RSPB - Senior Marine Policy Officer (Fixed-Term)

Reference: NOV
Expiry date: 23:59, Fri, 2nd Jan 2026
Location: Flexible in Northern Ireland
Salary: £39,205.00 - £41,856.00 Pro Rata
Benefits: Pension Scheme, Life Assurance Scheme, 26 days' Annual Leave (pro rata)
Duration: Until 31st December 2026

This is an outstanding opportunity to help ensure a better future for Northern Ireland's seas and seabirds. You will lead RSPBNI policy and advocacy on seabird, marine, and fisheries issues and influence important debates and decisions in Northern Ireland relating to the protection of seabirds and the marine environment generally.

We are looking for an experienced policy advocate who understands and can influence the policies that impact on seabirds in Northern Ireland. As well as a strong knowledge of seabirds and the issues affecting seabird populations, you will provide thought leadership, be well respected in this field and have strong advocacy, communication, and campaigning skills.

The UK is internationally important for seabirds and has a responsibility to protect and recover their populations. Around 8 million seabirds from 25 species breed in the UK, including 80% of the world's Manx shearwaters, and millions more overwinter or pass through the UK on migration. Northern Ireland is globally important for a range of seabirds and other marine species. Yet seabirds are now under unprecedented threat, declining faster than any other group of birds. Seabirds breeding along our coastline and on our islands need safe nesting places free from introduced predators, and well-managed seas and fisheries to provide food for adults and young. How we manage and protect our seas in the coming decades will play a central role in halting declines in nature and combatting climate change.

The role will involve advocacy on marine, fisheries and renewable policies with a focus on the NI Assembly and relevant NI government Departments, working closely with the NI Marine Task Force, as well as providing information, advice, and support to other staff internally on seabird and marine policy issues. The successful candidate will work with a wide range of policy staff across the UK and with colleagues in our Conservation Science, Campaigns and Communications, and our on-the-ground Operations teams, to ensure we have an impact.