Public Affairs Manager – Northern Ireland

The Woodland Trust is looking for a Public Affairs Manager to take lead responsibility for managing the Woodland Northern Ireland’s (WTNI) relationship with the NI Executive, Government, relevant statutory agencies and key NI, ROI and UK political audiences. To advocate and campaign for changes in legislation, policies, incentives, strategies and plans which reflect the Trust’s priorities in NI and the Island of Ireland. To take responsibility for leading on local development plan consultations and the Trust’s relationship with local councils and the wider eNGO sector.

The Role

• In the context of our Corporate Strategy, UK policies and position statements and Northern Ireland Plan, to define our Northern Ireland Public Affairs and campaigning goals and to develop and manage a prioritised programme of policy and advocacy work to achieve them.
• Collaborate with colleagues across Northern Ireland and the UK to maximise the Trust’s policy and advocacy impact, enabling colleagues to be effective policy advocates.
• Provide technical and expert support, advice and briefings to the Northern Ireland Director, and other colleagues where relevant, on policy and advocacy matters.
• Lead Public Affairs in the Northern Ireland team, and any consultants as appropriate, providing clarity of direction, inspiring our staff and building capabilities and skills, upholding and actively promoting the values and behaviours of the Trust.
• Oversee, and where relevant lead, the development and management of relationships with NI Government, including Ministers, MLAs, researchers, advisors and civil servants, as well as local government, statutory bodies and other influential organisations across farming, forestry and business in line with the NI public Affairs plan.
• Represent the Trust and our policy and advocacy priorities externally, including negotiating consensus positions within external coalitions including NI Environment Link, with key stakeholders and potential partners.
• Actively monitor, gather intelligence, understand and analyse relevant areas of NI policy and politics, acting on key opportunities. Evaluate future threats and opportunities facing the Trust’s cause in NI, brief colleagues and steer our advocacy messaging accordingly.
• Work closely with other teams and departments, especially Comms & Engagement, UK Campaigns and Conservation and External Affairs, to coordinate and integrate political advocacy and campaigning messages with the Trust’s wider communications and influencing strategies and plans.
• Contribute to ensuring appropriate and efficient use Woodland Trust funds, including setting and managing the NI Public Affairs budget.
• Monitor and report on progress against KPIs, and the team’s contribution to the Trust’s strategic aims.

The Candidate

• You’ll be experienced in building strong relationships and proven record in delivery in partnership with local councils.
• You’ll be experienced influencing legislation and working directly with government depts.
• You’ll have a proven track record in public affairs and policy delivery and experience of working with the environmental/voluntary sector.
• You’ll be experienced with relationship management – a developer of relationships with exceptional networking ability; able to spot opportunities and connections, evaluate them and act on them, both internally and externally.
• You’ll be experienced setting clear goals and priorities and take responsibility for their delivery.
• You’ll be experienced demonstrating tenacity and enthusiasm in achieving them.
• You’ll need a working knowledge of current affairs, and the processes through which legislation and policy are developed and delivered.
• You’ll need to know of current environmental policy, conservation and land management issues.
• You’ll need to know of the NI Executive and Government and the ability to use that knowledge to achieve results.
• You’ll need to know how to communicate effectively through both written and oral, research and analytical skills.
• You’ll need to know current affairs, and the processes through which legislation and policy are developed and delivered.
• Educated to degree level or equivalent in relevant subject or extensive experience.
• Full UK driving licence would be an advantage.
• 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 leading 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 CVs are redacted until after shortlisting is complete.
Make sure that your Personal Statement clearly shows how your skills and knowledge link to the specifications in the job description and you share with us your 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. For queries relating to this new opportunity please email [email protected]

Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams