Contract jobs for the Environment sector

Job description

Contract: 6-month fixed term

Salary: £34K

Location: Oxford, office based or hybrid

Responsible to: Hannah Worker, Regional Programme Manager, Oxon-Bucks Region.

Background

Freshwater Habitats Trust (FHT) is the UK’s leading conservation charity concerned with the protection of freshwater habitats. We are a friendly, evidence-based organisation that works to protect UK and European freshwater wildlife through practical and innovative nature conservation projects. Our organisation is well respected nationally and internationally, and we work with a network of statutory, NGO and private partners both in the UK and the rest of Europe. Freshwater Habitats Trust was originally founded in 1988 (as Pond Conservation) and has a substantial track-record of originating new ideas through research in freshwater biodiversity conservation to inform and drive our practical conservation and policy work.

FHT has a central office in Oxford, and regional hubs in the north of England and the New Forest and out-posted staff in Cornwall and Wales. We run a range of practical projects throughout the Midlands and work with partners on research and policy projects throughout the UK and internationally. Since 2017 we have seconded staff to the Newt Conservation Partnership (NCP), a new community-benefit society established by NatureSpace, Amphibian and Reptile Conservation (ARC) and FHT, to create and manage habitats for the NatureSpace District Licensing scheme for great crested newts.

Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire are key areas for Freshwater Habitats Trust’s work. Building on the Trust’s historic work in the county and starting in 2021, Oxfordshire was the first region where we began the implementation of the organisation’s new strategic approach to freshwater conservation, the Freshwater Network. The Freshwater Network is the network of high quality freshwater and wetland habitats, and terrestrial habitats generating clean water across the landscape, that together support our most important freshwater wildlife.

Role

This is a strategically important role within the organisation, offering substantial responsibility and an opportunity for the successful candidate to play a leading role in delivering one of the UK's most ambitious freshwater restoration programmes.

The role will primarily focus on the Ock and Thame Farmers: Floodplains and Freshwaters Project, Ock and Thame Farmers: Freshwaters and Floodplain Restoration, one of Defra's pilot Landscape Recovery projects. Having recently completed its two-year development phase, the project is now entering a critical stage of assurance and negotiations with Defra ahead of implementation.

Key areas of work will include ongoing engagement with land managers, supporting informed decision-making and participation, supporting the establishment of governance and legal structures required for delivery, developing agreements and ecosystem service contracts, undertaking land assessments, and refining habitat designs where required. The project currently involves more than 80 land managers across approximately 7,100 hectares of land in Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire.

In addition to the Landscape Recovery project, the role will involve managing a portfolio of smaller projects across the region. This will include supporting staff delivering catchment monitoring programmes and helping to develop a pipeline of habitat creation and Natural Flood Management opportunities.

You will be responsible for the day-to-day management and coordination of project delivery, working closely with the Programme Manager, Finance Manager, Senior Management Team, project partners, consultants, contractors, and participating land managers.

Key responsibilities

Project management:

· Responsible for work planning, defining tasks and allocating resources.

· Resource, manage and support the project team.

· Responsible for the projects’ budgeting and financial management including: (i) regular reporting to the Project Director and Regional Programme Manager; and (ii) implementation of all financial processes for the projects including regular claiming and reporting funder.

· Responsible for all contract and logistics management

· Responsible for ensuring health and safety procedures are followed, implemented and reported on.

· Track and monitor project progress.

· Present to stakeholders, as required.

· Implement and manage change when necessary to meet project outputs.

· Update all internal management information data systems

Project communications:

· Working with the Freshwater Habitats Trust Communications Team to deliver the communication plans for the projects.

Project development:

· Working with other members of Freshwater Habitats Trust staff and landowner networks to develop future projects to continue our work on the Freshwater Network in the region.

In the longer term there will be opportunities to influence the development of the Freshwater Network concept as it builds and develops in Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire and adjacent counties.

Additional general responsibilities for the post holder

· Help to build a positive relationship between Freshwater Habitats Trust and its partners.

· Understand and follow Freshwater Habitats Trust’s internal procedures including Health and Safety, information management systems, site protocols etc.

· Work closely and constructively with your manager and colleagues in all areas of your responsibility.

· Undertake other duties as the Senior Management Team may from time to time require.

