Nature Policy Officer

ABOUT THE ORGANISATION

The Aldersgate Group is an alliance of leaders
from business, politics and civil society that drives action for a sustainable and competitive
economy. Our members include some of the largest businesses in the UK from a wide range of economic sectors, leading NGOs, professional institutes, public sector bodies and academic institutions.

We are politically impartial and champion the important role of the business sector in moving
the UK towards a zero carbon, resource efficient and nature positive economy. Our work is
supported by a highly knowledgeable and multi-sectoral Board of Directors, chaired by Lady
Theresa May.

The Aldersgate Group carries out research across climate change and environment policy, publishes policy reports, holds roundtables and high-profile public events, works closely with
decision-makers and is active on social and mainstream media.

WHY JOIN US

The Group is at an exciting inflection point in its development. The Secretariat has expanded
in recent years, reflecting Aldersgate’s success in supporting members and delivering strong
results. With a newly elected Government and critical few years ahead to deliver climate and
nature targets, the Aldersgate Group has a unique opportunity at this moment in the political
cycle to deliver a clear cross-sectoral call to action based on robust, collaborative policy
development.

The last Government set out in 2023 its first Environmental Improvement Plan with a target to
halt the decline in biodiversity and a promise to protect 30% of land and sea for nature by
2030. However, the UK is not currently on track to meet these ambitions. The new Government
will have to present an ambitious and holistic vision to accelerate progress. Given the right
conditions, businesses can deliver substantial elements of the investment and implementation
that is urgently needed.

THE ROLE

The Group is looking to hire a highly motivated Policy Officer as we increase our work
on nature policy. The Group works on policy development right across climate, energy
and nature. We focus on areas where we can have most impact, determined by a combination of
factors including the need for policy action and insights from our members. As part of this we
will be further developing work on nature recovery and how to deliver on the Government’s
nature targets. Key policy areas include halting the decline in biodiversity, driving a more
holistic approach to managing water resources, and upcoming policies such as the Land Use
Framework and next Environmental Improvement Plan, and the Third National Adaptation Plan.

The Policy Officer will play a key role in researching and developing some of the Aldersgate
Group’s evolving policy positions and advocating for ambitious, evidence-based and business
minded climate and environmental policies. It’s an exciting role at the interface between
government, businesses and civil society organisations. The role will include opportunities to
engage across the NGO, business, academia and public sector, using research and innovative
methods to tackle complex problems and help deliver change.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Purpose of the role

The Secretariat team is currently 10 strong, with roles split across policy development,
external affairs, communications and operations. The new Policy Officer (an 11th post) will
report to the Head of Policy and work alongside two Senior Policy Officers.

Main duties and responsibilities

The Policy Officer will support the Head of Policy in developing and delivering impactful
policy initiatives by:

• Developing and maintaining an excellent understanding of current UK nature policy issues to
  inform policy activities and priorities, as well as joining up with other areas of policy work.
• Developing high-quality policy reports, briefings and updates for Aldersgate Group members.
• Putting together responses to relevant parliamentary inquiries and Government
  consultations.
• Supporting preparation for policy meetings and events through the production of briefings
  and meeting notes.
• Representing the Aldersgate Group at external policy meetings or events.
• Liaising with key stakeholders to ensure effective internal and external engagement with
  the Group’s policy work.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with Aldersgate Group members and potential
  members.

The Policy Officer will also provide support for administrative work, alongside other members
of the Secretariat, including organising external workshops and events and dealing with
internal and external information requests.

Person specification

The successful candidate will have:

• Excellent knowledge of the UK nature and environmental policy landscape, including land
  use, water resources and other policy related to the Environment Act and Environment
  Improvement Plan. Some knowledge of these policy areas in the EU and wider climate change
  policy issues is highly desirable.
• A good understanding and keen interest of the UK political system. Some knowledge of the EU
  political system is desirable.
• Experience working on nature policy, related research and/or advocacy, with a track record
  of high-quality and impactful work.
• Some understanding of the business world and what businesses look for in policy making.
• An ability to network and build relationships with politicians, civil servants and
  representatives of businesses and NGOs.

The successful candidate will:

• Have core values aligned to the Group and a genuine interest in our purpose;
• Have strong analytical, written and oral communication skills.
• Be highly motivated, proactive and enthusiastic with the ability to work independently.
• Be a confident team player with excellent interpersonal skills and a willingness to be
  flexible and adaptable.
• Have excellent time management, administrative and organisational skills.
• Have excellent attention to detail.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT

Salary £32,000 – £37,000 per annum, dependent upon experience

Contract Permanent

Hours Monday – Friday, full time, 37.5 hours per week (flexible working
requests such as compressed hours or part-time will be considered).

Location Hybrid, with office located in Central London (Zone 1). We typically
work at least 2 days per week in the office, with Tuesdays and Wednesdays as core days.

Leave 30 days per annum plus bank holidays

Benefits We offer 5% pension contributions, enhanced parental leave, a health
cash plan with 24/7 access to a GP advice line, an employee assistance programme, cycle and
tech schemes and up to four days paid travel time per year for sustainable holidays.

Start date As soon as possible

APPLICATION PROCESS

The closing date for the
receipt of applications is 9.00am on Monday 19 August 2024. Applications received after this time will not be considered.
Unfortunately, we are unable to provide individual feedback on applications. Applications, including a CV of maximum 2 sides, can be submitted via our simple online application form.

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interview. The interview will include a written
and/or presentational task shared ahead of time. We anticipate organising a second stage with
interview and an informal meet-the-team.

We are happy to consider any reasonable adjustments that candidates may need during the
recruitment process. If there are additional options you’d like to request, please contact Anne
Smellie ([email protected]). We also
offer reasonable adjustments on the job.

The first round of interviews is expected to take place during the week commencing 9th
September, with second round interviews in the week commencing
23rd September. Interviews will take place in person at the Aldersgate Group office or
virtually depending on circumstances, with slots throughout the working day and early / late
slots available.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

Aldersgate Group embraces equity, diversity and inclusion and is committed to building a team
that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skillsets. We are actively seeking
to increase the diversity of our workforce, and strongly encourage eligible candidates with
protected characteristics to apply to join our team. We believe that the more diverse and
inclusive we are, the more we can achieve.