Head of External Affairs and Advocacy

This is an exciting opportunity to head up this conservation charity's External Affairs team within their Global Conservation Directorate.

Head of External Affairs and Advocacy
Reference: MAR20253693
Location: Sandy, Bedfordshire - Hybrid
Contract: Permanent
Hours: 37.5 per week
Salary: £60,178.00 - £64,248.00 Per Annum
Benefits: Pension Scheme, Life Assurance Scheme, 26 days' Annual Leave

You would be responsible for developing and implementing the this charity’s political strategy at Westminster, including through events, and managing relationships with politicians and civil servants in Westminster and Whitehall, while working closely with colleagues across the organisation to deliver policy priorities. As an organisation working in each of the four UK countries, and globally with key partners like BirdLife International, you would also provide support - where helpful - for global and four country leads in developing and implementing political strategies and advocacy plans.

The political and legislative context that this charity is operating in is like none that has come before. The routes to securing the political shifts that nature and the climate need - and need urgently - are varied and this organisation needs an effective operator who is politically astute and campaigns savvy. You will play a vital part in helping to develop this charity's communications and campaigns to ensure that they have real political reach and impact, as well as liaising with our business engagement teams as they develop relationships with the private sector. You will also oversee much of this charity's partnership with other NGOs through coalitions such as Greener UK and Wildlife and Countryside Link, whilst expanding the organisation's influence by identifying and building relationships with new stakeholders.

Please note that while this role offers remote working, frequent travel to London will be required.

What's the role about?

• Political monitoring and strategy to contribute to the charity's overall strategy and Theory of Change and that builds the charity's profile.
• Lead the development of strategic advocacy campaigns for key policy priorities, engaging with MPs, Whitehall and the broader political community.
• Team development and broader political leadership including the development of training.
• Internal and external relationship management at a senior level, including identification of new relationships and relevant advocacy targets.

Essentials:

• A passion for nature with a drive to change its fate, and a broad understanding of and engagement in current and future environmental issues;
• Credibility within the environment sector and notable expertise in policy and advocacy with strong connections across the sector and parliament;
• Demonstrable experience of influencing UK politics, governments and/or business frameworks at multiple levels and an in-depth understanding influencing tactics and the political context in which change happens.
• Knowledge of the UK and devolved country governance and frameworks affecting nature and climate and their use in public policy making;
• Proactive and confident decision maker with a commitment to building and maintaining a collaborative culture across the organisation;
• Excellent written and verbal communications skills to present, influence and represent this organisation with politicians, government officials and external partners;
• Capable team manager with experience of providing direction, leading change, building capability and providing professional & personal development support to the organisation's reports;
• Demonstrable commitment to the organisation and its mission and values.

Desirables:

• Experience of leading political campaigns, strategic communications and/or wider behaviour change campaigns;
• Partnership development, stakeholder management and negotiation skills;
• Strong collaboration skills to build relationships, navigate politics and address conflicts;
• Experience in the not-for-profit sector, working in a resource constrained environment and/or with volunteers as a key part of the workforce.
• Experience in budget management.

Closing date: 23:57, Thursday 17th April 2025
The employer is looking to conduct interviews for this position from w/c 19th of May 2025.

Interested?
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This charity is committed to developing an inclusive and diverse organisation, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve their vision of creating a world richer in nature, they need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, they are particularly interested in receiving your application.