Knowledge and experience

· Degree or equivalent in a relevant subject (at least a 2:1)

· Full current driving licence

· Proven project and budget management skills

· Proven experience of managing multi-partner projects in the field of practical habitat creation and management, including on the ground delivery to deliver practical conservation outcomes

· Experience of staff management

· Good knowledge of restoration ecology for both freshwater and wetland habitats

· Experience of contractor management

· Knowledge of land management stakeholders and policy

· Computer literate: Word and Excel are essential, GIS is desirable

· Proven ability to communicate effectively with a range of stakeholders, including landowners and the public

· General interest in wildlife

Personal qualities

· Ability to manage workload and competing priorities effectively and meet internal deadlines through effective forward planning

· Good verbal and written communication skills

· Good interpersonal skills - approachable, professional and courteous

· Attention to detail and able to deliver on time

· Ability to work independently and as part of a team

What we have to offer

At Freshwater Habitats Trust we value employees' unique views and encourage them to develop their interests. We also offer the following benefits:

• Flexible working

• 35-hour week

• 25 days of annual leave plus bank holidays

• Pension with 6% employer contribution

• Mobile phone allowance

• Free eye tests

• Free Employee Assistance Program

• Mileage pay

Job Title: Finance Apprentice

Team: Finance

Location: Hybrid – Home and London.

Status: 24 Months Fixed Term Contract

*This role sits within a pay grade with a pay range of £25,813 to £33,052, The salary on appointment will be set at the lower end of the pay range at £25,813, depending on the candidate's skills and experience. This approach aims to ensure fair compensation for new hires while maintaining alignment with the structured pay scale for the role.

Context and purpose of role

The Finance Apprentice will play a crucial role in supporting the Finance team to deliver our strategy. The Apprentice will undertake a structured Level 3 Assistant Accountant training programme, combining work-based learning with academic study to develop practical accounting, financial and administrative skills.

During the apprenticeship, the Finance Apprentice will gain experience across key finance activities, including purchase and sales ledger processing, financial administration, and supporting core accounting processes such as reconciliations and reporting.

This role offers a strong foundation for a career in finance, providing exposure to financial operations as well as insight into financial accounting and business partnering in a supportive and friendly team environment.

Key responsibilities

• Assist with purchase and sales ledger processes

• Support reconciliations and month-end activities

• Maintain and update finance system, records, and files

• Assist in preparing reports, presentations, and spreadsheets

• Perform general administration duties, including management of finance team email inbox

• Schedule and coordinate meetings, appointments, and travel arrangements

• Ensure accuracy and confidentiality of information

• Support finance projects and continuous improvement

Other

• Undertake other duties as may reasonably be required

Impact

The Finance Apprentice contributes to the smooth running of the finance function by supporting both day-to-day operations and core accounting processes, while developing skills for future progression.

The person

Apprenticeship Framework

• Commitment to completing a Level 3 Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship and maintaining the training provider standards.

Qualifications

• GCSEs (or equivalent) including English and Mathematics at grade 4/C or above

• Must meet Level 3 apprenticeship entry requirements (A Level in Accounting, Level 2 AAT, passed the Consolidation Test in the Intro to Bookkeeping course, BTRN and BKCL, Level 1 or Level 2 City & Guilds in Bookkeeping and Accounts, or ITBK and POBC)

• Willingness to undertake the Level 3 Assistant Accountant Apprenticeship

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Knowledge

• Excel and Microsoft Office skills

• Practical exposure to finance or bookkeeping

• Understanding of basic financial processes

Skills

• Proven communication both written and verbal

• Analytical thinking

• Understand and able to work with confidential information

• Ability to manage assigned tasks in an efficient and timely manner and renegotiate deadlines where required

Personal Attributes

• Proactive and organised

• Attention to detail.

• Professional and adaptable

• Motivated to build a career in finance  

Values and Behaviours

Our values are the core principles that guide us daily in our work and our membership of the Ramblers. We all share the passion that walking is for everyone and by living our shared values we can ensure the Ramblers is an organisation to be proud of. Our values will earn trust for the Ramblers brand which will allow us to open up a world of walking opportunities for even more people.

Inclusive

We make everyone feel welcome and part of the Ramblers community. We make sure we all feel respected and accepted and know our contributions make a difference in achieving our mission.

Inspiring

We strive to inspire people through the way we act and the things we say. We channel our passion and ambition so others are moved to help us achieve our mission.

Empowering

We empower and encourage each other to make a positive contribution to our teams and the Ramblers. We do all we can to make sure everyone has the ability, and feels confident, to take action.

Responsible

We take responsibility for ourselves and those around us seriously, by always acting in a safe and supportive way. We care about the environment and make sure we do what we say we will do.

