This role is an excellent opportunity to influence important decisions across the UK, at a time when renewable energy developments are being implemented faster than ever before. This will help ensure onshore renewable energy is deployed in harmony with nature and support policy and advocacy for strategic planning of the UK energy system.

We are looking for a highly motivated and effective advocate with experience and expertise in developing policy and influencing decision-makers and industry on energy and climate change. You will be passionate about developing and securing policy outcomes that help address the nature and climate crisis as one, skilled at bringing stakeholders together and working with senior leaders to reach consensus on organizational positions, with a strong political understanding and the ability to identify and analyze emerging issues in the UK and internationally where relevant to our objectives. You will also have excellent communication and organizational skills to drive this business forward internally and externally.

What is the role about?

Achieving the UK’s net zero targets will require significant and rapid changes to the UK’s energy system including significantly increasing renewable energy sources and significantly reducing overall energy demand. The UK government is responding to this necessity by deploying large-scale renewable energy systems as well as reforming the planning system. However, alongside the climate crisis, we are facing a biodiversity crisis, and we must not exacerbate biodiversity losses in our efforts to mitigate climate change; It is crucial that renewable energy is deployed in a way that avoids harming wildlife.

This role will allow the successful candidate to analyze policy developments and advocate for nature positive solutions on energy and net zero in line with the RSPB’s strategic objectives.

You will lead advocacy for the RSPB’s onshore renewable energy policy that reflects the latest science on climate and nature emergencies and responds to the context of the energy security crisis. This comes at a critical time as global energy security issues put greater pressure on the UK’s energy systems.

You will work within the UK Land and Climate Policy team in the RSPB’s UK Policy and Advocacy Department. The role will involve working with policy, communications, social work and science colleagues across the four UK nations, in particular working closely with bioenergy and offshore wind policy leaders to ensure that the RSPB’s energy policy positions reflect the latest evidence and delegated context in the UK and globally.

You will also play a key role in developing and coordinating advocacy strategies to embed RSPB policy positions within key relevant external decision-making processes. You will be responsible for the RSPB’s Westminster and Whitehall decision maker facing advocacy, as well as relevant relevant bodies, while working very closely with colleagues in other parts of the UK to ensure our priorities are delivered effectively within available capacities, and provide information, advice and support where needed.

This is a particularly changing and fast-moving time in energy and climate policy across the UK, and you will need to be adaptable and able to change approaches and priorities where appropriate.

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

you will:

• Be able to demonstrate a good knowledge of climate, planning and energy policy in the UK or wider, with relevant academic or professional qualifications
• Have well-developed advocacy and influencing skills and be able to engage with a wide range of individuals and organizations, including at senior levels.
• Be able to work independently to generate, lead and coordinate action with others to develop policy positions and associated impact strategies and effectively lead their implementation
• You have a proven track record of time management and strong organizational skills, including the ability to balance limited resources across competing priorities
• Be able to analyze complex issues in a fast-paced environment
• You have a good understanding of the role of public-facing communications/campaigns in supporting policy advocacy
• Has very high level written and verbal communication skills; Professional and convincing
• Be confident and able to be a public face of RSPB policy and advocacy in the media and social media

This is a full-time role of 37.5 hours per week for a fixed term of one year, however we welcome applications from candidates looking to undertake this role on a part-time and pro-rata basis. The successful candidate’s location can be flexible, but travel to London, Bedfordshire and occasionally further afield will be required.

We are looking to interview for this position from 3 November 2025. For further information please contact (email protected)

As part of this application process, you will be asked to submit a copy of your CV and complete an application form including evidence of how you meet the skills, knowledge and experience listed above.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, where everyone feels supported, valued and able to be themselves. 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 color and people with disabilities are currently underrepresented in the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sectors. If you identify as a person of color and/or with a disability, we are especially interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your order.

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.

Before applying for this role, we recommend reading the Candidate Guidance Notes.