Senior Project Development Manager; Blue Recovery Leaders Group

• Senior Project Development Manager (Blue Recovery Leaders Group)

The Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) launched its Blue Recovery work in 2021: a major initiative to deliver transformational environmental change in the UK. There is growing evidence showing the significant role that wetlands can play in four critical areas: storing carbon, reducing flooding, benefiting wellbeing and improving water quality, but these benefits are not widely understood.

WWT has brought together a consortium of sector leading organisations to help unlock and demonstrate the value of wetland creation, facilitating the creation of a network of wetlands that will deliver lasting impact and act as a catalyst for wider action. Its approach draws on the model used by the Sustainable Markets Initiative launched by our Patron, HRH King Charles III.

At the heart of WWT’s proposals is an ambition to create and restore 100,000 hectares of healthy wetland in the UK, conceived of as four networks:

• A carbon storage network, consisting of wetlands to sequester and store carbon
• A flood management network, consisting of wetland features to reduce flooding
• An urban wellbeing network, consisting of wetlands to improve wellbeing
• A water treatment network, consisting of wetlands to support biodiversity

This Blue Recovery will make a vital contribution to the UK’s environmental and climate change goals.

Role Outline

You will be responsible for working with WWT’s Blue Recovery Leaders Group to drive forward this partnership leading to the delivery of projects that fulfil WWT’s Blue Recovery workstream. By building and maintaining close relationships with the Blue Recovery Leader’s Group drawn from industries including the water, construction, finance, agriculture and engineering sectors, you will support the group to develop projects that demonstrate the multiple benefits that wetlands provide to society.

You will act as WWT’s main lead on supporting the Blue Recovery Leaders Group and work with them to develop project ideas and proposals that fulfil WWT’s strategic ambitions. You will liaise between our Philanthropy & Partnerships, UK Programmes and Conservation Evidence Teams, coordinating input from them to ensure successful delivery of The Blue Recovery Leaders contribution towards WWT’s Strategic Plan.

Hours: This is a fixed-term contract for up to 12 months, working 22.5 hours per week. The hours will be worked across Monday – Friday.

Location: Hybrid working considered, based between Home and WWT Headquarters at Slimbridge, Gloucestershire

The key skills we are looking for are:

• Strong project development and project management skills
• Excellent stakeholder and partnership management
• Influencing and leadership without direct authority
• Strategic and creative problem-solving
• Outstanding communication and facilitation skills

You will be a committed person who cares deeply about the success and impact of your work. You will be a key advocate for multi-benefit wetlands, be enthusiastic about what you believe in, and can work closely and get the best from people across multiple disciplines within WWT.

You will be, able to nurture trusted relationships with colleagues in other teams and counterparts in other organisations. You will also be a great communicator, advocating your work successfully to a wide range of stakeholders.

You will have experience in developing successful projects and will understand the importance of following a project management framework.

If this sounds like you then we would very much like to hear from you. Come and join us in delivering our vision of a world where healthy wetland nature thrives and enriches lives.

We’re WWT,…