WORK WITH ASSYNT DEVELOPMENT TRUST
Climate change vacancy
Assynt Development Trust has a unique opportunity for a project manager to lead on an innovative approach to exploring the possibilities of land use in the Northwest Highlands.
The successful applicant will be aiming to deliver climate change targets and create environmental and sustainable economic opportunities for rural communities.
This is a chance to make a difference in how we go about managing the opportunities for land-use change in the Northwest Highlands.
This will be achieved through the creation of a working partnership, which will enable national and local government, land-owners, (community, private or environmental), local communities, and other stakeholders to explore ways in which we can optimise land use in a just and inclusive way.
The Regional Land Use Partnership (RLUP) Phase 1 must develop governance and build strong relationships within the community.
The RLUP Phase 2 must provide the framework.
This post covers the first two phases and will run until March 31st 2022, possibly beyond, depending on the government’s pilot evaluation.
Home-based, or office-based in Lochinver, Sutherland the project manager is expected to have a presence in the Northwest Highlands.
This post is flexible and can be offered full time, part time or as a job share. We are open to secondments from other organisations like land reform agencies, development trusts, academia or local authorities.
Hours: We're looking to cover 35 hour per week with weekend and evening flexibility required.
Responsible to: Northwest 2045 RLUP steering group.
Salary range:
£29,000 - £32,000 scale depending on experience and on a pro rata basis.
Who we're looking for:
This is an opportunity for an innovative thinker and above all else a relationship builder. We’re looking for someone who is able to bring people with differing objectives together and help them find their way towards a common goal.
Experience:
Experience of having managed a multi-partner project within the land use sector in the environmental and/or planning disciplines is vital, as will be your ability to demonstrate an extensive understanding of current Scottish land use policy issues and how they might link to the wider issues around climate change, sustainability, inclusivity, and land use planning.
Job Description – Key Duties and Responsibilities
To help organise, co-ordinate, engage and prepare for the NW2045 pilot RLUP and report to the NW2045 board.
Determine who relevant stakeholders are in the region and build necessary relationships.
Develop a stakeholder engagement plan to enable collective and integrated working.
Lead and co-ordinate consultation and engagement activity required to deliver the RLUP ( phase 1) including the development of new engagement mechanisms to support inclusion and democracy.
Detect and evaluate partnership and collaborative working arrangements already in place and determine how pilot RLUP will work alongside these.
Co-ordination and analysis of feedback received through engagements to inform
structure/approaches and next stages.
Establish a suitable governance structure for RLUP.
Support the steering group in determining how members for the governance structure will be chosen.
Draft terms of reference for newly established board.
Work in partnership with Scottish Government to determine appropriate evaluation and
future data requirements.
Provide advice and support to, and liaise with, public sector/partner organisations/land
managers and community organisations to steer their proactive engagement in relevant
RLUP exercises.
Undertake quantitative and qualitative research to support pilot RLUP.
Provide professional support and information for all partners/land managers and the public in respect of pilot RLUP.
Represent the NW2045 RLUP partnership on SG multi-agency groups as required.
Produce briefing papers and committee reports.
In undertaking these tasks, the post holder will be required to:
Work in accordance with Scottish Government offer of grant to Highland Council in respect of the delivery of phase 1 of pilot RLUP
Person Specification:
Experience of working in a community development, land management and or wider
partnership, implementation and/or research role.
Experience of community/partner engagement.
Education and Qualification:
Educated to degree standard or able to demonstrate a similar level of educational ability.
Open to reflective practice, self-assessment and constructive challenge.
Skills/Abilities - General:
Effective communication skills – verbal and written.
Ability to write succinctly and objectively.
Ability to think strategically.
Computer literate, familiarity with a range of computer packages.
Skills/Abilities - Specific:
Understanding and experience of consultation, involvement and engagement techniques.
Ability to analyse quantitative and qualitative data.
Use and development of monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.
A good understanding of community development and current land management issues relevant to this post.
Interpersonal and Social Skills:
Ability to relate appropriately to a wide range of people, including land managers, senior.officers, partner agencies, outside bodies and third sector organisations.
Self-motivated and enthusiastic.
Committed to collaborative working.
Good team worker and able to take direction.
Ability to work flexibly and meet deadlines.
Work on own initiative and under pressure.
Willing to be flexible about travel for work and training purposes
How to apply
Please send your CV along with an accompanying letter to assyntdevelopmenttrust@gmail.com For further enquiries please call Ewen McLachlan on 074 98 23 11 72
Closing Date for Applications: Remember, remember 5pm on the 5th of November.