We’re looking for someone brilliant at keeping things organised, on track, and moving forward—to support Headstart, a programme that’s helping to reshape how England restores its rivers and wetlands.

It’s a big, collaborative project (lots of partners, lots going on), so this role is right at the centre of making it all work.

Day to day, you might be:

• Keeping meetings, actions and plans organised

• Supporting budgets, invoices and financial tracking

• Helping coordinate partners and keep everyone aligned

• Making sure nothing falls through the cracks

You don’t need to come from an environmental background—but if you like the idea of your work contributing to nature recovery, that’s a big plus.

We’re looking for someone who’s:

• Super organised and detail-focused

• Proactive and happy juggling different tasks

• Reliable, approachable, and a good team player

You’ll be joining a friendly, purpose-driven team and working on something that genuinely matters.

Closing date: Friday 3rd July 2026 (5pm)

Interview date: Week commencing the week of 13th July 2026

Salary: £35,553–£39,481 pro rata
Location: Home-based (with occasional meetings in Coventry)
Contract: 12-month fixed term, part-time 20-40% FTE (1–2 days per week equivalent)

About Cord

Cord is an international charity working to make peace a reality where people don’t have the freedom to exercise their rights. We work to build the relationship between those in power and local communities. 

We believe that people flourish when all parts of society work together. Peaceful relationships make that possible. The simple act of talking begins a journey of growth which transforms mistrust, includes the excluded and turns adversaries into allies.

Cord operates in eight countries and implements programmes in the following areas:

• Empowering Women & Girls
• Accessing Fundamental Freedoms
• Climate & the Environment
• Economic Empowerment
• Supporting Stronger Societies

We are a small, committed team who love working together to make a huge impact. A 2026 global staff survey returned very positive feedback about Cord as a place to work with strong expressions of belonging, purpose and value, and with 97% of staff saying that would recommend Cord as a great place to work. We are looking for a great candidate to join this fantastic organisation and contribute to our work to Build Peace. If you like the sound of us, then take a look at the recruitment pack and come and join our team!

The Role

We are looking for an experienced and proactive Trusts and Foundations Fundraiser to grow this vital area of income. This is an exciting opportunity to shape and deliver our trusts and foundations strategy at a key point in our organisational development, helping to diversify income and support innovative, impactful programmes.

You will lead on identifying and securing new funding opportunities, building strong donor relationships, and writing compelling proposals and reports. You’ll also represent Cord externally and work collaboratively across teams to develop strong cases for support.

About You

We are looking for someone with a proven track record of securing funding from trusts, foundations, or philanthropic donors, alongside excellent writing and communication skills. You will be confident building relationships and proactively developing opportunities, with a strong understanding of the philanthropic landscape.

You’ll be an excellent communicator and able to translate complex programmes into persuasive funding cases, and comfortable building relationships through networking and outreach.

If you like what you read and are passionate about real and lasting change, come and join us and be part of the Cord story.

To apply please send us your CV and a Cover Letter detailing your interest in the role and how you fulfil the requirements outlined in the job description.

This is a home-based role, with some occasional travel to Coventry required for meetings. Applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

We are looking for an Operations Assistant, to support the Executive and Operations team in administrative and travel support delivering campaigns to accelerate a fair phase-out of oil and gas in the UK. We have grown rapidly as an organisation over the last five years and are looking for a new member of the team to provide cross-organisational support as we head into the next phase of our development. We’re looking for someone with energy and enthusiasm to provide comprehensive executive support to the Executive Director, and support to underpin the smooth running and efficiency of our operations. It is a varied role that will suit a versatile and strong “generalist” who can handle complexity and is proactive and resourceful. You will work closely with the Executive Director and Operations Team across a wide variety of tasks and responsibilities.

Doing Good Recruitment is pleased to be partnering with Shell Foundation on the appointment of a part-time Governance, Risk and Assurance (GRA) Adviser.

We are seeking an exceptional individual to provide strategic, enterprise-level GRA support across the organisation. The position is offered on a permanent, three-day-per-week basis, with one day in the office (ideally Wednesday).

About Us

Since our inception 25 years ago, Shell Foundation has worked to alleviate poverty across Africa and Asia. We have played a critical role in advancing the energy access sector and are now focused on scaling its impact.

Our objective is to enable tens of millions of people to raise their incomes while lowering emissions by 2032. We achieve this by fostering innovation and scaling technologies that increase incomes.

