PeacePlus Nature Programme Manager

We have an exciting opportunity for a Programme Manager to join the PeacePlus Nature project. We are looking for a positive and highly organised individual who excels in getting things done through partnership working, and who wants to make a difference.

PeacePlus Nature is an ambitious €20.8 million programme that brings together partners to tackle the decline in priority species and habitats in Northern Ireland, and the border counties of Ireland. PEACEPLUS is a cross-border funding Programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB) and supported by the European Union, the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the Government of Ireland, and the Northern Ireland administration.?

The partnership includes RSPB NI, BirdWatch Ireland, Butterfly Conservation, Monaghan County Council, River Blackwater Catchment Trust, Truagh Development Association, Lough Neagh Partnership, NI Water and An Taisce.

The programme will work to restore blanket bog, lowland wet grassland, limestone grassland and priority species including Curlew, Corncrake, Hen harrier, Small Blue butterfly and Irish Damselfly. This is an incredible opportunity to work in a programme team to increase the populations of some of Ireland’s most iconic wildlife.

PeacePlus Nature is supported by PEACEPLUS, a programme managed by the Special EU Programmes Body (SEUPB).

RSPB NI have invested significant time in building this collaborative programme with multiple partners to create an extensive portfolio of projects some of which are new and innovative. In this role you will manage the PeacePlus Nature project. Alongside the Senior Programme Manager you will be responsible for leading, planning and delivering the programme of conservation, science, data, ecology and local community objectives with partners across Northern Ireland and the border counties of Ireland, to ensure successful delivery of programme outcomes.

Key activities will include:

• Produce relevant programme documentation and use project management software to track and report changes, risks, progress, etc.
• Ensure that internal and external stakeholders are kept fully involved and informed of programme progress and successes.
• Identify, record, manage and communicate risks and issues, putting in place appropriate contingency actions.
• Work closely with our external delivery partners to ensure joined up development and implementation of the projects within the programme.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Competent IT user (e.g. MS packages, Outlook etc).
• An ability to persuade and influence a wide range of people, both internally and externally.
• Proven ability to manage programmes.
• Excellent problem solving skills and ability to find creative solutions.
• Able to work under pressure and adapt to changing circumstances.
• Logical & methodical, analytical and a good eye for detail.
• Experience of working to a standard project management approach (e.g. RSPB Project Management Framework, Prince II).
• Experience of leading and managing multidisciplinary teams.
• Experience of delivering a number of projects simultaneously.
• Cost and budget management and ability to understand financial systems.

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• Project Management Qualification or appropriate training.
• Experience of working with external stakeholders such as agencies and contractors.
• Demonstrable experience of developing and working in partnerships to achieve shared outcomes.

This is a Fixed-Term Full-Time role for 37.5 hours per week until 31st July 2029. There will be a requirement to attend the Belfast office for a few days per month.

The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further advertising dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 17th December 2025. 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.

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.