Public Affairs Manager - Northern Ireland
| Posting date: | 20 March 2026 |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £44,549.50 per year, pro rata |
| Hours: | Full time |
| Closing date: | 27 March 2026 |
| Location: | Northern Ireland, UK |
| Remote working: | Hybrid - work remotely up to 5 days per week |
| Company: | The Woodland Trust |
| Job type: | Contract |
| Job reference: | FEB20263863 |
Summary
The Woodland Trust is looking for a Public Affairs Manager to take lead responsibility for managing the Woodland Trust. Northern Ireland’s (WTNI) relationship with the NI Executive , Government, relevant statutory agencies, and key NI, ROI and UK political audiences; to advocate and campaign for changes in legislation, policies, incentives, strategies and plans which reflect the Trust’s priorities in NI and the Island of Ireland; and to lead on local development plan consultations and the Trust’s relationship with local councils and the wider eNGO sector.
The Role:
• In the context of our Corporate Strategy, UK policies and position statements and Northern Ireland Plan, to define our Northern Ireland Public Affairs and campaigning goals and to develop and manage a prioritised programme of policy and advocacy work to achieve them.
• Provide technical and expert support, advice, and briefings to the Northern Ireland Director, and other colleagues where relevant, on policy and advocacy matters and enable them to be effective policy advocates.
• Lead Public Affairs in the Northern Ireland team, and any consultants as appropriate, providing clarity of direction, inspiring our staff and building capabilities and skills, upholding and actively promoting the values and behaviours of the Trust.
• Oversee, and where relevant lead, the development and management of relationships with NI Government including Ministers, MLAs, researchers, advisors and civil servants, as well as local government, statutory bodies and other influential organisations across farming, forestry and business in line with the NI Public Affairs plan.
• Represent the Trust and our policy and advocacy priorities externally, including negotiating consensus positions within external coalitions including NI Environment Link, with key stakeholders and potential partners.
• Actively monitor, gather intelligence, understand and analyse relevant areas of NI policy and politics, acting on key opportunities. Evaluate future threats and opportunities facing the Trust’s cause in NI, brief colleagues and steer our advocacy messaging accordingly.
• Work closely with other teams and departments, especially Comms & Engagement, UK Campaigns and Conservation and External Affairs, to coordinate and integrate political advocacy and campaigning messages with the Trust’s wider communications and influencing strategies and plans.
• Contribute to ensuring appropriate and efficient use of Woodland Trust funds, including setting and managing the NI Public Affairs budget.
• This is a fixed term contract for 6 months.
• This is a hybrid position with a mix of home working, and from our regional office in Bangor, Northern Ireland. Head office attendance would be required no more than once a month on average. Occasional travel to other offices and remote locations may also be required.
The Candidate:
• You’ll be experienced in building strong relationships and have a proven record of delivery in partnership with local councils.
• You’ll have a proven track record in public affairs and policy delivery and experience of working with the environmental/voluntary sector.
• You’ll be experienced with relationship management - a developer of relationships with exceptional networking ability; able to spot opportunities and connections, evaluate them and act on them, both internally and externally.
• You’ll be experienced setting clear goals and priorities and taking responsibility for their delivery.
• You’ll need a working knowledge of current affairs, and the processes through which legislation and policies are developed and delivered.
• You’ll need to understand the current environmental policies, conservation and land management issues facing Northern Ireland and the wider UK.
• You’ll need knowledge of the Northern Ireland Executive and Government and the ability to use that knowledge to achieve results.
• You’ll need strong communication skills through both written and oral, as well as research and analytical skills.
• Educated to degree level or equivalent in relevant areas or proven extensive experience.
• Full UK driving licence would be an advantage.
• The successful candidate will be required to undertake a Basic Background Check as part of our pre-employment screening.
Benefits and Wellbeing:
Joining our team means you’ll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our staff, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer:
• Enhanced Employer Pension
• Life Assurance
• Flexible & Hybrid Working Options
• Generous Annual Leave - 25 Days Plus Bank Holidays (pro rata’d for part-time)
• Buy and Sell Holiday Scheme
• Enhanced Parental Pay
• Employee Assistance Programme
About Us:
The Woodland Trust is the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity. We want to see a world where trees and woods thrive for people and nature. The Trust engages and inspires people to make their difference tackling the nature and climate crisis helping protect, restore and create our vital woods and trees.