The Role

This is a broad, hands-on role that plays a key part in ensuring Shell Foundation operates in a well-governed, risk-aware, and accountable way. You will work closely with the GRA Manager and colleagues across the organisation to coordinate governance processes, contribute to enterprise risk management activities, and support assurance and compliance frameworks.

Your work will span board and committee coordination, enterprise risk activities, assurance planning, and policy and compliance processes—helping to ensure that information is accurate, processes run smoothly, and priorities are clearly tracked and delivered.

This role is well suited to someone who operates comfortably at a strategic level, works across multiple areas, and thrives on collaborating with stakeholders to provide advice while bringing structure and clarity to complex challenges.

About You

The successful candidate will be a highly organised and detail-oriented professional with a track record in governance, risk control, and assurance at the enterprise level. You will bring a methodical approach to your work, with the ability to manage multiple processes and stakeholders effectively.

You will be confident working with a range of stakeholders, able to communicate clearly, and comfortable exercising judgement when supporting risk and assurance activities. Essential to this is the ability to build strong relationships that enhance collaboration and successful GRA outcomes.

The ideal candidate will have gained experience in ESG, financial, professional, or legal services, or a similar environment that demonstrates holistic portfolio oversight and enterprise risk management.

Familiarity with governance requirements in the charity or not-for-profit sector would be beneficial but is not essential.

How to Apply

We are partnering with Doing Good Recruitment for this campaign. Please click ‘Apply’ to find out more, see the full job description, and learn how to submit your application.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion

Doing Good Recruitment is committed to the highest standards of equitable and inclusive recruitment. We actively welcome applications from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, gender, race, religion, sexuality, or other protected characteristics, as well as socio-economic background. We understand that applicants may not always meet every criterion listed in the job description, if you meet most, we encourage you to apply.

Overview

Afield Environmental is a brand new charity responding to environmental injustice. We do this by working with communities to rewild disadvantaged urban neighbourhoods; and bysupporting artists to undertake ecological research. This exciting and challenging role will beright at the heart of making everything happen.

We are looking for a creative and community-minded Communications and OperationsCo-ordinator to help develop Afield over the next 12 months. This is a varied roleencompassing communications and operational support for the grants programme and thecharity more generally. You will help us develop our communications strategy, support our grantees, and develop our systems and processes as a new charity.

As we are a new charity we have created this as a fixed-term appointment - we are still working out the longer-term roles for the charity.

We are looking for someone who is organised and self-sufficient, a skilled communicator, and a connector of people and ideas. We welcome applications from those early in their career. Where a candidate needs time to grow into aspects of the role, they will be helped to do so through management support and training.

Key Responsibilities

Communications
● Help deliver Afield’s communications strategy aligned with our mission
● Make Afield’s Wilding and Arts grants visible, accessible, and compelling to key
communities and audiences
● Manage Afield's digital presence across website, blogs, and social media, creating
compelling content written, visual and including graphics
● Monitor, evaluate, and report on Afield’s communications activity, to continually
improve our reach and resonance
● Help document Afield-related events through photography and video.

Support for grants programmes
● Support grantees in documenting, editing and communicating project outputs and
outcomes, including video content, for a variety of audiences
● Support the Grants and Cohorts manager as required, including setting up cohort
meetings, helping manage selection panels and providing event support, preparing
materials etc
● Provide communications skills support as appropriate to grantees / cohorts.

Other
● Provide administrative and operational support to the founders as required
● Provide support to the organisation’s broader evaluation activities
● You might occasionally be asked to support our grantee programmes in other ways
such as helping at events or workshops

Requirements

Essential
● An excellent communicator, with experience of running workshops, presenting
information to audiences, or developing relationships with partners
● Proven experience running and creating content for social media channels or websites
● Excellent writing and editing skills for different audiences, with examples of published
content (including for example social media posts)
● Empathetic, with a positive attitude and a desire to help our grantees. You should be
able to provide evidence of supporting a group of people
● Organised and energetic with a self-sufficient attitude, and with the ability to
independently manage a busy workload, multiple deadlines and priorities
● Demonstrable commitment to ongoing development and learning
● Evidence of an interest in arts and/or the environment.

Desirable:
● Strong understanding of digital content strategy, with experience of using a CMS
platform, and social media analytics
● Experience of arts-related documentation and/or archiving
● Ability and comfort in creating structure out of ambiguity
● Ability to identify challenges and opportunities, and express proposals for change
● Experience working with or supporting artists, grantees or cohorts.
● Video editing.

For more information, please see the Job Description attached.