Permanent Advocacy Jobs
England’s National Parks represent our finest landscapes, famed for their spectacular beauty, varied wildlife and rich cultural heritage. National Parks are critical to supporting local communities, providing access to green spaces for the nation, and helping to tackle the dual challenges of climate change and declining biodiversity.
National Parks England’s purpose is to be the collective voice for English National Park Authorities, helping us to achieve our purposes through influencing policy.
The Policy and Public Affairs Manager will be an experienced public affairs professional with a passion for nature and understanding of National Parks.
The successful applicant will join our senior management team, managing the Policy and Public Affairs team and work with the Executive Director to help develop and drive the NPE policy and public affairs strategy, working closely with stakeholders in our member National Parks and the wider Protected Landscapes family.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Reporting to: Senior Programme Officer.
Contract Type: Full time, permanent (part-time candidates will be considered, minimum four days per week, flexible working hours can be accommodated).
Location: Hybrid, minimum two days per week in London office (applicants must already be eligible to work in the UK).
Salary: £29,000 (plus benefits) FTE.
Accessibility and Inclusion: Accommodation in the role and interview process will be made for candidates with accessibility needs, and we operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for those with a disability or from a Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic (BAME) background; please see below for details.
Start Date: June 2024. Closing date for applications: 23:59 BST 28/04/2024.
About this role
This role is an opportunity to participate in the global movement to protect the natural world; meeting and supporting incredible communities and organisations driving change to secure a sustainable future. You will be supporting our partners and carrying out grant administration in the Amphibian and Congo Basin Programmes, for which proficiency in both French and English is essential.
The role will be a fundamental part of Synchronicity Earth’s Programmes team (currently a team of seven people), working to help develop and grow the support we provide to our partners (grantees) across our programmes. Please note that first-stage interviews for this role will be conducted in both French and English.
Specific responsibilities will include the following:
- Manage some grantee partner relationships, including building trust and openness, identifying capacity needs, administrating grants, monitoring progress and fulfilling reporting requirements.
- Provide administrative support across the Programmes Team with grant management e.g. preparing of grant paperwork, reviewing partner reports and checklists (proposals), monitoring pipelines.
- Undertake research in focal areas for the Programmes Team, such as identifying intervention points and opportunities to make a difference in conservation.
- Contribute to communication products, including donor reports and applications, to support Synchronicity Earth’s fundraising and philanthropic goals.
- Produce and contribute to board papers and discussions.
- Update and undertake due diligence.
- Manage and maintain partner database, including data entry, preparing reports and basic analysis.
- Contribute to the development of Synchronicity Earth’s processes and systems around partner management and due diligence.
For the right candidate, there will be opportunities to increase your experience, responsibilities, and potential career development as the organisation grows. We also have several cross-cutting Working Groups in which we welcome engagement from new staff, these currently include Reimagining Philanthropy, Youth, and EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion).
About us
Synchronicity Earth is a UK-based, global environmental charity which funds work that aims to make our planet a better place to live for all its inhabitants.
We are a medium-sized charity which supports partners working to protect less well-known species and ecosystems around the world that receive less attention but face the greatest threats. We do this through our Conservation Programmes, which identify, fund, and support organisations with a focus on: Amphibians, Asian Species, Congo Basin, Biocultural Diversity, Freshwater, and Ocean. We also support work across two other areas: the More than Carbon initiative, a portfolio of climate and biodiversity projects targeted at corporate donors; and the Synchronicity Portfolio, which aims to foster systemic change to promote a greater focus on biodiversity conservation within different sectors. Our partners are mostly organisations embedded within their local communities, and we often support work which also considers social impacts such as women’s health and empowerment, engagement with Indigenous Peoples and local communities, and sustainable livelihoods (e.g., small-scale fisheries) in addition to wildlife conservation.
Skills and experience required
Essential
- Proficient written and spoken English equivalent to C1 or C2 level.
- Proficient written and spoken French equivalent to C1 or C2 level.
