Development Officer

Froglife is a national wildlife conservation organisation with a specific focus on the protection of amphibians and reptiles and their habitats. Central to our ethos is to help as many people as possible to take action, which benefits nature and enhances mental and physical health. We are particularly committed to involving those who for socio-economic reason are often excluded.

Our work is mainly urban based, working with disadvantaged and vulnerable people (focusing particularly on poverty and trauma) and improving green spaces. We are working for a fairer Scotland where people living in highly socially deprived areas have the same opportunities to access high quality green space as those living in more affluent areas.

The Development Officer will work from home, but you will need to be able to deliver the Scottish Green Pathways Scheme at green spaces in Glasgow, Inverclyde, Renfrewshire and West Dunbartonshire.

The Development Officer will take a leading role in developing the Scottish Green Pathways scheme. The Scottish Green Pathways involves delivering nature conservation educational sessions, working with vulnerable and disadvantaged people. The main focus of the project is working with young people aged 8-18 (or up to age 25 if they have additional support needs) introducing them to their local natural environments and providing them with opportunities to help nature, especially our native amphibians and reptiles.

Participants will get involved in practical projects improving their local area, including pond creation, wildlife surveys, wildflower planting, creating wildlife neighbourhood corridors, photography and arts projects.
Froglife is proud of its green credentials and all staff are expected to use green forms of transport wherever possible, and to ensure that all outputs are environmentally friendly.

• Build on Froglife’s existing excellent reputation and projects in the central belt (Scottish Green Pathways, Scottish Dragon Finder, Come Forth for Wildlife, Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire & Fife Living Waters).
• Run high quality learning sessions with disadvantaged young people to enable them to take action to improve their local green spaces.
• Build relationships and liaise with referral agencies, young people, green space managers and funders to ensure activities meet the needs of all stakeholders and ensure that those in need of the projects are able to access them.
• Monitor and evaluate the work effectively, both the impact of nature focused work on individuals and on nature deficient neighbourhoods. Disseminate findings widely.
• Ensure that all new projects are linked to the Froglife Curriculum.
• Work with the CEO and Operations Manager to apply for funding for new projects.
• Work with the Operations Manager to set-up new projects.
• Recruit volunteers to help with the development and setting up of new projects.
• Ensure regular project reporting to the Operations Manager, Board of Trustees and funders.
• Manage project budget.
• Work with Froglife’s Communications Manager to ensure that the projects are being widely promoted and obtain good press coverage.
• Any other duties relevant to the project.

Other duties

• To contribute to the wider work of Froglife as required by senior management.
• To encourage and maintain professional standards.
• To act as a responsible ambassador for Froglife.

Knowledge

• Knowledgeable about the impact of vulnerability and/or disadvantage on young people and the measures that can be taken
to alleviate some of these impacts.
• Practical understanding of wildlife gardening and habitat creation, restoration & management.
• Good knowledge of the geography, demographics, wildlife and nature areas in the target areas.
• Knowledge on the impact of nature on mental and physical well-being and being able to evidence this.
• Professional qualification in a relevant area of study.
• Proficient at using MS Excel, PowerPoint, Word and Outlook.
Experience
• Track record in delivering projects engaging with communities and individuals, especially within deprived areas.
• Experience in working with wide ranging partner organisations.
• Experience in writing successful funding applications.

Personal Attributes

• A willingness to work outside normal office hours and to travel when required.
• Self-motivated with can do attitude.
• Excellent organisation and communication skills.
• Ability to build good relationships with project participants and partners
• Sound financial acumen including experience in managing budgets.
• Willingness to offer support to Froglife outside main role
Desirable criteria
• Experience in Safeguarding Children, training or desire to be trained before starting the post.
• Experience in digital technologies, video and social media
• Valid First Aid certification