Jobs in Accrington

Our client is one of the world’s leading humanitarian organisations working to save lives and build safer futures for communities affected by conflict. Through work in mine action, disarmament and post-conflict recovery, they help people reclaim land, rebuild livelihoods and move forward with safety and dignity.

At a time of profound geopolitical change, shifting donor priorities and increasing humanitarian need, they are creating a new Executive Director, External Affairs role to strengthen the organisation’s global influence, visibility, partnerships and long-term sustainability.

Executive Director, External Affairs

UK/International/Hybrid with regular travel

C. £110,000, with flexibility depending on location

Reporting to the CEO and serving as a member of the Executive Team, this role will bring together policy, advocacy, strategic partnerships, media, communications, philanthropy and income diversification into one coherent external affairs directorate. It is a significant opportunity to shape how the organisation is understood, supported and positioned globally across governments, multilateral institutions, philanthropy, civil society, security and defence audiences, and emerging funding markets.

The Executive Director, External Affairs will lead the organisation’s global voice and external positioning, ensuring the organisation speaks with clarity, authority and impact. They will build high-level partnerships, open new doors, diversify income, strengthen thought leadership and help articulate the relevance of the organisation’s work to humanitarian, security, stabilisation and recovery agendas, while safeguarding the organisation’s humanitarian principles and values.

We are seeking an exceptional senior leader with a strong track record in external affairs, policy, advocacy, partnerships, strategic communications or income generation within a complex international environment. You will bring credibility with senior stakeholders, the judgement to navigate sensitive geopolitical and reputational issues, and the ability to lead experienced, multi-disciplinary teams.

This is a rare opportunity to take on a newly created executive role at the heart of a globally respected organisation, helping ensure the organisation remains influential, sustainable and future-ready in a rapidly changing world.

Closing date: 25.6.26

Preliminary Interviews: 6-9.7.26

Final Interviews and assessments: From 14.7.26

To learn more about the opportunity and recruitment process, please follow the link below for the full appointment brief.

The Woodland Trust is looking for an Agroforestry Woodland Advisor for the East Anglian Clayland’s. This role will assist with our priority landscape delivery within East Anglia, creating the strategy and plans to deliver the Woodland Trust objectives (protect, create, restore goals) across the East Anglian Claylands (EAC).

A company vehicle will be provided for this role. Please note that out Company Vehicle Policy is also under review as part of our Job Families and Contract Review project, so the eligibility criteria therein are subject to change in due course.

The Role:

• Lead delivery of a new agroforestry partnership across the East Anglian Treescape, driving uptake of trees, hedges and woodlands for farm productivity, nature recovery and climate resilience.
• Provide tailored, on-farm agroforestry advice, reviewing landholdings and supporting whole-farm planning using existing hedge, tree, woodland and agroforestry schemes.
• Increase farmer confidence and participation by coordinating and deploying funding from Sainsbury’s, Woodland Trust and DEFRA.
• Offer flexible levels of support, from full farm visits, surveys and action plans to light-touch advice and signposting, aligned to landowner needs and ecosystem potential.
• Build strong internal and external partnerships, working closely with Woodland Trust colleagues, outreach teams, and external partners such as cluster groups and farming co-operatives.
• Clearly promote and represent the agroforestry offer, engaging farmers and stakeholders through events, talks and shows, ensuring appropriate Woodland Trust recognition.
• Manage project performance and delivery, including planning, budgets, risks, reporting, evaluation and oversight in line with the Woodland Trust project management framework.
• Operate autonomously with professional judgement, supporting future expansion into wider Outreach activity and travelling as required across Central England and to Grantham.
• This is a homebased role, requiring regular travel to locations within the East Anglian landscape and wider Midlands Region, sometimes to remote locations. You would be expected to live within reasonable travelling distance of your area of responsibility. Occasional travel to regional offices and overnight stays will be required.
• This is a fixed term contract for 4 years.

The Candidate:

• Proven experience working directly with farmers and landowners, building trusted, effective relationships and representing an organisation professionally with confidence.
• Strong practical knowledge of woodland, hedgerow and agroforestry delivery, including establishment, early management and application of agroforestry principles.
• Sound understanding of farming systems and the policy environment, including regulations, grant schemes and emerging sector changes.
• Demonstrable project management capability, planning, organising and delivering work to deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to work independently and remotely, while collaborating effectively across multiple, geographically dispersed teams to achieve shared outcomes.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills, influencing and motivating others, and communicating clearly in writing and verbally.
• Highly organised and results-focused, able to prioritise workload, work under pressure, adapt to change and maintain attention to detail.
• Technically and professionally equipped for the role, including degree-level qualification (or equivalent), confidence with Microsoft Office and digital mapping/GIS tools, a full driving licence and willingness to travel.

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 your Personal Statement clearly shows how your skills and knowledge link to the specifications in the job description and you share with us your passion for the role.

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.

First round interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams on July 9th 2026.