The South Downs National Park Authority is a brand new organisation that aims to conserve and enhance the South Downs and help people learn about and enjoy everything that makes the area special.

The Authority became fully operational on 1st April 2011 and we are looking for talented individuals to take this important work forward. We are committed to creating a modern, flexible organisation that works through partnership and supports local action.

The Nature Improvement Areas' Programme was introduced by the Government's Natural Environment White Paper in June 2011 to 'enhance and reconnect nature on a significant scale' in England. The South Downs Way Ahead NIA has been chosen as one of the 12 successful candidates and Natural England, on behalf of the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, has agreed to offer the South Downs Way Ahead Partnership a Nature Improvement Area Grant of £608,285. The South Downs Way Ahead NIA Business Plan has five key objectives, which are as follows:

Walk the Chalk: To broaden the South Downs Way National Trail as a semi-natural corridor and improve the natural qualities of the route.

Linking the Fragments: To achieve real improvements to the conservation and management of chalk grassland at the heart of the matrix of downland habitats.

Surface to Groundwater: To demonstrate the viability and benefits of an input-based approach to the improvement of groundwater quality.

Town to Down: To assess and demonstrate the benefits of ecosystem services to urban populations.

Valuing the Chalk: To attribute environmental, economic and social values to the benefits and services provided by chalk downland.

We are looking for a Project Administrator who is highly motivated and will bring enthusiasm to provide an excellent administrative service to support and co-ordinate delivery of the South Downs Way Ahead NIA. Working with NIA stakeholders to implement and monitor projects and activities described in the NIA Business Plan. You will be responsible for reporting on NIA funding and resources and liaison and reporting to Natural England (NE) on behalf of the Partnership, in accordance with the NIA Terms and Conditions.

As the successful candidate it is essential that you have the following experience, qualifications and skills:

• Significant experience of coordinating and supporting diverse partnerships, and the ability to deal with project partners and other stakeholders sensitively and appropriately.
• Experience of developing, delivering and monitoring major projects including budget planning coupled with the ability to administer financial procedures in line with organisational policy, using a range of project management methods and tools.
• Experience of working with a wide range of stakeholders, including government, NGOs, landowners and local communities.
• Demonstrable experience of using excellent writing skills to produce high quality project reports to deadlines.
• Grade C or above GCSE Maths and English or equivalent OR proven competence in these areas.
• Ability to organise effectively and prioritise own workload in order to meet competing deadlines, working independently within broad guidelines, seeing advice where appropriate, and being equally effective as a team member.
• Demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills, communicating confidently and effectively at all levels and with a wide range of individuals and organisations.
• A smart appearance and good presentation skills.


It would also be desirable that you have a degree or equivalent in conservation, ecology or land management and a qualification or accredited training in project management. As would be some knowledge and experience of UK biodiversity conservation issues and work.

If you think that you can add real value to this role and would like to join our team and meet the person specification then we would like to hear from you.

• Starting salary of £17,500-£19,000 pro-rata (4 days per week) within a scale of £17,500 - £22,000), depending on skills and experience
• Location: Singleton, Nr Chichester, West Sussex
• Job Type: Fixed Term Contract to March 2015
• Hours: Part Time 4 days per week (29.6 hours)
• Closing date: 31 May 2012, 11:30am