Jobs in Drum Brae & Gyle, Edinburgh

This is a great opportunity for you to use your political knowledge and expertise to help tackle the nature and climate emergency!

Working closely with our policy team, you will lead our relationship with the Scottish Parliament and our political contacts, helping ensure nature's voice is heard. Working closely with colleagues from across the RSPB and our partner organisations, you will develop our political strategy, identify political engagement opportunities and manage our presence at external events such as party conferences and parliamentary receptions.

RSPB Scotland is Scotland’s largest nature conservation charity. We work with politicians and other decision makers in the Scottish Parliament and across Scotland’s wider political sector to protect and restore Scotland’s nature.

An effective communicator, advocate and negotiator, you will have an excellent understanding of political processes in Scotland and how they impact on, and can help tackle, the nature and climate emergency.

Essential skills, knowledge & experience:

• Educated to degree level or equivalent, or similar ability gained through work experience relevant to the role.
• Written and verbal communication skills that are professional, persuasive and engaging.
• Strong time management and organisational skills.
• Understanding of politics and political processes in Scotland.
• Understanding of relevant devolved, UK, European and global institutions and their impacts on nature and climate.
• Competent use of Microsoft Office relevant to the role.
• Demonstrable experience of analysing complex issues in a fast-paced environment.
• Experience of advocacy and negotiation at senior level in order to successfully influence others.
• Effective prioritisation in response to many competing demands.
• Able to manage projects effectively.

Desirable skills, knowledge & experience:

• Understanding of environment/biodiversity issues.
• Educated to Masters level or equivalent in a relevant subject.
• An understanding of the role of communications/campaigns/campaigning tools to influence decisions and decision-makers and supporting policy advocacy.
• Experience of operating in a communications, policy, campaigning or advocacy role that has secured better decisions.
• Line management of volunteers/interns.
• Knowledge of the political, economic and cultural contexts of conservation across Scotland and the UK, in order to be able to make sound judgements as to appropriate responses and interventions.

Ark is a major provider of Housing, Care and Support to people with long term and enduring conditions such as learning disabilities, mental health issues, dementia and autism. Our aim is to ensure that those who use our services get the very best out of Ark to enable them to live as independently as possible and lead a happy life.

Ark is looking for dedicated and caring individuals who are committed to making a difference in our supported people’s lives. Your role will be to provide practical, emotional and social support. Ark offers a detailed induction and training programme designed to ensure you have all the skills you need for the job. First and foremost you will align with Ark’s values – Trust, Respect, Understanding, Equality and Integrity.

Your main duties will be but not limited to:

• Working with colleagues as part of an effective and efficient team to support vulnerable service users.

• Communicate and work well with individuals to provide individual care and maintain appropriate relationships.

• Carry out tasks in accordance with organisational policies, procedures and guidelines.

• Being responsible in supporting individuals throughout the activities, giving positive feedback and encouragement.

In return for your valuable contribution, Ark will also offer you:

• Full and comprehensive training programme, e-Learning and a dedicated SVQ team who will support you to achieve an industry specific, accredited qualification.

• Up to 36 days paid holiday per year pro rata

• 4% Contributory pension scheme

• Employee recognition schemes

• Opportunities for career progression

• Employee Assistance Programme available 24/7

• Refer a Friend Scheme

• Sodexo Employee Benefits

This is an exciting role and comes at a time where Ark have undertaken a major piece of work where we have reviewed and developed our Business Plan for the next 5 years and beyond. This business plan will see Ark reshape as a modern, future-focused organisation that builds on our technological and digital capability that aims to positively impact on the lives of its tenants, supported people and staff.