Job Description
TITLE: IPA Programme Manager [Full-time]
Starting salary: approx £30,000
Reporting to: Head of Conservation, England & Wales
Reporting to job holder: small team of up to 3 staff
THE ROLE:
Important Plant Areas (IPAs) are landscapes that have been identified by Plantlife, in collaboration
with nature conservation partners, for their exceptional botanical value and are of international
conservation importance. Conserving and protecting IPAs is of the highest priority for Plantlife and
a vital contribution towards the UK's action for on Global Strategy for Plant Conservation.
As IPA Programme Manager, you will lead and co-ordinate the development of Plantlife’s ambitious
conservation work across England and Wales. This will involve three key areas of responsibility:
strategic co-ordination and delivery, especially in the South of England; advocacy and policy
development, and; profile raising amongst land managers, conservation bodies and the wider
public. With support from the Head of Conservation and working closely with colleagues in Scotland
and Wales and the wider Plantlife team, the successful candidate will ensure that the needs of wild
plants are placed at the heart of landscape-scale conservation.
Plantlife is seeking a confident and enthusiastic individual, able to effectively influence others to
contribute towards meeting the important challenge of conserving and managing our IPAs.
Leadership skills, a track record in project delivery and the ability to communicate with a wide range
of organisations and individuals are essential, together with excellent botanical skills and
experience of plant conservation as well as a good understanding of the UK nature conservation
sector .
BASE:
The post holder will be based at Plantlife’s headquarters in Salisbury, Wiltshire (although remote
working (including home-based working) may be considered for the right candidate). The role will
require regular travel in England & Wales, especially in south Britain.
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Key responsibilities
Strategic co-ordination and delivery of the IPA programme
• Develop project plans and identify and secure partnerships and the necessary
funding for the delivery of the IPA programme
• Plan and lead the delivery of IPA projects in the south of England to secure improved
conservation outcomes for rare and threatened plants and their habitats.
• Develop and maintain a credible and robust evidence base to underpin IPA
classifications.
• Coordinate development and support delivery of IPA projects in the rest of the UK in
conjunction with the wider conservation team
• Ensure all financial and monitoring reports are submitted in an accurate and timely
fashion and that the programme complies with Plantlife's policies and procedures.
Advocacy & policy development
• Advocate and secure wider recognition of IPAs in the policies and strategies of
others by building new strategic partnerships that embed a “plant-proofing”
approach with partner organisations and land managers and owners.
• Influence relevant conservation policies and practical conservation action across
England to better support IPA objectives and work with colleagues to do the same
in Scotland and Wales
Communications about IPAs
• Capture the 'lessons learnt' from the IPA programme and disseminate best practice
to improve future conservation delivery across the UK's IPAs
• Deliver a national communications campaign to raise the profile of IPAs including
publications and website material for example best practice guidance and
interpretation materials
• Identify opportunities and work with colleagues in outreach and communication
teams to provide opportunities for the people to learn about and enjoy plants in
IPAs.
Other
• Play an active role in developing and furthering the plans and activity of
conservation work in Plantlife and support the Head of Conservation in their
responsibilities
• Carry out duties as deemed necessary by the Chief Executive.
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Person specification
Skills and experience
• The post holder will be a motivated and positive team player with excellent and
demonstrable project management skills. They will be approachable and engaging and
have a genuine passion for wild plants. That passion for wild plants should be reflected in
their demonstrable botanical knowledge and experience of conserving plants.
• The post holder will have demonstrable experience of developing and building effective
partnerships that achieve improved environmental outcomes. They should be solutions
focused and have excellent communication skills.
Project
management
Plant
conservation
Nature
conservation
Organisation
Communication
Other
Essential
At least 3 years experience in
effectively managing projects or
programmes.
Budget management, monitoring
and progress reporting.
Good financial management skills
including completion of progress
reports and budget management
Demonstrable experience of working
successfully in partnership to
achieve environmental outcomes.
Clear botanical skills and experience
of plant conservation to
demonstrably influence others'
management practice.
At least 3yrs experience of delivering
practical projects to improve plant
conservation.
Knowledge of UK nature
conservation strategies, delivery
mechanisms, legislation & policy.
Excellent organisational skills and
ability to work to tight deadlines.
Ability to coordinate numerous
projects and achieve results.
Experience of maintaining detailed
records and regular reporting.
Ability to influence a range of
stakeholders.
Good verbal & written
communication skills, including
report writing.
Good team player
Willingness to travel, especially in
the south-east of England including
stays overnight.
IT skills e.g. Word, Excel, databases
Desirable
5 years experience of effective
programme management.
Evidence of creative & innovative
solutions to problems.
Experience of working in statutory
and non-statutory sectors
Understanding of main drivers of
change for UK biodiversity.
Experience of conservation of
fauna.
Experience of influencing
conservation policy and practice
at both national and local levels.
Managing staff
Shaping the work of colleagues
within a team and elsewhere in
the organisation
Engaging senior external
stakeholders.
Stakeholder management.
Use of social media to support
project delivery
Experience & competence in GIS.
Driving licence & own vehicle.
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ESSENTIAL INFORMATION
To apply
Further information and an application pack can be downloaded from our website
www.plantlife.org.uk/jobs. The closing date for applications is Monday 10th November
2014.
To apply please send a completed application form and covering letter by email to
[email protected] or by post to Ben McCarthy, Plantlife, 14 Rollestone Street, Salisbury,
Wiltshire SP1 1DX.
Your covering letter should state clearly and succinctly why you are interested in this job and
how your experience will enable you to be successful in the role.
For further information please email Ben McCarthy at [email protected]
Interviews
Initial interviews to be held on Tuesday 18th November 2015 in Salisbury followed by a short
telephone interview on Monday 24th November.
Important Plant Areas
For more information about IPAs see http://www.plantlife.org.uk/publications/
Plantlife
Plantlife is the organisation that is speaking up for the nation’s wild plants. We work hard to
protect wild plants on the ground and to build understanding of the vital role they play in
everyone’s lives. Wild plants are essential to life – they clean our air and water, provide
food and shelter for our insects, birds and animals and are critical in the fight against climate
change.
Plantlife carries out practical conservation work across the UK, manages nature reserves,
influences policy and legislation, and runs events and activities that connect people with
their local wild plants and works with others to promote the conservation of wild plants for
the benefit of all.
Speaking up for the nation’s wild plants
Plantlife International - The Wild Plant Conservation Charity is a charitable company limited
by guarantee.
Registered in England and Wales, Charity Number: 1059559
Registered in Scotland, Charity Number: SC038951
Registered Company Number: 3166339. Registered in England and Wales
Registered Office
14 Rollestone Street, Salisbury, Wiltshire, SP1 1DX. UK
Tel: +44 (0)1722 342730 Fax: +44 (0)1722 329035
[email protected]
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