Programme Development Manager

We have an exciting opportunity for a Programme Development Manager to work closely with Senior Managers across the organisation to commission and develop country/regional programmes and/or projects that will significantly increase delivery of strategic objectives and business needs. Also to build organisational capacity and capability, put in place the vision, purpose and governance structures to keep the programme on track and ensure adherence to the RSPB, and our partners strategic priorities.

Key responsibilities:

• The successful candidate will be accountable for development, prioritisation, risk profile and review of pipeline programmes and projects that enable increased delivery against ambitious corporate strategy with an understanding of wider corporate priorities.
• You will critically analyse the country/ regional context to identify opportunities for creativity and innovation that arise from the alignment of policy, legislative, economic, and funding drivers together with stakeholder interests to propose and plan strategic country/regional programmes and major projects.
• You will identify, build rapport and collaborate with external partners and other organisations at a senior level to scope and design strategic delivery programmes and major projects that will have significant impact on the RSPB's strategic outcomes, and external influence and reputation to at least national scale.
• You will lead, manage and motivate project teams (in the RSPB and in partner organisations) to ensure a cohesive team and well managed projects that are successful and focused on common goals. You will also be responsible for procurement and management of external contractors to design, develop and implement major capital infrastructure and habitat creation/restoration works in line with the project specifications and RSPB standards and compliance.
• The role will also develop and manage a small number of priority major programmes and projects (acting as Programme/Project Executive or Programme/Project Manager as appropriate) using the RSPB Project Management Framework, ensuring governance, gateways, resources, dependencies and tolerances are signed off at the appropriate level in the organisation.
• You will lead project assurance in the Region/Country by undertaking/commissioning regular project reviews and championing the Project Management Framework, sharing best practice, and working with the Strategic Resource Office and UK Project Managers Network to embed project management as the standard way of working.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Degree in a relevant subject or equivalent experience (at least 5 years)
• Demonstrable leadership ability, able to lead without line management authority and the confidence to innovate, find creative solutions and make decisions without needing to refer upwards
• Experience of leading and managing multidisciplinary teams
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills - able to persuade and influence a wide range of people
• Highly organised and methodical with the ability to manage multiple complex projects and programmes, involving medium to high levels of operational, financial, reputational and legal risk, able to work under pressure and adapt
• Sound experience of successfully managing large scale habitat creation/restoration, developing new infrastructure such as visitor centres, mass public participation and/or engagement projects
• Experience in Project Management approaches (e.g. Prince II)
• Experience of working with external partners, agencies, business, NGO's and contractors, developing strategic partnerships
• Good knowledge of major funding streams for economic regeneration and major conservation programmes
• Good knowledge of wildlife, habitats and their management, to be credible to external audiences; good knowledge of the political, economic and cultural context to identify opportunities and collaborations

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• Recognised Project Management qualification
• Experience of working with major funding programmes such as LIFE, ERDF/Interreg, HL

This is a Permanent role for 37.5 hours per week.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 31st March 2025. For further information please contact victoria.lancaster@rspb.org.uk

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.

Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert.