Chalk Stream Restoration Programme Manager

The Rivers Trust is a leading environmental charity and the umbrella body of The Rivers Trust movement, comprising over 60 independent local charities. Our vision is for wild, healthy, natural rivers, valued by all. We are at a critical point in our history as we expand to deliver projects to protect and replenish this critical part of the natural environment, and our research and expertise is now needed more urgently than ever as water supply and quality move up the public agenda.

The Rivers Trust chairs the National Support Group of the Catchment Based Approach, which is funded by the government and others to co-ordinate the work of 105 catchment partnerships to plan and deliver environmental improvements to rivers and their catchment areas throughout England.

Chalk streams are globally rare; 85% of them are in England. They are our equivalent of rainforests and coral reefs. Nearly all of them are in a degraded state and over the past few years a group of organisations from the government, regulators, NGOs and farming groups have drawn up an ambitious restoration programme with an agile implementation plan. On behalf of the Catchment Based Approach Chalk Stream Restoration Group (CSRG), The Rivers Trust is now seeking to employ a senior Programme Manager to drive the implementation plan and begin the process of restoring these precious rivers to good health for the benefit of wildlife and people alike.

The plan is divided into three strands: water quality, water quantity and habitat. A working group is being established for each of these with a voluntary chair and representatives of a number of interested organisations. The postholder will liaise with the chairs and help organise those meetings.

This is an important position, focusing on delivering action and results. The postholder will need to engage stakeholders from the government and regulators, water companies, consultancies and the finance sector, eNGOs, local partnerships and volunteers.

Supported by Charles Rangeley-Wilson OBE, an independent consultant and Chair of the Programme Board, and Richard Handley from the Environment Agency, the postholder will report to Dr. Rob Collins, Director of Policy and Science at The Rivers Trust, who is also the Chair of the National Support Group for the Catchment Based Approach.

Some knowledge of environmental and freshwater policy and delivery work is essential, and we are also looking for someone who can professionally and effectively work with people to change policy, develop plans and partnerships and make things happen. So, you need to be a people person, with technical knowledge, capable of managing your own workload and with a strong determination to succeed.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a friendly team working within a thriving movement, and to make a meaningful personal contribution to environmental protection and improvement in one of our most important biomes.

This is a home-based role, though the job holder will be required to travel within England. We offer flexibility around working hours – time off in lieu is also available. We are happy to make adjustments for anyone with disabilities and/or caring responsibilities, and we welcome applications from all groups and communities.

The salary for the role will be £42,845 per year.

We offer 25 days holiday (rising to 28 days with long service) plus statutory holidays.

The successful candidate will need to live and have the right to work in the United Kingdom.

Key responsibilities include:

• Co-ordinate and attend all three Working Group meetings.
• Develop and apply stakeholder engagement plans for key external stakeholders.
• Develop and manage the delivery of stakeholder engagement and communication strategies and initiatives that deliver the programme’s objectives.
• Support establishing transformational communications messaging and stakeholder engagement planning for national as well as local delivery programmes, working closely with programme and project managers.
• Provide programme management of the Chalk Stream Restoration Strategy Implementation Plan to allow the working groups and CSRG to monitor, manage risks and support delivery.
• Secure external funding and build partnerships for delivery.
• Work collaboratively with delivery partners such as Wildlife Trusts, Rivers Trusts and water companies.
• Follow all policies of The Rivers Trust including Health & Safety, EDI, IT, and GDPR.
• Contribute to a respectful, mutually supportive, and inclusive working culture.

To apply, please send us your CV and a covering letter showing how you meet the following criteria:

Person Specification

Essential knowledge, skills, and experience

• The ability to build, develop and maintain significant internal and external relationships with a wide range of stakeholders (e.g. landowners, environmental NGOs, consultants, contractors, water companies, academic and research institutions, and local and national government bodies.)
• Proven ability to collaborate on cross-functional teams while working remotely.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Extensive experience in managing projects or programmes.
• Experience of managing continuous engagement with stakeholders and reporting on progress.
• Experience of raising funds and building partnerships.

Desirable criteria, only include these if you have them:

• Stakeholder Engagement training and/or qualifications.
• Project and programme management, experience, training and/or qualifications.
• Degree in Environmental Science/Political Science/ Social Science/ Communication. Postgraduate degree is an advantage.
• Knowledge of Nature-based Solutions interventions, river restoration techniques and the issues affecting chalk streams.
• Knowledge of impacts of climate change and mitigation measures.
• Experience of working with corporate partners.

Closing Date: Monday 5th February 2024

Interviews are planned for Wednesday 14 and Thursday 15 February (mornings only).

If you have any questions which will help you decide to apply and which aren’t answered on our website, please get in touch with Rob Collins.