Head of Policy - Edinburgh, United Kingdom - John Muir Trust

John Muir Trust
John Muir Trust
Verified Company
Edinburgh, United Kingdom

2 weeks ago

Tom O´Connor

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Tom O´Connor

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Description
Wild Places play an important part in rural economics, tackling the climate crisis, biodiversity loss and supporting mental wellbeing. The John Muir Trust exists to conserve and protect wild places across the UK for future generations.


We manage and care for some of the finest wild places across the UK - from Sandwood in the North West Highlands to Thirlmere in the Lake District.

We are constantly building new partnerships and innovative better ways to be effective.


Who are we looking for?:

As Head of Policy you will lead a small team and will report directly to the CEO.

In this role you will oversee three key areas of work in the legislative environment

  • Make best use of existing legislation and statutory planning process.
  • Ensure that proposed legislation in the current programmes for Government maximises the benefits for conserving and protecting Wild Places
  • Innovate to drive future legislation that protects and conserves Wild Places nationally and promote opportunities to showcase the work we do on an international stage.

You will also need:


  • Provide critical advice to the Leadership Team on strategic thinking for protecting Wild Places across the UK using Wild Place Zones and Wild Place Qualities as key tools.
  • Advise on how best to work in partnership with others to address the shifting baseline syndrome that is the cause of the steady attrition of Wild Places.
  • Work to support the Trust's reputation for evidencebased decision making and work with the Director of Operations to ensure that data collected by the Trust is cost effective and fit for purpose.
  • Take a lead role in providing external Position Statements on contentious issues. Maintain a network of highlevel stakeholders in key organisations to support the Trust's efforts to influence change.
  • Advise the Leadership Team on best approaches to becoming a carbon credible organisation.
  • Take on any other duties as reasonably requested by the CEO.

Person Specification:


Working for JMT

  • Full commitment to the Trust's core values and strategic direction.
  • Ability to lead/navigate change.

Skills and Experience for the Post:

  • Significant background in the rural land use policy with proven ability to influence policy development nationally and to lead and energise thinking and action by others.
  • Innovative thinker willing to challenge established norms with reasoned argument. Significant experience of handling external communications on sensitive issues.
  • Experience in and/or formal education in one of the ecological sciences.
  • Excellent communicator in written and oral formats with the ability to present and convey complex ideas and issues clearly and coherently and to a wide range of different audiences.
  • Energy, enthusiasm and flair to work hard and achieve ambitious targets. Skills and Experience for Head of Department
  • Experience in developing staff and performance management at a senior level.
  • Proven track record of managing staff, budgets, projects, conflict, and partnerships.
  • Highly selfmotivated, able to work autonomously, take initiative and make decisions.
  • Experience of managing organisational risk and reputation.
  • Experience of land management and associated practical issues

You will also need:


  • Ability to work flexible hours and to travel within the UK as required.
  • A full clean UK Driving licence and access to own vehicle.

Qualifications:


  • Educated to degree level or equivalent.
  • Evidence of Continued Professional Development relevant to the role purpose and level
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