Position: Strategy Lead - Nature Recovery
Location: South Downs Centre Midhurst (Hybrid Working)
Closing Date: 26 February 2023
Interview Date: 13 March 2023
Salary: £42,886 to £47,173
Hours: 37 hours per week
Type of post: Permanent

The South Downs National Park Authority (SDNPA) cares for the landscapes, wildlife and heritage of the National Park and helps people to learn about and enjoy the area. As a protected landscape the SDNPA also has a critical role in the delivery of the Nature Recover Network (NRN) - a national network of wildlife-rich places.

We are recruiting a Strategy Lead to be responsible for the delivery of the South Downs Nature Recovery programme of work. Are you passionate about biodiversity and helping nature recover? Do you want to protect and enhance the key habitats and species that form the natural capital and special qualities of the National Park? With the lead reasonability for nature recovery within the SDNPA, you will be part of a team working across the landscape to achieve one third of land for nature and two thirds nature friendly. You will need to work as part of the strategy team particularly closely with colleagues responsible for our climate action/nature-based solutions and also manage the Biodiversity Officer.

This is an exciting opportunity for an enthusiastic individual, with proven technical and inter-personal skills to be part of supporting the nature recovery programme and providing high quality technical advice relating to biodiversity to a variety of internal and external stakeholders. The programme of work ranges from strategic work linked to Environment Act readiness and implementation, (including Local Nature Recovery Strategies and Biodiversity Net Gain) through to direct action for both “Core Nature” and “ReNature”.

You will need to have knowledge and experience of the legislative framework for biodiversity, but also a proven track record in project delivery and advisory work. There is also scope for developing innovative approaches linked to emerging green finance models and other mechanisms.

As with all the work of the SDNPA partnership and collaboration is essential. As Strategy Lead, you will be expected to work with a wide range of partners from farmers and land managers to statutory bodies and environmental charities and well as Officers across all departments of the SDNPA.

Sound like something that interests you? Think you can really add value to the role? Meet the person specification? Then please apply!

To apply: please select the apply button shown and complete the application and monitoring form. All applications must be submitted on the SDNPA application form (CV’s will not be considered) & must reach us by 11:30pm on 26 February 2023.

SDNPA is an inclusive organisation and we welcome applications from everyone irrespective of sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, faith and religion, disability and age.

We operate a Guaranteed Interview Scheme (GIS) for disabled applicants.

In all circumstances the SDNPA appoints on merit based on evidence the applicant supplies in meeting the essential criteria for the post.

SDNPA Enhanced Benefits

- Flexible working
- Local government pension scheme
- Healthcare - includes cash plan, counselling and wellbeing discounts
- 27 days annual leave, increasing to 30 days, plus bank holidays
- Professional development support
- Cycle to work scheme
- Car sharing
- Use of pool cars
- Regular staff events / activities, which support the SDNPA’s Purposes and Duty