Jobs for the Environment sector

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.

NEF is looking for an Economist to join its macroeconomics and monetary policy work. This is an exciting opportunity for a curious, rigorous and politically engaged economist who is motivated to develop bold, practical and well-evidenced policy ideas that can improve living standards, support public investment, and make the monetary system work better for people and planet.

The successful candidate will bring strong quantitative and economic research skills to work across a range of areas, including interest rates, inflation, Bank of England policy, monetary-fiscal coordination, credit conditions, financial stability, public investment, distributional impacts, and the design of alternative monetary tools.

We are recruiting at a time when AI is reshaping how research is produced, tested and communicated. We are looking for economists who can use these tools intelligently, while bringing the judgement, scepticism, creativity and political insight that technology cannot replace.

Role: Economist – Monetary Policy
Hours of work: Full Time (32 hours per week under NEF’s Shorter Working Week)
Salary: £44,769 - £49,764
Location: London (in-office minimum two days per week)
Contract type: Permanent

How to apply

Deadline for applications: midnight, 14th June 2026
Interviews:  First stage interviews 1st July with second stage in person interviews on the 6th July

Start date: ASAP

Please send your CV and your answer to the following questions in Word format.

1. Set out how your experience meets the essential criteria in the job description (300 words max)

2. Tell us about one piece of economic, energy, climate or other public policy research that has influenced your thinking. What did you take from it, and how might it shape NEF’s work? (200 words max)

3. Describe a dataset you have worked with (academic, work-based, or self-initiated). What question did you investigate, and how did you approach the analysis? (200 words max)

4. Share an example of when you disagreed with a policy position or research conclusion. Describe your disagreement and expand on your own position (200 words max)

Please also complete the Equality and Diversity monitoring form.

You must be eligible to work in the UK, as we are unable to sponsor visas.

Inclusivity at NEF:

NEF wants to be an inclusive workplace with a diverse body of staff. We don’t want to conform to the traditional think-tank model where people from certain backgrounds are hugely under-represented. We know we have some way to go in this and are therefore genuinely keen to receive applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic people; women; neurodivergent people; disabled people; people who identify as LGBT+; people with experience of mental health problems; and people who identify as working class or have done so in the past.

Accessibility and Equal Opportunity:

We value all candidates and are committed to equal opportunity. As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you during the application process, or would like information in an alternative format, please let us know.

We actively promote positive action to advance fairness and tackle underrepresentation within our workforce.

NEF is looking for a Senior Economist to lead ambitious, policy-relevant work on macroeconomics, public finance and the future of the UK economy. This is an exciting opportunity for a rigorous, creative and politically engaged economist who is motivated to develop bold, practical and well-evidenced policy ideas that can shift public debate and influence decision-makers.

The successful candidate will lead work across a wide range of areas, including fiscal policy, monetary policy, public investment, inflation, taxation, debt, living standards, industrial strategy, economic security, and the macroeconomic conditions needed for a fast and fair transition.

We are particularly interested in self-starters: people who can identify important economic questions, immerse themselves quickly in the evidence, and use data tools and AI intelligently to develop substantial projects from early idea through to impactful, public-facing outputs with limited supervision.

Role: Senior Economist – Macroeconomics
Hours of work: Full Time (32 hours per week under NEF’s Shorter Working Week)
Salary: £54,470 - £60,480
Location: London (in-office minimum two days per week)
Contract type: Permanent

How to apply

Deadline for applications: midnight, 12th June 2026
Interviews:  First stage interviews 24th June with second stage in person interviews on the 30th June

Start date: ASAP

Please send your CV and your answer to the following questions in Word format.

1. Set out how your experience meets the essential criteria in the job description (300 words max)

2. Identify one economic policy idea that NEF should develop over the next year. What problem would it address, what evidence would you need, and who would need to be persuaded? (200 words max)

3. Tell us about a substantial project or workstream you led, ideally from conception to delivery. How did you shape the question, manage any uncertainty and ensure the work had impact? (200 words max

4. Explain a complex economic issue you have worked on or wish to work on and do so as if you are briefing a busy MP. (200 words max)

Please also complete the Equality and Diversity monitoring form.

You must be eligible to work in the UK, as we are unable to sponsor visas.

Inclusivity at NEF:

NEF wants to be an inclusive workplace with a diverse body of staff. We don’t want to conform to the traditional think-tank model where people from certain backgrounds are hugely under-represented. We know we have some way to go in this and are therefore genuinely keen to receive applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic people; women; neurodivergent people; disabled people; people who identify as LGBT+; people with experience of mental health problems; and people who identify as working class or have done so in the past.

Accessibility and Equal Opportunity:

We value all candidates and are committed to equal opportunity. As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you during the application process, or would like information in an alternative format, please let us know.

We actively promote positive action to advance fairness and tackle underrepresentation within our workforce.