- Bachelor’s degree or three or more years’ work experience in a relevant area. This could be lived experience, volunteering, or work experience related to sectors such as biodiversity conservation, social justice, environmental protection, community organizing, or engagement with political and social movements.
- Demonstrable interest in ecology, endangered species and biodiversity conservation, social justice, or community organising.
- Proven ability to produce high-quality written materials.
- Computer literacy.
Desirable
- Experience in Africa (especially lived experience in West or Central Africa).
- Some understanding of community- and rights-based approaches.
- Willingness to undertake occasional travel both within the UK and overseas.
- Desire to work across a range of conservation issues and to undertake a diverse role.
Your development: skills and experience from this role
The following list is meant to provide guidance for your application while also demonstrating the type of skills and experience you will develop as part of this role. If there is anything here which you have currently had no experience in, but would like to develop, then this would be a great role for you – please see the following section. Please let us know in your application if any of these particularly appeal to you, or you have some experience already.
Key skills and training: research and analysis, fundraising, project and programme management, grant administration.
- Gain experience in communicating technical or complex projects or ideas to a non-expert audience (i.e., explaining complex projects or scientific research).
- Learn about Synchronicity Earth’s value-driven approach to supporting biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
- Gain experience in managing partner relationships, building trusting and open relationships.
- Gain experience in grant administration from early scoping, to grant payment, to reporting.
- Gain experience working collaboratively and across multiple work-flows to ensure partners receive the support they require on time and to a high standard.
- Learn how to collect and analyse data, particularly in relation to conservation impact.
- Gain experience in undertaking research in focal areas for the Programmes Team, including the possibility of your research informing and guiding the development of new funds and programmes.
- Gain experience in fundraising, supporting the Programmes and Philanthropy Teams to meet their fundraising goals.
- Develop your public speaking skills and work towards opportunities to represent the organisation at external events.
- Grow your ability to identify themes & trends among grantee partners’ efforts, to see and bridge gaps, and to connect dots.
- Gain experience using different systems and tools i.e., Salesforce, Asana, and Tableau.
Our workplace values and culture
We pride ourselves on having an open and inclusive culture. Our team supports each other and encourages new ideas and creativity to help us develop new projects and reach new audiences with our work. We aim to apply the same dedication to a flourishing diversity of people and wildlife on our planet through our programmes to our working environment and strive to make this environment open and inclusive for everyone. We recognise that the environment sector in the UK is close to the bottom in terms of the diversity of its employees, and we are actively committed to doing what we can to change this.
Employment details
Reporting, location, and work hours
This position is a permanent full-time position that is based in the Synchronicity Earth offices in Central London, with the option for hybrid office/home working if the successful applicant wishes with 2 days a week in the office (laptop would be provided for home working). The successful candidate must be already eligible to work in the UK.
Annual leave
25 days per year for a full-time position (in addition to public holidays), adjusted for part-time. We also run an employer-supported volunteering programme, where employees may take additional time-off (2 days per annum) to volunteer for community organisations and other charities (in accordance with our policy).
Benefits
Synchronicity Earth offers staff a range of benefits including, but not limited to, a minimum 6% pension contribution, travel loan assistance, and a health care benefit. More details can be found in the careers section of our website and in the supporting documents.
Accessibility
We welcome applications from people with disabilities and are always looking for how we can make our workplace more accessible. Our office has step-free access with an off-street entrance and lift; we can offer adaptive workstations, chairs, or desks; and can provide flexible working hours or condensed workweeks to accommodate medical appointments or help employees manage fatigue. Candidates with disabilities are eligible for our Guaranteed Interview Scheme, and we encourage you to let us know if there are any adjustments we can make for you or information you need during the application process.
Application & Recruitment Process
Inclusion is a priority throughout our workplace culture and is embedded in our recruitment process (and we are actively still seeking to improve it through employee and candidate suggestions). For example, the first stage of recruitment will be anonymised to mitigate against unconscious bias. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds for this role, particularly non-graduates, and are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements. Please let us know at any stage during the recruitment process if you have any accessibility requirements we can accommodate for you, and which pronouns you would like to be referred to by. If you are new to the sector, we have some helpful resources on our website to help support your application to this role and others.
