Key Responsibilities
Growing membership of the CWF – Undertake activities to grow CWF member base and foster new relations with relevant stakeholders; raise awareness of supports offered by the CWF and also to work with members and steering group to implement the actions of the Strategic Plan 2017-2020 and to develop a new 5-year strategic plan.
Supporting members – Facilitate the sharing of knowledge, ideas and experience between members; organise regular CWF meetings; deal with member queries (e.g. funding applications support). To seek to match new members with local mentor members of CWF and to ensure a sustainable spread to work in this regard.
Developing partnerships – Develop collaboration and knowledge exchange between community groups and other key stakeholders involved in managing and conserving wetlands in Ireland and maximise linkages with other relevant plans, programmes, and strategies.
Community engagement with wetlands – Actively support communities who wish to become involved in the management and conservation of their local wetlands.
Communications and awareness-raising – Develop a communications strategy to promote the CWF and to raise awareness of wetlands and their wise use both locally and nationally; attend relevant events and conferences; produce an e-newsletter for CWF members; development of CWF website and overall social media strategy.
Capacity building and funding – Seek funding resources and other supports to implement actions and assist communities in conserving and managing their local wetland. Promote capacity building and development amongst the CWF members.
Conservation, education and biodiversity projects – Identify conservation management measures, which can be implemented by local communities and develop partnerships withagencies, NGOs and academia to deliver Citizen Science projects; support communities to facilitate ecologically sensitive amenity and tourism use of wetlands, and develop and share knowledge and Best Practice Guidance with members.
Implementation, monitoring and tracking – Ensure the actions outlined in the new Strategic Plan are implemented and where joint actions are required, coordinate implementation with other responsible partners, and report on progress to the CWF and partners.
Undertake any duties of a similar nature as required by the CWF.

Person Specification
Essential Skills and Experience
Very strong verbal and written communication skills
Excellent working knowledge of all Microsoft Office Programmes (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, outlook) or similar
Excellent planning, project management and organisational skills
Excellent interpersonal and influencing skills
Ability to work independently and on own initiative
Good team working skills
Experience of working with communities and local organisations
Experience with traditional media and social media
Full clean driving licence with access to own vehicle
Flexible approach to working schedule including some unsociable hours when required

Desirable Skills and Experience
Marketing and public relations experience
Financial management, fundraising and grant writing experience
Good understanding of natural environment and peatland policy in Ireland
Experience working in the area of wetland and peatland conservation
Experience of working with mapping tools/programs
Experience of working with multiple stakeholders (e.g. volunteers and membership organisations)
Awareness of health and safety, environmental and other relevant legislation

To apply
for this position, please submit a CV and covering letter demonstrating how your skills and experience match the requirements of the Job as outlined above.
Email: info@irishrurallink.ie
Closing date for applications: 5pm on Friday 22nd April 2022