NEF is looking for a Researcher/Economist to join its energy and net zero work, as part of our mission to deliver a fast and fair transition to a green economy. This is an exciting opportunity for a curious, rigorous and politically engaged researcher who is motivated to develop bold, practical and well-evidenced policy ideas that can cut bills, accelerate decarbonisation, reduce inequality, and shift power towards people and communities.

The successful candidate will bring strong quantitative and economic research skills to work across a wide range of issues, including energy affordability, electricity market reform, green investment, industrial decarbonisation, household energy use, fossil fuel dependency, energy taxation, distributional impacts, and the design of a truly fair transition.

We are recruiting at a time when AI is reshaping how research is produced, tested and communicated. We are looking for someone who can use these tools intelligently, while bringing the judgement, scepticism, creativity and political insight that technology cannot replace.

Role: Researcher/Economist – Energy and Net Zero
Hours of work: Full Time (32 hours per week under NEF’s Shorter Working Week)
Salary: £42,868 - £49,764
Location: London (in-office minimum two days per week)
Contract type: Permanent

How to apply

Deadline for applications: midnight, 10th June 2026
Interviews:  First stage interviews 23rd June with second stage in person interviews on the 2nd July

Start date: ASAP

Please send your CV and your answer to the following questions in Word format.

1.Set out how your experience meets the essential criteria in the job description (300 words max)

2.Tell us about one piece of economic, energy, climate or other public policy research that has influenced your thinking. What did you take from it, and how might it shape NEF’s work? (200 words max)

3.Describe a dataset you have worked with (academic, work-based, or self-initiated). What question did you investigate, and how did you approach the analysis? (200 words max)

4.Share an example of when you disagreed with a policy position or research conclusion. Describe your disagreement and expand on your own position (200 words max)

Please also complete the Equality and Diversity monitoring form.

You must be eligible to work in the UK, as we are unable to sponsor visas.

Inclusivity at NEF:

NEF wants to be an inclusive workplace with a diverse body of staff. We don’t want to conform to the traditional think-tank model where people from certain backgrounds are hugely under-represented. We know we have some way to go in this and are therefore genuinely keen to receive applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic people; women; neurodivergent people; disabled people; people who identify as LGBT+; people with experience of mental health problems; and people who identify as working class or have done so in the past.

Accessibility and Equal Opportunity:

We value all candidates and are committed to equal opportunity. As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you during the application process, or would like information in an alternative format, please let us know.

We actively promote positive action to advance fairness and tackle underrepresentation within our workforce.

Social Policy Economist/Quantitative Researcher

Full time, permanent contract with 6 months’ probation.

NEF is looking for an economist or quantitative researcher to join its social policy team. This is an excellent opportunity to join a leading Westminster think tank, ideal for a curious and energetic researcher who is excited by NEF’s mission to build an economy that works for people and planet.

We strongly encourage you to apply if this role interests you, even if you’re not sure you meet every outlined criteria. We take an open-minded approach to how candidates may have developed the skills needed for the role.

We’re looking for someone with strong experience in rigorous quantitative public policy research, alongside specific knowledge of labour markets, public services, social security, or a related area. You’ll bring the energy and creativity to challenge established orthodoxies, and the skills to develop robust, innovative approaches to complex public policy challenges.

Economists and researchers at NEF bring deep expertise in at least one key UK economic or social policy area. They apply strong economic and quantitative research skills, working collaboratively to produce high quality analysis and insight, and taking ownership of discrete elements within larger projects.

A key part of the role is connecting research to contemporary debates, and communicating complex ideas clearly and persuasively to a range of audiences, both internally and externally.

Role: Social Policy Economist/Quantitative Researcher
Hours of work: Full Time (32 hours per week under NEF’s Shorter Working Week)
Salary: £44,769 - £49,764
Location: London/South East (in-office minimum two days per week)
Contract type: Permanent

How to apply

Deadline for applications: midnight, 10th June 2026
Interviews:  First stage interviews 23rd June with second stage in person interviews on the 29th June

Start date: ASAP

Please send your CV and Covering letter (no longer than 1 page and in Word format) outlining how you meet the person specification. 

Please also complete the Equality and Diversity monitoring form.

You must be eligible to work in the UK, as we are unable to sponsor visas.

Inclusivity at NEF:

NEF wants to be an inclusive workplace with a diverse body of staff. We don’t want to conform to the traditional think-tank model where people from certain backgrounds are hugely under-

represented. We know we have some way to go in this and are therefore genuinely keen to receive applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic people; women; neurodivergent people; disabled people; people who identify as LGBT+; people with experience of mental health problems; and people who identify as working class or have done so in the past.

Accessibility and Equal Opportunity:

We value all candidates and are committed to equal opportunity. As a Disability Confident employer, we guarantee an interview to all disabled applicants who meet the minimum criteria for the role. If you require any reasonable adjustments to support you during the application process, or would like information in an alternative format, please let us know.

We actively promote positive action to advance fairness and tackle underrepresentation within our workforce.