Conservation Programme Manager Humberhead Levels

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1 Conservation Programme Manager Humberhead Levels Context The Trust operates throughout the traditional county of Yorkshire (i.e. all of the Yorkshire and Humber region except North Lincolnshire) from the Humber to the Pennines and from the Dales and Moors to the urban conurbations of the south. It is the second oldest of the 47 Wildlife Trusts which work in partnership together covering the whole of the UK. The Trust s principle vision is to work for a Yorkshire rich in wildlife, valued and enjoyed by people. The Trust seeks to realise this vision through the objectives identified in the Development Plan and Business Plan. Activities that the Trust undertakes to achieve the plans are nature reserve management of 85 reserves covering 2,500 hectares scattered across the region, specialist projects in river and wetland management, community development and environmental education activities, publicity and promotion and campaigning and policy work. The Trust employs 100 staff (equivalent of 78 F/T staff) and, crucially, enjoys the support of 33,000 members. The staff work through six teams: administration & finance; fundraising & communications; and four conservation delivery teams northern, central, southern and policy. Each team has a manager who reports to the Chief Executive who is responsible for the operations of the Trust and, in turn, reports to the Board of Trustees who govern the organisation. The Trust engages more than 600 dedicated volunteers and voluntary trainees in its work. They make a huge contribution by giving time, skills, knowledge, enthusiasm and local ownership to our vision. All employees are expected to encourage, develop and support volunteer involvement wherever possible. The Humberhead Levels partnership brings together Local Authorities, Agencies, NGOs and IDBs to take forward Biodiversity, Heritage and ecosystem services benefits within the National Character area which also benefit local communities and the economy. The partnership has been successful in securing Nature Improvement Area funding and will deliver a 1.5m project over the next three years. As the Lead and Accountable body YWT will appoint a Programme manager to manage and co ordinate delivery of the programme in liaison with the partners. The Programme manager will also draw up and submit applications for support from a range of funders to further develop the NIA programme.

2 JOB DESCRIPTION Brief Conservation Programme Manager Humberhead Levels Based within Yorkshire Wildlife Trust s Central Team, the Programme Manager will ensure the effective delivery of the NIA programme by working closely with partners and reporting to the Humberhead Levels Partnership Executive. Outline: Responsible to: Responsible for: To manage and co ordinate delivery of the NIA programme including a detailed exit strategy. Head of Conservation Central but working closely with the Nature Improvement Area (NIA) steering Group and reporting to the Humberhead Levels Partnership (HLP) Executive. Volunteers, trainees and contractors. Other Key Working Relations Within YWT: Head of Conservation South and West Yorkshire, Head of Fundraising and Communications. Outside YWT: reporting to the Humberhead Levels Partnership Executive and working closely with the NIA Steering Group and the HLP Funding group, Project Partners and Project Leads. Main Aims: To ensure successful delivery of the Nature Improvement Area Programme, as outlined in the Business Plan Ensure the NIA is a fully integrated programme delivering the shared vision for the NIA by working closely with project leads and ensuring the NIA benefits from emerging opportunities including the developing Local Nature Partnerships, Environmental Stewards Scheme and Water Framework Directive programme. Working with the Steering Group reporting on risks, issues and progress at all steering group meetings.

3 Reporting on progress to the HLP Executive on a quarterly basis including updating on risks and issues. Produce evidence and other procurement/claims requirements in compliance with NE/DEFRA guidelines. To support the HLP Funding Group to develop a Heritage Lottery, Landscape Partnership Bid Lead on the establishment of working groups if required for the delivery of the NIA programme such as Landowning/Community and Monitoring groups. Key Tasks NIA Ensure all programme protocols are in place and agreed by all partners Ensure all partners adhere to agreed policies In liaison with the Chair of the NIA Steering Group, arrange Meetings and provide input to agenda and meeting notes Ensure partner compliance, particularly with procurement rules, legal obligations and consents Develop a reporting and claims procedure based on the requirements within the contract between Natural England and the Lead Body Collate and submit quarterly grant claims to Natural England based on details submitted by the partners Track all programme spend and grant income, including match grants presented by partners Submit written reports to Natural England and the Executive, twice yearly and report quarterly at the Executive meetings, based on details provided by the partners Arrange an independent project audit and evaluation based on the requirements of Natural England, using detail provided by partners Work closely with partners to help meet agreed targets Provide additional management support to partners where requested or where recommended by the executive or lead body Support administration for the programme Develop a Monitoring and Evaluation programme with partners and the Steering Group Ensure key information is disseminated via NBN, Bars and other recommended platforms Liaise with partners on publicity for the programme and ensure that it is compliant with the HLP PR Protocol Provide a single point of contact for requests for information about the NIA Provide input to the national NIA Monitoring Framework