How to apply:
- Please complete our candidate survey found in the supporting documents.
- Please send a cover letter (one side of A4) outlining any relevant skills and experience you have for this role, why it interests you, and any particular skills you would like to develop in this role, with your CV (no longer than two sides of A4).
Applications should be sent via Charity Jobs.
Closing date for applications: 28/04/2024.
Review process: The application process will have three stages. Following anonymized review of applications, first-stage candidates (including qualifying GIS candidates) will either be invited to a short zoom call (about 20 minutes) or asked to complete a short assessment. Up to six applicants will then be invited to a second-stage interview in person at our London offices with three members of our team. From these applicants, up to three people will be invited to a third-stage interview with our Head of Conservation Programmes and Senior Programme Officer. There will also be an opportunity for third-stage candidates to meet two members of Synchronicity Earth staff informally to get to know the team and what it is like to work for Synchronicity Earth.
The first-stage interview/assessment will aim to establish your proficiency in both English and French, and to understand your background and motivation for applying to this role. The second-stage interview will aim to understand your prior experience, your values, and what transferable skills you bring to the role. The third-stage interview will seek to understand how you work, whether this role and our organization are the right fit for you, and what development opportunities would be of most value to you.
Guaranteed Interview Scheme: We recognise that people from Black, Asian, and Minority-Ethnic (BAME) backgrounds and people with disabilities are under-represented in our sector, and that there are often additional barriers present for people from these groups when applying for roles in the charity sector and beyond. We aim to apply the same dedication to a flourishing diversity of people and wildlife on our planet through our programmes to our working environment and strive to make this environment open and inclusive for everyone.
As part of our commitment to attract and retain talented individuals from under-represented groups to the conservation and environment sector, if you have a disability or are from a BAME background, opt in to the Guaranteed Interview Scheme in our candidate survey, and demonstrate in your application that you meet the essential criteria for a role, you'll be guaranteed a first-stage assessment. In most cases, this will be a 20-minute interview held via Zoom, however, in the case of an extraordinary number of applicants, the first-stage candidates (including GIS) will receive a short assessment. The results of this assessment will be used to select candidates for the second-stage interview.
Expected first-stage interview dates: 08/05/2024 – 10/05/2024
Expected second-stage interview dates: 13/05/2024 – 17/05/2024
Expected third-stage interview dates: 20/05/2024
Please note that interview dates may change depending on volume of applications received.
Please complete our Candidate Survey, found in the supporting documents.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Role: Programme Officer
Reporting to: Programmes and Partner Manager
Contract Type: Full time, permanent (part-time candidates will be considered, minimum 4 days per week)
Number of days: 5 days a week (will consider flexible working hours).
Location: Hybrid, minimum 2-days per week in London office (applicants must already be eligible to work in the UK). Laptop provided for home working.
Salary: £29,000 (plus benefits) FTE (dependent on relevant skills and experience).
Annual leave: 25 days plus public holidays, with an additional 2 days for volunteer work.
Start Date: June 2024
Closing date for applications: 24th April 2024
About this role
Embark on a transformative journey with Synchronicity Earth, where your passion meets purpose, and every day is an opportunity to make a tangible impact on our planet's future. In this pivotal role within our Programmes team, you're not just filling a position; you're embarking on a mission to drive change, innovate, and contribute to global conservation efforts. Your work will directly influence the protection and rejuvenation of Earth's most precious biodiversity.
Your Impact / Specific responsibilities will include the following:
-
Manage grantee partner relationships, including building trust and openness, identifying capacity needs, administrating grants, monitoring progress and fulfilling reporting requirements.
-
Provide administrative support across the Programmes Team with grant management e.g. preparing of grant paperwork, reviewing partner reports and checklists (proposals), monitoring pipelines.
-
Undertake research in focal areas for the Programmes Team, such as identifying intervention points and opportunities to make a difference in conservation.
