Contract jobs for the Environment sector

Rainforest Foundation UK (RFUK) is a values-driven organisation working with Indigenous Peoples and local communities to protect the world’s rainforests and uphold their human rights. Since 1989, RFUK has partnered with forest peoples and grassroots organisations to secure land rights, challenge destructive industries, and influence laws and policies that safeguard forests and the people who depend on them.

Our mission is clear: to combine human rights and environmental protection to tackle deforestation. From the Congo Basin to the Amazon, our work has helped communities protect millions of hectares of rainforest. With a growing team of passionate advocates for social and environmental justice, we are committed to scaling up our impact to confront the accelerating climate and biodiversity crises.

About the role

This role is pivotal in contributing to the overall mission of RFUK to protect rainforests and support Indigenous Peoples and local communities.

The Programme Support Officer will play a crucial role in ensuring sound management of specific projects in line with strategy, agreed budgets, log frames, work plans and procedures and ensuring compliance with donor requirements. This position involves a wide range of responsibilities, including monitoring project implementation and documentation, as well as ensuring timely and accurate reporting to donors in collaboration with team members and partners.

This is a full-time (35 hours per week) fixed-term role for 12 months, with the possibility of extension. The post can be based fully remotely in France or offered as a hybrid role from our London office, with at least 1 day per week in the office. We offer flexibility, a supportive culture, and the opportunity to make a lasting difference.

About you

You are a highly motivated and detail-oriented professional with a background in project management, preferably in the NGO or international development sector. You possess excellent written and spoken fluency in both English and French, enabling you to effectively communicate and collaborate with diverse teams and local partners.

Your experience includes supporting project and financial management, including close liaison with implementing partners, taking high quality meeting notes, and producing succinct reports. You have experience monitoring project implementation and ensuring compliance with donor requirements.

Your strong interpersonal skills, attention to detail, and ability to work under pressure make you an invaluable asset to any team.

This role would suit someone who is eager to develop new skills and contribute to the cause of protecting rainforests and supporting Indigenous Peoples and local communities. You are committed to RFUK’s mission and are enthusiastic about contributing to the success of its projects.

Job description and benefits

Please download the full job description. We offer 30 days annual leave, 4% pension contributions (in the UK), Employee Assistance Programme, learning and development allowance, and four weeks of work-from-anywhere flexibility.

Location

This role is offered as either a fully remote-based role in France, or as a hybrid role based in our Bethnal Green, London office. If based in London, the postholder would be required to work in the office at least 1 day per week during their 6-month probation period. This can be reviewed with their Line Manager thereafter.

Application Process

To submit your application, kindly complete the online application form by 9AM, 29 June 2026. Please be aware that the form will be anonymised for review by the panel.

Please note that CVs will not be considered.

We strongly encourage all candidates to read the Recruitment FAQs page on our website before submitting their application.

Regrettably, due to the large number of applications we usually receive, it is not possible to write to you should you not be shortlisted for an interview. If you have not heard from us within 10 working days of the closing date, please assume that your application has not been successful on this occasion. 

Interviews with shortlisted candidates will be held online on 8 July 2026. Please let us know in your application if you are available to attend an online interview.

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

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

We are Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking.

We want to create a nation where walking is the natural choice for everyday, local journeys; free from congested roads and pollution, reducing the risk of preventable illnesses and social isolation. We want to achieve a better walking environment and to inspire people of all generations to walk and wheel more.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our team as our Strategic Communications Manager on a maternity cover contract.

Working with the Head of Communications and Marketing, you will lead on building our profile and reputation as the UK charity for everyday walking, joining us at an exciting time as we launch our new strategy taking us to our centenary in 2029.

Being organized, collaborative and resourceful, you will have a good understanding of communications and PR channels, including running a day-to-day press office.

Living Streets is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk; and expects all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be subject to background and criminal records checks as relevant to the job role.

Living Streets is committed to being an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.

Closing date: 21/06/2026 (midnight)

Interviews: 29/06/2026 

We are Living Streets, the UK charity for everyday walking.

We want to create a nation where walking is the natural choice for everyday, local journeys; free from congested roads and pollution, reducing the risk of preventable illnesses and social isolation. We want to achieve a better walking environment and to inspire people of all generations to enjoy the benefits the simple act of walking brings.

Join us and together we will create a walking nation.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and motivated individual to join our team as Project Coordinator to help deliver our Schools and Workplaces programmes in partnership with West Yorkshire Combined Authority.

You will be responsible for ensuring the projects achieve their behaviour change aims, as agreed by the funder. For the schools programme, this includes but is not limited to recruiting new primary and secondary schools onto the project, delivering presentations to schools, keeping active schools engaged, organising the distribution of resources, and supporting project audiences in the implementation of walking interventions. For the workplaces programme, this includes but is not limited to recruiting new workplaces, supporting workplaces through our walking/wheeling initiatives, designing bespoke walking maps for workplaces, and delivering Walk Champion Training. Both workstreams will also involve monitoring, evaluation and report writing.

