Senior Programme Manager - PeacePlus Nature

This recruitment is for an exciting position as RSPB NI's Senior Programme Manager for the PeacePlus Nature project. We are looking for a positive and highly organised individual who excels in getting things done through partnership working, and who wants to make a difference.

PeacePlus Nature is an ambitious €20.8 million programme that brings together nine partners to tackle the decline in priority species and habitats in Northern Ireland, and the border counties of Ireland. 

The partnership includes RSPB NI, BirdWatch Ireland, Butterfly Conservation, Monaghan County Council, River Blackwater Catchment Trust, Truagh Development Association, Lough Neagh Partnership, NI Water and An Taisce. 

The programme will work to restore blanket bog, lowland wet grassland, limestone grassland and priority species including Curlew, Corncrake, Hen harrier, Small Blue butterfly and Irish Damselfly. This is an incredible opportunity to lead a team to increase the populations of some of Ireland’s most iconic wildlife. 

PeacePlus Nature is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB). 

RSPB NI have invested significant time in building this collaborative programme with multiple partners to create an extensive portfolio of projects some of which are new and innovative. In this role you will manage the PeacePlus Nature project. You will be responsible for leading, planning and delivering the programme of conservation, science, data, ecology and local community objectives with partners across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland, to ensure successful delivery of programme outcomes. 

Key activities will include: 

• Supporting the Programme Executive to establish and manage the Programme Board (stakeholders and partners).
• Putting in place the programme management and governance structures to ensure the programme’s timely completion and keep it on track.
• Producing relevant programme documentation including highlight reports to track progress.
• Ensuring that RSPB NI, SEUPB and Partners are kept fully involved and informed.
• Identifying, recording, managing and communicating risks and issues to reduce the likelihood of events that could prevent the programme being delivered on time.
• Managing the programme budget against forecast and ensuring that exceptions beyond tolerance are escalated and approved.
• Ensuring that all changes made to the programme are signed off by SEUPB and thereafter managed effectively.
• Managing the dependencies between projects within the programme.
• Line managing programme staff, including the Programme Manager RSPB NI, Finance Officer (International), Communications Manager, Procurement Manager and Senior Administrator.
• Ensuring compliance and adherence with SEUPB and RSPB policies.
• Being the key point of contact between the RSPB, as lead partner, and SEUPB. 

What we need from you:  

Essential knowledge, skills and experience 

• Efficient in the use of the Microsoft Office suite and project management tools such as PM, APM or CORA.
• Excellent financial and budgeting skills  
• Demonstrable leadership ability - bringing your team, stakeholders and partners with you and when there is difficulty finding a way through it ensuring everyone sees the bigger picture  
• Excellent oral and written communication and ability to use these to build and maintain productive internal and external relationships.
• Ability to manage, and manage change in, complex programmes  
• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances  
• Demonstrable ability to provide advice and interpretation of policy and procedures associated with project and programme management 
• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to find creative solutions.  
• Experience of working with partners to manage contractual obligations to external funders - relating for example to procurement, recruitment, budget forecasts, progress reports and external communications. 
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience delivering multi-million pound/euro projects on time and within budget 
• Minimum of 5 years’ experience of leading and managing multi-disciplinary teams  
• Experience of servicing a Programme Board that consists of Statutory Bodies, eNGOs, Public Bodies and others to achieve shared outcomes  
• Experience of working to a standard management approach to keep programmes on track and ensure timely completion 
• Project Management Qualification or appropriate training  

Desirable qualifications  

• Be APM or PMI registered.

Additional Information

This is a Fixed-Term role for 37.5 hours per week for 48 months.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 22nd July. For further information please contact: [email protected] or [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. 

The RSPB is a licenced sponsor. 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.