Job Advert: Climate FORTH Project Manager (full time, fixed term)

We are looking for a driven and highly capable individual with a passion for partnership working to lead delivery of 'Climate FORTH: Furthering Our Resilience Through Heritage'. 

For full details and to apply by the 1 October deadline, visit the RSPB recruitment portal: Project Manager – Climate FORTH - Fixed term | RSPB (vacancy-filler.co.uk)

Climate FORTH is an ambitious project by Inner Forth Futures (IFF) – a collaboration of 9 organisations who work around the upper Firth of Forth in Scotland. We have committed to working together with advisory organisations, stakeholders and community groups to achieve a shared vision. 

The Climate FORTH project was developed over 2022-23 to contribute significantly to delivering IFF initiative's vision and began delivery in August 2023, thanks to support from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and a variety of other funders.

It will support a move to a greener future and post-pandemic recovery and generate opportunities to share learning, influence adaption and inspire the change needed to transition to a climate resilient landscape in the Inner Forth and beyond. This will be achieved using locally-created, measurable resilience plans with participatory budgets, targeted action to demonstrate ways to repurpose heritage assets, tools and events to promote the principles of 20-minute neighbourhoods, skills development and capacity building, and initiatives to promote local, sustainable tourism. A new Youth Panel will engage a different demographic in decisions about their local places and project activities, including through a dedicated micro-grant scheme.

See www.innerforthlandscape.co.uk for more information. 

The post will be based at the RSPB Skinflats Reserve near Falkirk. As part of this role you will need to be able to travel around the project area without the use of public transport, for which you will have access to a car. You will have flexibility to work part of the week from home and the role will require occasional weekend and evening work.

What's the role about? 

This role will manage a team of 5 staff and be responsible for overseeing all aspects of project delivery, including liaison with strategic stakeholders and funders, grant claims and reporting to funders, procuring contractor activities; scheme promotion; monitoring and evaluating oversight and legacy set up.  The post holder will be expected to work with the IFF Board and Steering Group to manage risks and budgets.  

The successful candidate will have proven experience of managing and leading projects, partnership working, team management, community engagement, budget management and reporting to funders.

You will be responsible for: 

  • All aspects of delivery of the Climate FORTH project
  • Project reporting and grant claims 
  • Directing and motivating the project team to deliver their responsibilities
  • Communicating with IFF members and organising and reporting to Board and steering Group meetings
  • Ensuring that stakeholders and communities are fully involved and engaged in the process of project delivery
  • Managing project budgets including spend and procurement of contractors
  • Ensuring all required consents and permissions are in place for works
  • Procuring relevant project documentation and managing risk
  • Health, Safety and Welfare of the team
Essential skills, knowledge and experience: 

  • Experience of delivering large partnership projects
  • Experience and understanding of how to successfully engage local communities 
  • Demonstrable leadership ability 
  • Experience of working to a standard project management approach
  • Proven skills at monitoring and evaluating projects and reporting to funders
  • An ability to produce clear written communications and persuade and influence a wide range of people
  • Proven time management and organisational skills, ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances
  • Budget management experience, attention to detail and ability to understand financial systems
  • Experience of procuring and managing contractors and / or consultants 
This is a Fixed-Term Full-Time role for 37.5 hours per week until 31st October 2026. The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term.

For full details and to apply by the 1 October deadline, visit the RSPB recruitment portal: Project Manager – Climate FORTH - Fixed term | RSPB (vacancy-filler.co.uk)

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position on Wednesday 11 October 2023. For further information please contact Zoe Clelland, RSPB Scotland Area Manager: zoe.clelland@rspb.org.uk

As part of this application process you will be asked to complete an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience listed above.

This role will require completion of a DBS check in addition to the standard pre-employment checks.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we 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, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.