This is a full-time role, home-based, and fixed term position (2 years, with the possibility of future extension subject to funding). Ideally you would be located within easy commuting distance (2hrs) of both Belfast and Dublin. The role will require travel to Belfast and Dublin and further afield from time-to-time to meetings and conferences, across the island of Ireland, Great Britain, and occasionally in Europe.

The Main Duties and Responsibilities Are:

• Policy Monitoring & Analysis: Maintain an up-to-date understanding of water, land use and climate policy, legislation and planning in NI and Ireland. Track new government consultations, regulations and strategic plans, summarising their implications for freshwater health and identifying opportunities for Trust engagement.
• Consultation Responses: Draft and lead evidence-based responses to formal consultations from government departments and agencies in both NI and Ireland. This includes critiquing proposals and advocating for strong water quality measures. Ensure all submissions align with The Rivers Trust’s values of being factual, non-partisan and community oriented.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Map and maintain relationships with key policy stakeholders across sectors (government, NGOs, academia, industry and farming groups). Convene and participate in multi-party policy and advocacy forums, joint submissions, and steering groups to build coalitions on shared water issues. Identify and coordinate with local Rivers Trusts to present a united front on major topics.
• Policy Events and Outreach: Plan and support events and meetings that elevate policy discussions. Support the All-Ireland Director and Deputy Director in preparation for high-profile policy meetings and events (such as conferences or Ministerial roundtables). Assist in organising project-related events that contribute to policy development and/or involved decision makers.
• Issue Advocacy: Proactively address urgent freshwater challenges on the island of Ireland (e.g. Lough Neagh algal blooms, nitrates in water, sewage spills) by developing advocacy strategies. Collaborate with the All-Ireland Communications Officer in drafting media statements and content, raising issues with regulators, or proposing community campaigns. Articulate The Rivers Trust’s positions on contentious subjects, advocating for science-led solutions and cross-agency and cross-border cooperation where appropriate.
• Campaigning: Work closely with Comms colleagues to support the delivery of campaign actions, digital activity and events, drafting articles, blogs and campaigning materials. Including, mechanisms for the public to engage with MLA’s and MPs in Northern Ireland and TD’s and MEP’s in Ireland on key issues of relevance to improving the state of our rivers.
• Internal Coordination: Work closely with the All-Ireland Director, The Rivers Trust’s Advocacy Lead, and project teams to integrate technical insights into advocacy outputs. Provide colleagues with concise templates and “lines to take” for policy submissions. Liaise with the All-Ireland Communications Officer to ensure alignment between policy asks and media narratives. Keep the team informed of advocacy outcomes and emerging consultation deadlines through regular updates.
• Documentation and Reporting: Maintain the “evidence base” of the Trust’s advocacy (state-of-rivers data, case studies, position papers). Keep up to date the stakeholder network map and policy issue trackers. Ensure records of submissions, briefings and meeting minutes are organised for future reference and accountability. Highlight success stories where the Trust’s input influenced policy to demonstrate impact.

Knowledge, Skills, Experience, and Personal Qualities:

Essential

• Relevant higher-level degree (i.e BA/BSc or MA/MSc) in a relevant discipline (e.g. Environmental Policy, Law, or Governance, Political Science, Public Affairs, or International Relations, Environmental Science, Ecology, or Conservation with a policy focus, Sustainable Agriculture, Rural Development, or Natural Resource Management) AND 2-year relevant applied work experience OR
• At least 4 years’ relevant career experience (e.g. in policy and advocacy in the eNGO sector).
• Proven experience in a similar policy and/or advocacy role.
• Strong analytical skills: Ability to monitor, interpret and summarise Stormont and Oireachtas activity, legislation, select committee reports, debates, and inquiries.
• Understanding of Parliamentary Processes: A solid grasp of law-making, parliamentary procedures, and the legislative landscape in both Ireland and Northern Ireland, with awareness of Westminster and Brussels practices.
• Ability to develop and implement comprehensive advocacy plans.
• Strong understanding of environmental policy and governance in both Northern Ireland and Ireland.
• Experience with policy analysis, research or government affairs, preferably in the conservation, agriculture or water sectors. Proven ability to interpret complex legislation and extract implications for organisational strategy.
• Excellent written communication and synthesis skills: able to draft clear, well-structured consultation responses, briefing notes and reports. High attention to detail in citing evidence and data.
• Effective networking and negotiation skills: comfortable liaising with government officials, statutory agencies and non-governmental coalitions. Capable of representing The Rivers Trust in technical committees or advisory bodies and building consensus.
• Strong oral communication and influencing skills: able to present The Rivers Trust’s perspective at stakeholder events, public meetings or in interviews, and to brief internal senior leaders for parliamentary engagements.
• Familiarity with advocacy tools and techniques (e.g. public comment processes, stakeholder mapping).
• Comfortable working under tight deadlines, including rapid response situations.
• Self-starter, with proven ability to collaborate on cross-functional teams while working remotely.
• Be committed to working as part of a team.
• Must be proficient in using computers (Microsoft Office e.g. Teams, Outlook, Word etc; We also communicate by Slack but familiarity with this isn't a requirement)
• The ability to work on occasional evenings, weekends, and overnight stays when necessary (e.g. to attend events and conferences or visit key stakeholders on-site).
• Access to own car, insured for business use, with a full driver’s license.

Desirable

You do not have to meet all or any of the desirable criteria to apply for this role, but if you do have experience, skills or knowledge in any of the following areas, please highlight these in your CV and/or your cover letter for consideration as part of the shortlisting process.

• First-hand knowledge of freshwater science or catchment management (e.