4 Where appropriate support the development of working groups associated with the NIA mainly Community and Landowning Represent the NIA at appropriate local, regional or national meetings, conferences or seminars including giving presentations Key Tasks Funding Attend HLP Funding Group meetings Work with the HLP Funding Group to develop complementary funding opportunities. Ensure adequate sources of match funding are available through discussion and agreement with partners and their funding officers, bringing in additional partners as necessary. Other Duties: Promote the HLP and partner organisations whenever possible. Raise the profile of the Humberhead Levels as a place and gain wider recognition and support for the work of the Humberhead Levels Partnership. Abide by all Trust policies. Undertake other duties as requested by your line manager and in line with the post.

5 Conservation Programme Manager Humberhead Levels PERSON SPECIFICATION Experience relevant experience in: Project Management complex, multi objective programmes with significant (+ 1m) financial responsibility Preferably, working in a charity or other voluntary sector role Campaigning and media experience Experience of working with a partners from a wide range of organisations Ability to work as part of a team Knowledge and Understanding Management and reporting as required by European and UK procedures A general understanding of marketing and fundraising Legislation and policy relevant to the role Skills and Qualifications Leadership guiding, motivating and inspiring partnerships Communication and relationships ability to enthuse, educate and communicate complicated ideas, foster support and influence outcomes through excellent written and verbal communication skills and a high degree of emotional intelligence Planning and organising ability to develop strategic and operational plans, delegate tasks, prioritise work, identify and manage risk and manage own workload and time without limited supervision Judgement, analysis and problem solving excellent judgement: able to analyse and use information, to think strategically and creatively to solve problems and make good decisions Educated to degree level in a relevant area or an equivalent professional qualification IT literate particularly MS Word, Excel, Outlook and relationship databases Driving licence Personal Qualities Affinity with the partnership and Trust s vision, values and organisational culture Good interpersonal skills; approachable, flexible and friendly manner

6 Ability to cope well under pressure High standards of professional and personal integrity A strong interest in environmental issues and nature conservation

7 Conservation Programme Manager JOB SPECIFICATION Responsible for the delivery of a major NIA programme for a key part of Yorkshire, Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. A substantial degree of personal responsibility and autonomy is required for a wide range of complex and highly technical activities. Direct liaison with a wide range of (sometimes high level) contacts is required. This is variable, technical and fast paced job requiring substantial experience and a flexible approach. Terms and Conditions Salary: 26,000 per annum (plus an employer pension contribution of up to 6 %) Hours: Holidays: Pensions: Child Care Voucher Scheme: Employee Assistance Programme: Notice Period: Place of Work: 35 working hours per week, Monday to Friday. The nature of the post s duties will from time to time require evening and weekend work. Paid overtime is not available, but time off in lieu will be given. 25 working days per annum in addition to normal public holidays. On satisfactory completion of the 6 month probationary period the employee will be eligible to enter the Trust s group stakeholder pension scheme and the Trust will contribute up to 5% of salary to this scheme. The Trust operates a Childcare Voucher Scheme. Details of which are available on request. The Trust provides paid staff with access to an Employee Assistance Programme. This is a confidential service which aims to provide staff with support for a range of issues. Further details are available from the HR and Training Manager. 4 weeks The post will be based at the Trust s headquarters at York

8 Travel: Public transport is encouraged although pool vehicles are available. In exceptional circumstances the use of the officer s own vehicle may be necessary for business use for which a mileage rate of 27.5p per mile will be paid. Training: The Trust is fully committed to personal development and training. Closing date: 23 rd April 2012, Interview date Thursday 3 rd May th March 2012, Conservation Programme Manager TS