Head of Global Policy

This is a hugely exciting role, leading the RSPB’s Global Policy to give nature a voice where
it matters most. As team leader, you will oversee a team that provides policy support for the
RSPB’s highest priority international work. This includes direct support for some of our most
exciting international conservation programmes and working across multinational agreements to
set the framework for global conservation.

As an experienced leader, you will support the team as we move into a new way of working,
ensuring individuals have realistic workloads focussed on the most impactful activities for
RSPB’s 2030 Strategy.

You will engage high level audiences, putting together programmes to influence domestic and
international public policy, working both directly and through others, to ensure decisions help
drive nature conservation around the globe, including in the UK. This will include leading
RSPB’s engagement with global multinational agreements.

You will be focussed on ensuring the team provides essential policy support for the RSPB’s
international priority programmes, from Gola to the UK’s Overseas Territories, and developing
public funding decisions for these vital programmes of work, now and in the future. Working
with multi-disciplinary teams, both internally and externally to drive positive impact is at
the heart of this unique role. In particular, this will involve substantial work with Birdlife
International’s global and regional secretariats and our partners in target countries.

Location is flexible within the UK, although some international and domestic travel will be
required.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience: 

• Excellent understanding of national, regional and global policies impacting on the
  conservation of nature.
• Leadership and people management.
• Written and spoken communication skills to be able to communicate complex programme issues
  to varied audiences.
• Relationship and partnership building.
• Diplomacy and negotiation skills.
• Proven track record of international policy development and advocacy.

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• Knowledge of effective public financing mechanisms for nature.
• Significant experience of leading individuals, particularly change management.

Additional Information: 

This is a Permanent Full-Time role at 37.5 hours per week. Location is flexible within the UK,
although some international and domestic travel will be required.

For further information please contact [email protected].

Interviews will take place on 15 April 2024.

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.

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 the
Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

The RSPB is a licenced sponsor. This role is eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship.

Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes.