Upper Duddon Project Monitoring and Evaluation Officer

Career Opportunity: Project Officer – Upper Duddon Landscape Recovery

Are you passionate about nature-friendly farming and dedicated to driving positive environmental change? Do you possess a talent for building strong relationships within agricultural communities? If so, an exciting opportunity awaits you as a Project Officer on the ambitious Upper Duddon Landscape Recovery project.

This significant initiative, funded by Defra's Landscape Recovery scheme, is focused on restoring and enhancing the ecological richness of the Upper Duddon valley in the picturesque Lake District National Park. It's a collaborative effort, bringing together farmers, local communities, and leading environmental organizations including the National Trust, Forestry England, South Cumbria Rivers Trust, the University of Cumbria, and Natural England.

The Role: Driving Impact Through Monitoring and Engagement

As a Project Officer, you will play a pivotal role in developing and implementing a comprehensive monitoring and evaluation program for this vital project. Your responsibilities will include:

• Establishing and coordinating robust systems to track the ecological, social, and economic outcomes of the restoration efforts.
• Leading the collection, analysis, and reporting of project data, providing crucial insights into progress and impact.
• Collaborating with volunteers and project staff to ensure effective data collection, fostering a culture of citizen science.
• Cultivating and maintaining strong, effective working relationships with all project stakeholders and partners.
• Communicating the successes and achievements of the Upper Duddon Landscape Recovery project to a diverse audience.

Advantages for Your Career Path:

This role offers a unique chance to contribute to a large-scale, high-impact environmental project with significant national backing. For candidates looking to advance their careers in conservation, project management, or environmental science, this position provides:

• Meaningful Impact: Directly contribute to the restoration of a valuable upland landscape and its biodiversity.
• Skill Development: Gain extensive experience in project management, monitoring and evaluation, data analysis, and stakeholder engagement.
• Collaborative Environment: Work alongside esteemed organizations and passionate individuals, fostering a rich learning and networking opportunity.
• Location Advantage: Immerse yourself in the breathtaking natural beauty of the Duddon Valley, Cumbria, offering a fulfilling work-life balance for nature enthusiasts.
• Professional Growth: Access to professional development courses through the University of Cumbria's Organisational Development & Professional Learning team.

Key Considerations for Candidates:

To excel in this role, candidates should possess:

• A genuine passion for nature recovery and sustainable land management practices.
• Proven experience in monitoring ecological or ecosystem outcomes.
• Strong capabilities in developing and managing monitoring systems.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders, particularly within the farming community.
• The ability to collect, analyze, and report on data effectively.
• A proactive and highly motivated approach to project delivery.

Furthermore, candidates should be aware that the role is based in the beautiful, yet remote, Duddon Valley, Cumbria. While this offers an unparalleled connection to nature, it's important to consider personal circumstances regarding location and commuting.

What's on Offer:

Beyond the rewarding nature of the work, this position comes with a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being and professional development:

• An exceptional holiday allowance of 26 days plus approximately 16 Bank Holidays/customary closure days, totaling 42 days per year.
• Generous pension scheme options and life assurance.
• Access to state-of-the-art health and wellbeing facilities, including discounted staff membership at The Edge campus gym.
• Opportunities for personal development through a variety of courses.
• Additional benefits include access to on-site childcare, shopping discounts, and travel schemes.

This role presents a significant opportunity for individuals looking to make a tangible difference in landscape-scale conservation and to grow their expertise within a supportive and dynamic project environment.