Sussex Kelp Lead

Sussex Wildlife Trust is a conservation charity for everyone who cares about nature in Sussex.  We focus on protecting the wonderfully rich natural life that is found across our towns, countryside, coast and sea. By working alongside local people, we create opportunities for us all to connect with nature and for nature to thrive everywhere. Together we can make sure that future generations living in Sussex will be able to enjoy the sense of wonder and well-being that nature offers.

THE ROLE

Sussex Wildlife Trust has championed the restoration of kelp in Sussex, working with the Help Our Kelp Partnership.  With the Sussex near-shore trawling byelaw now in place and an unprecedented level of local interest, we have secured funding to consolidate advocacy, communications, stakeholder engagement and more to ensure that the regeneration of Sussex kelp is founded on high quality relationships, shared ambitions and the development of the evidence to secure the byelaw into future years.  This role is at the heart of this exciting work at a critical stage in its development.

This time-limited opportunity will shape and develop the way Sussex kelp stakeholders work together over the coming years and collaborate with others to strengthen and add value to the benchmarking and research evidence work that is already planned.

You will be responsible (supported by SWT colleagues) for delivering and reporting on the project milestones expected by the funder.

THE PERSON

You will have a passion for marine regeneration in a South East England context, and its associated stakeholder interest.

You will have an interest in Nature Based Solutions, including blue carbon and investible landscapes.

You will have extensive working knowledge and experience of project management in the environmental sector, with high calibre communication and advocacy skills.

You will have a mature understanding of the range of stakeholder perspectives.

You will have demonstrable experience of the development of work programmes, and strategic ambitions, with proven ability to effectively communicate complex messages to a range of audiences and facilitate discussion.

You will have significant experience of working collaboratively across organisations with a range of colleagues and disciplines.

You will have excellent communication skills with proven expertise in creating plain English interpretations of complex topics.

You will have a good understanding of potential ecological and socioeconomic benefits of a restored Sussex kelp forest.

THE BENEFITS

This role offers 24 days annual leave (pro rata), access to an Employee Assistance Scheme and the opportunity to help the Sussex Wildlife Trust make a real difference.