you need these skills to ace Catchment Partnership Manager - (Rural/ Thames Valley) in Oxford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Catchment Partnership Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in project management and environmental work, and show us how you can contribute to our mission at Thames21.
Show Your Passion: We love seeing candidates who are genuinely passionate about environmental issues. Share your enthusiasm for biodiversity, water quality, and community engagement in your application to help us understand why you're a great fit for our team.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Use bullet points where necessary and avoid jargon. We want to easily see your skills and experiences that align with the role, so make it easy for us!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it helps us keep everything organised!
How to prepare for a job interview at Thames21
✨Know Your Catchment
Before the interview, dive deep into the specifics of the Thames Valley catchment areas. Familiarise yourself with local environmental issues, key stakeholders, and recent projects Thames21 has undertaken. This will show your genuine interest and understanding of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Catchment Partnership Manager, you'll need to lead teams and manage projects. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully led a team or managed a project, especially in environmental contexts. Highlight how you motivated others and achieved results.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Think about how you would build relationships with farmers, NGOs, and community groups. Be ready to discuss strategies for stakeholder engagement and how you would approach collaboration. This is crucial for the role, so demonstrate your communication skills and ability to connect with diverse audiences.
✨Prepare for Funding Discussions
Funding is a key part of this role, so brush up on your knowledge of securing funding sources and managing budgets. Be prepared to discuss any relevant experience you have in financial management or grant applications, as well as your ideas for innovative funding strategies.
