Senior Programme Manager - Carbon Finance

To drive our carbon programmes forward, we are seeking to recruit an experienced individual who can work right across the organisation and with partners. They will have a focus on UK carbon markets but some support for our international work within the Global Conservation team might be required. This is an exciting time for how we do our work and the new tools we can use to make a difference for the environment, people and business.

What's the role about?

You will lead the delivery of the RSPB's UK carbon programmes, reporting directly to the Head of Conservation Investment and primarily focused on helping develop investable projects both on and off the RSPB estate.

The UK programme is made up of delivery plans for each of the four UK countries, and several different funders, and therefore requires careful coordination. As part of this work, you will have responsibility for maintaining an update consolidated pipeline of carbon projects from across the UK while also holding the overview of programme risks. This pipeline of projects will then feed into our Business Engagement team for sales and partnership opportunities. You will also support the building of relationships and collaborations with other market players such as investors and start-ups interested in carbon markets.

You will be responsible for the management of the Conservation Investment financial budget related to carbon, for project governance and coordination, and for the production of relevant reports and other documentation.

You will lead on updating and maintaining our policy on voluntary carbon markets working across different policy teams and countries across the RSPB. You will represent the RSPB, providing technical expertise and engage with codes and standards, through their evolution and alignment with UK and global policy. A key aspect of this work will be supporting the development of high integrity markets that build confidence and lead to delivery for climate and nature. In doing this work you will also have oversight and management of our carbon projects on relevant registries.

The ideal candidate will have proven experience of working with environmental markets and in-depth knowledge of carbon markets. You must be able to deal effectively with complex issues and be a keen team player. Experience of project planning and management is essential, and you should be able to work across multiple countries and teams. You will support our Business Engagement team in developing our carbon sales and partnership strategy and ensuring we work to current best practice and standards.

• Experience of working within the carbon and climate sectors


• Ability to develop policy and governance for a large multi-country organisation and achieve buy-in


• Excellent understanding of the UK voluntary carbon markets and associated standards


• Demonstrable ability to manage complex programmes and changes within them


• Excellent problem-solving skills and ability to find creative solutions


• Demonstrable leadership ability - able to drive programmes forward without direct line management authority


• Clear communication skills, to summarise progress and challenges and articulate solutions to the Head of Conservation Investment and internal Programme Board structures


• Ability to represent our work to external stakeholders, giving clear guidance on RSPB objectives


• Confidence to make decisions without needing to refer upwards, within agreed boundaries


• Competence with standard IT applications such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and SharePoint


• Knowledge and experience of financial management


• Strong written communication skills


• Ability to work under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances


• Proven time management and organisational skills


• Diplomacy and negotiation skills


Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• Working within the conservation and environment sector


• APM or PMI registered


• International carbon markets with a focus on working with REDD+


• Use of brokers and private finance in conservation project/s
  
  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.

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.