Farming and Rural Enterprise Officer

**Northumberland National Park Authority**

Post: Farming and Rural Enterprise Officer - Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme

Directorate: Park Management - Conservation and Environment

Responsible to: Conservation and Environment Manager

Responsible for: No direct reports

Grade: Band 5

Term: Fixed Term Contract through to 31st March 2025

Workbase: Based from our offices in Rothbury or Hexham including travel within the National Park. Hybrid work from home options also available.

**Job Purpose**

Work alongside NNPA Farming Officers and Farming in Protected Landscapes Programme (FiPL) team, to support the Northumberland National Park land management community and successfully deliver the FiPL Programme.

Develop and coordinate projects with land managers and other stakeholders that deliver the NNPA Management Plan, Business Plan and Natural Environment Vision (NEV) through the FiPL Programme.

**Key Result Areas**

Strategy Development and Implementation
- Liaise with other staff in the Conservation and Environment Department to ensure effective targeting of schemes and projects to secure delivery of the Authority’s strategies and corporate objectives, taking into account wider issues such as Natural Capital enhancement, climate change ambition and catchment planning.
- Coordinate project development between the Farming and FiPL teams.
- Ensure FiPL projects are complimentary to alternative funding mechanisms and policy.

Project Development and Implementation
- Work closely with the NNPA Farming Officers and FiPL Programme team to identify and develop projects with land managers.
- Provide advice to land managers and colleagues on funding through the Authority’s and other grants schemes.

Support and Advocacy
- Provide detailed technical advice, training to farmers, landowners and managers, staff and the Authority on FiPL.
- Have an understanding of the links between Countryside Stewardship and new projects.
- Working closely with partner organisations, ensure that these schemes are widely and effectively applied in the National Park to deliver the Authority’s Vision, statutory purposes and corporate objectives.
- Working with the team develop, monitor and review policy in relation to natural capital and the farmed landscape in order to achieve the Authority’s stated objectives and outcomes.
- Provide advice to land based businesses on the development of rural diversification projects, renewable energy and climate adaptation schemes.
- To support project and programme level evaluation, including reporting to funding bodies and the National Park Authority.

Partnership and Liaison
- Through collaboration with other organisations, contribute to the development of the Authority’s role as a key consultee and advisor for the delivery of land based schemes, including the provision of land surveys, management plans, technical advice and training for applicants and their agents.
- Work with other staff within the Authority to interpret farming and related rural issues to a wider audience.
- Deliver sustainable land management activities with a focus on empowering communities and enterprising local businesses and social enterprise.
- As part of a team, support a culture which fosters innovation, creativity, open communication and collaboration throughout the Authority.
- Work closely with the FiPL team and Conservation and Environment Manager to report on targets.

Other Duties
- Write reports for the Authority and Leadership Team as required.
- Proactively support the promotion of equality and inclusion in all areas of work.
- Comply with General Protection Data Regulation (GDPR) and implement Memorandum of Understanding with key partners, as appropriate.
- Undertake any other duties consistent with the post as may be directed by the Conservation and Environment Manager.

**Northumberland National Park Authority**

**Person Specification**

**Essential Requirements**

Knowledge
- Educated to degree level in a land based discipline or equivalent level of experience.
- Knowledge of agricultural and forestry land management policy and grant schemes, issues and techniques to achieve environmental improvement and habitat connectivity.
- Knowledge of current Natural Environment policy and issues facing rural upland communities.

Experience
- Experience and in-depth knowledge of upland farming and land management systems.
- Experience of working with agri-environment schemes.
- Experience of working with farmers and landowners and other statutory agencies.

**Skills**:

- Excellent interpersonal skills, in particular an ability to discuss and negotiate effectively with landowners and other stakeholders.
- Ability to influence partners, land managers in a way that leads to effective delivery and good working relationships.

Personal Qualities
- Ability to travel to sites throughout the National Park in order to fulfil the requirements of the post.

Desirable Requirements
- Knowledge of National Park