You will be required on site and will therefore live within a reasonable travel distance (by public transport) of West Yorkshire.

Living Streets is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk; and expects all our staff and volunteers to share this commitment. Applicants will be subject to background and criminal records checks as relevant to the job role.

Living Streets is committed to being an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences.

Closing date: 28/06/2026 midnight

Interviews: 13/07/2026

Water Witness International is seeking an excellent international development practitioner to support our expanding portfolio of work to secure lasting water security and justice across multiple countries. Based in Edinburgh, you will coordinate the Fair Water Action Fund and work closely with partners and grantees to respond to their evolving needs, making sure that evidence emerging from their work is effective in driving system change at scale. The role involves overseas travel, supporting the co-design and delivery of a wide range of initiatives, liaising effectively with stakeholders, building consensus and ensuring high-quality documentation. You will work closely with the Senior Management Team, Trustees and colleagues to help shape our wider organisational strategy and programme direction. 

The International Programme Officer will report to our Deputy Director/Global Operations Director and will work closely with personnel and partners in different countries where WW supports development programmes, to ensure the work we support is aligned with WW’s strategy, and that the delivery of our work has impact, is on track and is in line with donor agreements and budgets

The Woodland Trust is looking for two Funded Project Managers to lead the successful delivery and completion of our funded projects.

The Role:
•    Provide leadership to Project Officers, ensuring all funded projects are delivered and completed to a high standard.
•    Manage the Funded Projects team to maintain consistent, robust project standards across all activity.
•    Support the development of strong funding bids, realistic budgets and informed organisational decision-making.
•    Maximise grant opportunities, identify risks early and safeguard the Trust’s financial and reputational interests.
•    Maintain excellent relationships and effective negotiations with funders, regulators and contributors.
•    Champion continuous improvement in reporting processes across the Trust and for external funders.
•    Monitor resources, highlight risks and ensure compliance with statutory obligations, VAT, procurement rules and best-practice project management.
•    Produce high-quality management information, support forecasting and contribute to fund accounting and full cost recovery modelling.
•    This is a hybrid position with a mix of home working, and from our head office in Grantham, Lincolnshire. Head office attendance would be required no more than once a month on average. Occasional travel to other offices and remote locations may also be required.
•    These roles are to be offered on a 12-month fixed term contract.

The Candidate:
•    Brings proven experience in supporting, mentoring and developing individuals and teams.
•    Skilled at building strong, productive relationships across internal teams and external partners.
•    Able to navigate complex financial challenges, including funder restrictions and avoidance of double funding.
•    Capable of interpreting, challenging and explaining financial principles to non-experts with clarity and influence.
•    Understands the financial implications of projects and how they flow through organisational accounts.
•    Makes sound decisions based on budgets, policies, funder guidelines and project management frameworks.
•    Brings knowledge of conservation and/or relevant finance or project management qualifications (desirable).
•    The successful candidate will be required to undertake a Basic Background Check, as part of our pre-employment screening.

Benefits and Wellbeing:
Joining our team means you’ll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our staff, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer:
•    Enhanced Employer Pension
•    Life Assurance
•    Flexible & Hybrid Working Options
•    Generous Annual Leave - 25 Days Plus Bank Holidays (pro rata’d for part-time)
•    Buy and Sell Holiday Scheme
•    Enhanced Parental Pay
•    Employee Assistance Programme

About Us:
The Woodland Trust is the UK’s largest woodland conservation charity.  We want to see a world where trees and woods thrive for people and nature. The Trust engages and inspires people to make their difference tackling the nature and climate crisis helping protect, restore and create our vital woods and trees.

Our Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion:
To achieve our vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature, we need to better reflect society and the communities we work in. All people, no matter their background, identity, ability, or circumstance, should benefit from trees.  
People of colour and disabled people are currently under-represented across the environment and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we particularly encourage you to apply. 
Please contact us to discuss any additional support or adjustments you may need to complete your application.

Application Advice:
For fairness we keep our candidates’ personal details hidden from the hiring managers, and we do not ask for your CV at application. 
Make sure that you answer the Application Questions to show your relevant skills and passion for the role. Even if you don't meet every requirement of the role, we would encourage you to apply. 

Acceptable Use - Artificial Intelligence (AI):
We understand that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their job applications-for example, to help structure or edit written responses. We welcome the use of AI in this way, particularly where it helps improve accessibility, such as for neurodivergent applicants. However, we ask that any information submitted reflects your own experience, skills and understanding. During interviews, candidates are expected to respond independently without the use of AI tools. 

Apply Now:
If you're ready to make a difference and grow with us, send in your application today. We might close the job opening early if we get a lot of applications, so it's a good idea to apply soon. If we do close the advert early, and you have an application in process, we will email you prior to closing to give you time to complete.

1st stage interviews are to be held via MS Teams on June 23rd & 24th, with 2nd stages on July 8th.