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The Woodland Trust is looking for a Conservation Evidence Officer to support the UK-wide Conservation Outcomes and Evidence Team by using research, monitoring, and evidence to guide conservation work.
The Role:
- Lead delivery of key Woodland Trust research and evidence projects and have input to projects and programmes across the Trust and the sector.
- Search, collate, review and synthesise evidence from the scientific and grey literature.
- Use and interpret evidence from a wide range of sources, including direct consultation with experts/stakeholders.
- Prepare manuscripts for publication to scientific peer-reviewed journals and grey literature.
- Lead in the production and delivery of evidence briefings and reviews.
- Communicate conservation research through webinars, reports, social media, and stakeholder engagement to inform policy, campaigns, and conservation delivery.
- Build the Trust’s evidence-led credibility and collaborate with researchers, applied scientists, and academic partners to co-develop original research and deliver Woodland Trust outcomes.
- 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 locations may also be required.
The Candidate:
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex scientific concepts for both technical and non-technical audiences.
- Strong understanding of UK conservation and environmental issues, particularly relating to native trees, woodlands, and associated wildlife.
- Experience in scientific publishing, grey literature, and science communication.
- Proficiency in statistical and spatial analysis software (R and ArcGIS is desirable).
- Experience working with applied scientific data, including designing and conducting research projects, and interpreting, analysing, and presenting findings with strong attention to detail.
- Proven ability to critically evaluate evidence and develop persuasive, evidence-based arguments for advocacy purposes.
- Degree in conservation, ecology, environmental or biological sciences; PhD desirable.
- Fieldwork experience is desirable.
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 leading 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.
Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams on 18th & 19th June.
101 - 500
Thank you!
This senior position offers a unique opportunity to shape a vibrant global programme and engage a diverse membership community of conservators, conservation scientists and cultural heritage professionals, spanning over 70 countries.
At IIC we believe conservation is of great value, by looking after our cultural heritage and our own and others’ cultural identity we are helping to improve the richness and quality of life for everyone.
Working closely with the Executive Director, Council, Committees, and the IIC Team, you’ll lead innovative programmes that reflect the evolving needs of the conservation sector. Aligned with our Strategy 2030 vision, you will also drive initiatives to expand and diversify membership, enhancing value for individuals and institutions/universities worldwide.
As Head of Progammes and Membership you'll contribute to organisational leadership, nurture relationships with Fellows, members, IIC Regional Groups and affiliated associations, and build partnerships with cultural and academic institutions.
We’re looking for a strategic, experienced professional ideally with a background in cultural or heritage programmes, strong communication skills, and a passion for collaboration. If you’re ready to make a global impact within a friendly team, we’d love to hear from you.
Role Details
Job Title: Head of Programmes and Membership
Reporting to: Executive Director
Location: Hybrid/ Flexible/ IIC Office based. We are currently looking to relocate offices within central London. We are flexible on approach within a hybrid model. This can be discussed at interview.
Starting Salary: £47,500
Hours of Work: 40 hours a week with 1 hour lunch break (paid).
Contract: Full-time and Permanent. Requests for flexible working hours will be considered, including requests to work 80% FTE.
Annual Leave and Benefits: Annual leave is 25 days plus standard bank holidays with discretionary paid leave between Christmas and New Year (pro rata for part time staff). Flexible, remote and hybrid working. Cultural entitlement of upto £150 per annum to spend on arts/ cultural events & activities. Pension scheme enrollment. Personal learning time and training opportunities.
Key Tasks and Responsibilities
Leadership, Membership and Regional Engagement
- Develop and deliver a cohesive programme and membership strategy aligned with IIC’s Strategy 2030, purpose and strategic objectives
- Contribute to organisational leadership, planning, and decision-making as part of the senior management team
- Deputise for the Executive Director when required, representing the organisation internally and externally
- Act as the primary point of contact for IIC’s Regional Groups and network of Affiliated Professional Associations, fostering strong, collaborative relationships
- Support and connect Regional Groups / Affiliated Professional Associations to IIC’s central programmes and strategic priorities
- Encourage knowledge exchange and shared learning across regions, and nurture strategic relationships with cultural institutions, academic bodies, and sector organisations globally
- Contribute to sustainable income generation and identify opportunities for growth, including grants, innovation, and partnerships across programmes and membership.
Programmes
- Lead the development and delivery of IIC Learning, an integrated digital learning and events space with inter alia, online symposia, webinars, courses, workshops and hybrid bi-annual conferences.
- Oversee programme planning cycles linked to IIC’s special interest themes and communities ensuring high-quality, relevant, and accessible content.
- Build and maintain relationships with experts, speakers, partners, and contributors across the global conservation community.
- Ensure programmes support knowledge exchange, professional development, and sector leadership.
- Monitor and evaluate programme impact and performance, using insights to inform future activities.
Communications
- Work closely with the IIC team and communications colleagues to promote programmes and membership globally
- Help strengthen IIC’s profile as a leading international voice in conservation
- Ensure consistent and compelling messaging across all programme and membership activity
This role with IIC is for you if:
- you work collaboratively and effectively with others and can inspire support through your enthusiasm
- you thrive developing innovative programmes, initiatives and campaigns
- you are comfortable and familiar with digital engagement platforms, learning environments and delivering online or hybrid programmes and events.
- you're a natural solution-finder and problem-solver
- you're values based and results-driven with a proven track record of achieving goals or similar objectives, through either direct or transferrable experience
- you are looking to take that next step in your career and/or are looking to ground your experience within an international organisation that is uniquely positioned within the conservation field.
- you are committed to sustainability, inclusivity, diversity, and person-centred approaches
- you want to make a difference in an increasingly volatile world and are genuinely passionate about people and preserving cultural heritage.
How to Apply
Click the CharityJob Apply button below. You will need to provide a CV and covering letter (no more that 2 x A4 pages maximum) by 21 May 2026 including the following information:
- Your interest in this position and working for us
- Your knowledge, skills and experience
- Your interests, qualities and values
We will happily accept a recorded statement (video or audio) in place of a covering letter.
Right to work in the UK
Applicants must already have the legal right to live and work in the United Kingdom at the time of application. IIC is unable to provide visa sponsorship for this role.
Key Dates
- Deadline for applications: 12 noon, Thursday 21 May 2026.
- In Person interviews at 3 Birdcage Walk, London, UK: 9 / 10 June 2026
If you have any questions or would like to request information in an alternative format, please get in touch. If you would like to arrange for an informal conversation with the Executive Director, prior to making an application, this can also be arranged by getting in touch via IIC Office.
Registered Charity
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