Project Manager – Orkney Native Wildlife Project

The Orkney Native Wildlife Project started in 2018 and is a partnership between RSPB Scotland,
NatureScot and Orkney Islands Council. Its purpose is to work with local communities and
landowners to undertake the world’s largest stoat eradication operation and safeguard the
unique and internationally important native wildlife of Orkney and its thriving wildlife
tourism industry. The project is seeking a strong project manager with extensive experience in
leading and delivering results through people to guide the project through its key
implementation stage.

What’s the role about? 

As the Orkney Native Wildlife Project Manager, you will manage the project team to ensure that
key milestones and deliverables are met on time and to budget. You will need to be experienced
in working with project partners and key stakeholders to ensure that they are kept fully
involved and informed in the project and will be required to report key project information in
a timely and engaging manner. This will also include identifying, recording, managing and
communicating risks and issues, and putting in place appropriate contingency actions to reduce
the likelihood of events that might prevent or delay project delivery. In addition, you will be
a confident leader and able to motivate a large team. Furthermore, you will line manage the
following positions: Eradication Operations Manager, Biosecurity and Conservation Dog Team
Manager, Community Engagement Manager, Senior Administrator and Facilities Manager and Finance
Manager. 

In addition, the role will include:

• Managing a multidisciplinary team to deliver project objectives, developing the skills and
  capabilities of the team (and self) towards high performance, celebrating successes and
  promoting the RSPB’s values and positive culture at all times
• Responsibility for ensuring the work of the team is delivered following RSPB and partner
  procedures and funder requirements in order to manage financial and reputational risk and
  contribute to suitable mitigations.
• Responsibility for project contribution to papers and reports for partners, the project
  steering group project board and technical advisory group.
• Responsibility for effective stakeholder management that facilitates collaborative external
  and internal relationships with appropriate stakeholders to ensure successful project delivery
• Monitor and oversee management of the project budget so that financial targets are met

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

1. Demonstrable experience of management and development of multidisciplinary teams
2. Visible, inspiring and effective leadership, engaging and motivating employees and
   volunteers
3. Demonstrated ability to provide advice and interpretation of policy and procedures
   associated with project management
4. Excellent written and verbal communication skills to present, influence and represent the
   project
5. Demonstrable experience of developing and working in partnership with others to achieve
   shared outcomes
6. Project management skills to manage project delivery, manage risks, costs, time and project
   teams
7. Ability to lead change and work under pressure to deliver time sensitive outputs
8. Experience of working with local communities in a collaborative and diplomatic way
9. Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to find creative solutions
10. Logical & methodical, analytical and a good eye for detail
11. Experience of working in wildlife conservation
12. Competent user of Microsoft office
13. Cost and budget management

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

1. APM or PMI registered 

This role will be based in the Orkney Native Wildlife Project office in Kirkwall, Orkney. This
is a Fixed-Term role for 3 years for 37.5 hours per week. The RSPB reserves the right
to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising dependent on business needs
at the end of the contract term.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from asap in June 2024.
For further information please contact [email protected]

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.