Nature-based Solutions Officer

Position: Nature-based Solutions Officer

Location: South Downs Centre Midhurst
Hours: 37 hours per week

Type of post: 12 months Fixed Term – based on funding

Would you like to work in and for one of the nation’s most treasured landscapes? Are you a
dynamic, passionate professional, aspiring to play a pivotal role in the battle against the
dual crises of our time, nature depletion and climate change? Then this is the opportunity for
you.

The South Downs National Park is the UK’s youngest, and we are proud of our innovative and
progressive work programme. The South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) is now looking for
a Nature-based Solutions Officer to drive forward our pioneering work to unlock private finance
to fund nature’s recovery.

This ground-breaking work is already delivering results for the environment, nature and people,
but the work has only just begun. With ambitious targets to deliver 13,000 ha of new space for
nature by 2030 and be a Net Zero National Park by 2040, we are impatient for results and want
to further establish and accelerate our nature-based solutions (NbS) work to secure high
integrity environmental schemes across the National Park to meet these targets.

The Environmental Improvement Plan (2023) lays down the challenge to raise £1 billion a year
from the private sector by 2030 to finance nature’s recovery. Therefore, the urgent need to
establish nature markets and drive positive change is upon us.

Made possible by support from DEFRA, Environment Agency and Natural England in the form of
grant funding secured through the Natural Environment Investment Readiness Fund (NEIRF) III
Programme, we are seeking a dynamic and results-driven Sales Lead to spearhead our Voluntary
Biodiversity Credits sales initiatives. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in
sales, a passion for environmental conservation, and the ability to forge lasting relationships
with clients across various industries.

If you are interested in this exciting new role, apply now and make a difference.

To apply: Please apply via the button shown to upload your CV and complete our
application referring to the person specification.

SDNPA is an inclusive organisation and we welcome applications from everyone irrespective of
sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, faith and religion, disability and age.

We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS) for disabled applicants.

In all circumstances the SDNPA appoints on merit based on evidence the applicant supplies in
meeting the essential criteria for the post. Further information on our commitment to Equality,
Diversity and Inclusion can be found on our website.

SDNPA Enhanced Benefits

• Flexible working
• Local government pension scheme
• Healthcare – includes cash plan, counselling and wellbeing discounts
• Access to Health and Wellbeing portal and webinars
• 27 days’ annual leave, increasing to 30 days, plus bank holidays
• Professional development support
• Cycle to work scheme
• Car sharing
• Use of pool cars
• Regular staff events / activities, which support the SDNPA’s Purposes and Duty

Closing Date: 1 September 2024

Interview Date: 17 September 2024