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Administrator (Farming Cluster Volunteer Administrator)

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Why we want you?

The Ely Nature-Friendly Farming Zone (NFFZ) is a group committed to enhancing the environment within our farmed landscape, particularly for those species that call the Fenlands home, while producing good quality, healthy, sustainable food for everyone. They are supported by the RSPB and are working to be seen as exemplars in the farming industry – showing how modern farming and wildlife can work side by side.

By ensuring all members are working to achieve the Farm Wildlife 6 key elements, farmers are doing their utmost for the wildlife within the Fens. The group provides members with a voice and an opportunity to show the public, farmers, landowners and both local and national ministers the great work being undertaken on their farms.

To do more, we need more support, and this is where you come in! We are looking for a motivated individual to support the continued progression of the cluster group as we create and implement our 10-year strategy.

This is a flexible and evolving role to help expand our impact and support the RSPB’s wider mission to create a world richer in nature. You will become part of a small team of RSPB staff and committee members, helping to create a sustainable legacy for the cluster group.

You can find out more information about the cluster group here (site still in development): https://elynffarming.wordpress.com/.

[Note: This role will start with supporting the Ely NFFZ, but there may be future opportunities to widen the role out to support new cluster groups in the Fens that we are working with / developing.]

What will you be doing?

There are a range of tasks involved in this role to support the RSPB’s Conservation Officer, with scope to develop it as the cluster group progresses its strategy (TBD). The below are examples of where you can get involved:

  • Supporting the Conservation Officer in organising group meetings twice a year (summer and winter), e.g., site visits to members farms, site visits to sites of interest, arranging speakers for the Christmas Conference.
  • Supporting the Conservation Officer and group members in attending events, e.g., Open Farm Sunday.
  • Monitoring and responding to emails (external and internal queries).
  • Updating records and data on our internal database as and when needed.
  • Managing contact details securely.
  • Supporting committee members with social media news stories.
  • Keeping the website updated, e.g., events information, project information, photos.
  • Updating cluster group resources, e.g., leaflets, factsheets, maps.
  • Looking for funding opportunities that could support the cluster group’s objectives.
  • Note taking in cluster group committee meetings and wider group meetings (where necessary) to then action and disseminate.
  • Supporting the cluster group for ½ - 1 day a week.

The skills you need?

Essential

  • Strong organisational skills.
  • Strong communication skills, both phone and written.
  • A great people person, friendly and approachable.
  • Comfortable volunteering remotely, from your own home.
  • Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a small team.
  • A confident computer user with programmes such as Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel and SharePoint.
  • Willingness to learn new skills, e.g., WordPress.
  • Tact / diplomacy.
  • Reliable and committed.

Desirable

  • Experience in people management and event organising.
  • Digital mapping skills (e.g., GIS) or the willingness to learn basic mapping skills for the role.
  • WordPress (website) skills or the willingness to learn the basics to keep the website updated.
  • Full driving licence (e.g., for joining site visits, meetings, etc.).

What’s in it for you?

  • A fantastic opportunity to support a farming cluster working to provide a space for nature on their farms.
  • Training to help you learn new skills and make sure you are prepared for the role.
  • Meeting like-minded people.
  • Flexibility, meaning this role works around your other commitments.
  • You will be making a genuine contribution to nature conservation, so if that is your motivation, you’ll find satisfaction in this role.
  • You will learn all about how the RSPB works and gain experience working for an environmental charity.

Additional information?

  • Closing date: Friday 16th February 2024. Interviews: W/C 19th February / 26th February.
  • Appropriate training will be provided.
  • Expenses reimbursed where necessary.
  • Appropriate equipment provided, e.g., laptop, phone (where necessary).
  • Whilst this role is flexible, there will be times where your support will be required, e.g., committee meetings, 1-1s, group meetings, site visits.