In collaboration with RSPB’s Centre for Conservation Science, the James Hutton Institute and the Universities of Leeds, Cambridge and Cranfield we have won funding for a three-year research project, “Just transformation of food-farming systems: reconciling net zero and other land-use ambitions” (JUSTLANZ).

This exciting new project aims to develop transformative pathways for a just transition to net zero for the UK farming-food sector. Working with farmers, communities, farming-food sector experts, policy experts, academics, agricultural and conservation organisations, JUSTLANZ integrates their knowledge with that from different academic disciplines.

JUSTLANZ will work in a pastoral landscape in each UK nation testing how a participatory, trans-disciplinary, holistic research approach can help realise sustainable transitions while delivering multiple objectives.

This role will sit within the Living Levels Landscape Partnership team based within the Gwent Level, a flat alluvial plain bordering the Severn Estuary. Today, the Levels is a predominantly pastoral landscape, drained and irrigated by a complex network of ditches known locally as reens, alongside a diverse range of semi-natural habitats supporting many rare species.

If you are passionate about helping to engage and mobilise farmers and rural communities in a just transformation of UK food-farming systems that benefit nature in a sustainably managed environment, then this position is for you.

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual to lead the JUSTLANZ engagement and mobilisation work with farmers on the Gwent Levels, collaborating closely with and supporting the trans-disciplinary research in the landscape.

You will be responsible for developing and nurturing relationships with the food-farming community on the Gwent Levels, which will entail spending substantial time in the field. You will be an experienced facilitator, knowledgeable about inclusive participatory processes, and be able to manage conflicts, different perspectives and/ or differences of opinion should they arise. You will have experience of organising and facilitating participatory workshops and focus groups to explore issues, future visions and develop interventions and solutions regarding rural land management or food-farming systems.

Working in collaboration with natural and social science researchers on the project you will support the co-designed research programme which will include exploring farmer justice, values and capacity, food-farming systems and participatory scenario research planning to investigate the impacts of different landscape scenarios on GHG, biodiversity and food production.

Supporting farming community mobilisation and agency will be essential to the success of the transdisciplinary research programme, which will culminate in the development of just transformative pathways. The pathways will include co-developing innovative practice and policy intervention solutions to support transformative change with food-farming actors. Laying the foundations for such sustainable transformative change will require connecting, mobilising, and winning the support of wider food-farming system actors and policy makers, which you will lead on.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Experience of community engagement or mobilisation, particularly in rural or farming communities.
• Experience in participatory, inclusive facilitation methods and processes.
• Good time management and planning skills, with the ability to meet tight deadlines, manage competing demands and work effectively under pressure.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, and with proven ability to communicate effectively with people from different backgrounds.
• Experience of influencing and negotiating with the public or private sector, to deliver environmental benefits.
• A proven ability to work well individually, as a team and in partnership with external organisations.
• Ability to access remote locations not accessible by public transport.

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• Degree level qualification in a relevant subject or ability to show equivalent work experience.
• Experience in working with academic researchers, including participatory and transdisciplinary research and associated ethics processes and procedures. 
• Ability to translate research findings into briefings for policy makers.
• Familiarity with the UK, NI, Welsh and/or similar land management and farming contexts.
• Familiarity with UK net zero, food security and biodiversity/environmental policies.

This is a 2.5 year fixed-term part-time role for 22.5 hours per week.

Interviews will be held on Thursday 17th and Friday 18th October. For further information please contact [email protected]

As part of this application process you will be asked to 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.

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.