Apply Now:
If you're ready to make a difference and grow with us, send in your application today. We might close the job opening early if we get a lot of applications, so it's a good idea to apply soon. If we do close the advert early, and you have an application in process, we will email you prior to closing to give you time to complete. For queries relating to this new opportunity please email recruitment@woodlandtrust.org.uk.
The Role:
• In the context of our Corporate Strategy, UK policies and position statements and Northern Ireland Plan, to define our Northern Ireland Public Affairs and campaigning goals and to develop and manage a prioritised programme of policy and advocacy work to achieve them.
• Provide technical and expert support, advice, and briefings to the Northern Ireland Director, and other colleagues where relevant, on policy and advocacy matters and enable them to be effective policy advocates.
• Lead Public Affairs in the Northern Ireland team, and any consultants as appropriate, providing clarity of direction, inspiring our staff and building capabilities and skills, upholding and actively promoting the values and behaviours of the Trust.
• Oversee, and where relevant lead, the development and management of relationships with NI Government including Ministers, MLAs, researchers, advisors and civil servants, as well as local government, statutory bodies and other influential organisations across farming, forestry and business in line with the NI Public Affairs plan.
• Represent the Trust and our policy and advocacy priorities externally, including negotiating consensus positions within external coalitions including NI Environment Link, with key stakeholders and potential partners.
• Actively monitor, gather intelligence, understand and analyse relevant areas of NI policy and politics, acting on key opportunities. Evaluate future threats and opportunities facing the Trust’s cause in NI, brief colleagues and steer our advocacy messaging accordingly.
• Work closely with other teams and departments, especially Comms & Engagement, UK Campaigns and Conservation and External Affairs, to coordinate and integrate political advocacy and campaigning messages with the Trust’s wider communications and influencing strategies and plans.
• Contribute to ensuring appropriate and efficient use of Woodland Trust funds, including setting and managing the NI Public Affairs budget.
• This is a fixed term contract for 6 months.
• This is a hybrid position with a mix of home working, and from our regional office in Bangor, Northern Ireland. Head office attendance would be required no more than once a month on average. Occasional travel to other offices and remote locations may also be required.
The Candidate:
• You’ll be experienced in building strong relationships and have a proven record of delivery in partnership with local councils.
• You’ll have a proven track record in public affairs and policy delivery and experience of working with the environmental/voluntary sector.
• You’ll be experienced with relationship management - a developer of relationships with exceptional networking ability; able to spot opportunities and connections, evaluate them and act on them, both internally and externally.
• You’ll be experienced setting clear goals and priorities and taking responsibility for their delivery.
• You’ll need a working knowledge of current affairs, and the processes through which legislation and policies are developed and delivered.
• You’ll need to understand the current environmental policies, conservation and land management issues facing Northern Ireland and the wider UK.
• You’ll need knowledge of the Northern Ireland Executive and Government and the ability to use that knowledge to achieve results.
• You’ll need strong communication skills through both written and oral, as well as research and analytical skills.
• Educated to degree level or equivalent in relevant areas or proven extensive experience.
• Full UK driving licence would be an advantage.
• The successful candidate will be required to undertake a Basic Background Check as part of our pre-employment screening.
Benefits and Wellbeing:
Joining our team means you’ll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our staff, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer:
• Enhanced Employer Pension
• Life Assurance
• Flexible & Hybrid Working Options
• Generous Annual Leave - 25 Days Plus Bank Holidays (pro rata’d for part-time)
• Buy and Sell Holiday Scheme
• Enhanced Parental Pay
• Employee Assistance Programme
About Us:
The Woodland Trust is the UK’s leading woodland conservation charity. We want to see a world where trees and woods thrive for people and nature. The Trust engages and inspires people to make their difference tackling the nature and climate crisis helping protect, restore and create our vital woods and trees.
Apply Now:
If you're ready to make a difference and grow with us, send in your application today. We might close the job opening early if we get a lot of applications, so it's a good idea to apply soon. If we do close the advert early, and you have an application in process, we will email you prior to closing to give you time to complete. For queries relating to this new opportunity please email recruitment@woodlandtrust.org.uk.