-
Contribute to communication products, including donor reports and applications, to support Synchronicity Earth’s fundraising and philanthropic goals.
-
Produce and contribute to board papers and discussions.
-
Update and undertake due diligence.
-
Managing and maintaining partner database, including data entry, preparing reports and basis analysis.
-
Contribute to the development of Synchronicity Earth’s processes and systems around partnermanagementand due diligence.
-
For the right candidate, there will be opportunities to increase your experience and responsibilities and potential career development as the organisation grows. We also have a number of cross-cutting Working Groups in which we welcome engagement from new staff, these currently include Reimagining Philanthropy, Youth, and EDI (Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion).
About Us
At Synchronicity Earth, we are more than an organisation. We're a dynamic movement towards positive change for our planet. Based in the UK with a reach that spans the globe, we shine a light on the often overlooked yet vital parts of our natural world, from the tiniest amphibians to the most expansive ecosystems.
Our mission is clear: we bring together passion and action to provide safe havens for endangered species, help communities live in harmony with nature, and turn conservation into a worldwide effort. When you join us, you're not just taking part in our works; you're weaving your own story into a future that's brighter and sustainable for all.We are dedicated to creating a workplace that values diversity and inclusion, believing that the best solutions come from a team that reflects the vast diversity of the world we aim to protect. Our efforts include supporting organisations focused on key areas like Amphibians, Asian Species, Congo Basin, Biocultural Diversity, Freshwater, and Ocean conservation. Beyond these, our "More than Carbon" initiative invites businesses to invest in climate and biodiversity works, while our "Synchronicity Portfolio" aims to inspire widespread change, ensuring biodiversity conservation receives the attention it deserves. Joining Synchronicity Earth means becoming part of a team that is not only passionate about making a difference but also committed to fostering an inclusive environment where everyone’s contribution is valued and celebrated.
Skills and experience required
Essential
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience in a relevant field.
- Proficiency in English, with excellent writing skills.
- A passion for ecology, endangered species and biodiversity, social justice or community engagement.
- Strong organisational and interpersonal abilities.
- Ability to work independently and adapt in a dynamic environment.
- Demonstrate curiosity, humility, flexibility, and responsiveness.
- A commitment to our core values, including equity and inclusivity in the conservation sector.
Desirable
-
Experience (especially lived experience) in Asia, South America, Africa or the Pacific
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Some understanding of community- and rights-based approaches.
-
Written and spoken Spanish and/or Portuguese.
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Experience using databases and/or project management tools e.g. Salesforce, Asana, Tableau.
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Willingness to undertake occasional travel both within the UK and overseas.
-
Desire to work across a range of conservation issues and to undertake a diverse role.
-
Strong research and analytical skills
-
Project management skills
Development Opportunities:
This role offers the chance to grow your skills in research, project management, and communication, among other areas. You'll gain hands-on experience that can shape your career in conservation and beyond.
Our workplace values and culture
We pride ourselves on our supportive, creative, and inclusive culture. We're committed to reflecting the diversity of the natural world we protect and actively seek to make our workplace welcoming for everyone.
Application & Recruitment Process
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds for this role, particularly non-graduates, and are happy to discuss flexible working arrangements. Please let us know at any stage during the recruitment process if you have any accessibility requirements we can accommodate for you, and which pronouns you would like to be referred to by. If you are new to the sector, we have some helpful resources on our website to help support your application to this role and others.
Your Application Matters: Supported by Generation Success
Embarking on a new career path is a momentous step, filled with anticipation and aspirations. To ensure your journey with Synchronicity Earth starts on the best possible note, we've partnered with Generation Success, an award-winning social enterprise renowned for its commitment to fostering social mobility and empowering individuals across all background, to administer an accessible and social mobility friendly recruitment process ensuring your talent it the only thing that matters.
Closing date for applications: 24th April 2024
Join Our Mission:
Are you ready to make a lasting impact? Bring your passion and skills to Synchronicity Earth and help us build a future where nature and humanity thrive together.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.