South Atlantic Programme Manager (International)

Introduction:

We are looking for an exceptional Programme Manager to join our UK Overseas Territories team to develop and manage an ongoing programme of international conservation projects in St Helena, Ascension, Tristan da Cunha and the Pitcairn Islands. Working closely with the RSPB’s network of territory partners the successful candidate will be responsible for facilitating the development of an ambitious portfolio of impactful projects conserving and protecting the unique biodiversity of these special islands.

What’s the role about?

Your main duties will include:

• Facilitating the development, funding and implementation of a diverse programme of partner led projects including policy, species, habitats, science and capacity focused interventions
• Working closely with partners to ensure development and the successful delivery of projects and the ongoing development of organisational capacity.
• Define the RSPB role in supporting territory governments in identifying and prioritising impact focused recovery and conservation programming across the Southern Ocean UKOTs.
• Work with internal fundraising teams to identify new funding opportunities and to develop new projects and secure legacies/extensions to existing projects.
• Building and maintaining a network of stakeholders, both internal and external.
• Internally this will include: relevant Programme Boards, the Globally Threatened Species Nature Recovery Group, Leadership Teams, Heads of International Programmes, Conservation Science and Policy Colleagues
• Externally this will include: BirdLife Partners and other NGOs, UK and Territory Government Departments, Fund-raising bodies.
• Management of budgets (up to £1m p.a.)
• Reporting on progress through CORA
• Assisting the Head of UKOTs in running a Leadership Team to oversee the UKOT project pipeline and to maintain and build team morale and cohesion.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

We are looking for a professional, persuasive and engaging individual with an excellent understanding of programme management and the development and funding of compelling, high impact projects. They should have the skills and personality to be able to bring together dynamic teams and lead cross-organization collaborations. The successful candidate will need to demonstrate the following experience:

• Educated to degree level.
• An ability to lead, inspire and influence a wide range of people, both internally and externally.
• Extensive experience of international partner led conservation delivery
• Demonstrated background of managing multifaceted projects and programmes in complex settings with immovable deadlines.
• Experience of line-management. Including H&S procedures for international work.
• Proven ability to manage budgets up to £1m p.a.
• Proven ability to secure external funding for projects through grant applications and especially governments and other institutional funding. Experience of the Darwin funding mechanisms of particular relevance.
• Experience of partner development working with small international NGOs to increase their capacity.
• Experience of working with UK and International government departments and ministries.
• Experience of managing contracts with partners or contractors.
• Excellent networking skills and experience of facilitative leadership.
• Knowledge of Project and Programme Management Frameworks.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Competent IT user including MS Word, Excel, Powerpoint SharePoint and CORA.

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• Experience of working in the UK Overseas Territories
• An ability to make occasional International trips. Although most of these would result in periods of up to two weeks away from home the extremely isolated locations of some of the territories may require longer timeframes away.

This is a Permanent, full time role for 37.5 hours per week.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position in early March 2026. For further information please contact [email protected]

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

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.

The RSPB is a licenced sponsor. This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship – the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.