SMEEF Marine Enhancement Grants Officer

at  NatureScot

SKILLS: (PLEASE REFER TO THESE IN YOUR SUPPORTING STATEMENT)

• An excellent understanding of Scottish coastal and marine ecology, habitats and species, and issues relating to their conservation and use, with specific reference to marine enhancement.
• Ability to understand, interpret/challenge and manage ecological data and reporting.
• Knowledge and experience in the assessment and management of ecological/environmental/marine projects and grants.
• Ability to use sound judgement and analyse complex information, identifying key and relevant issues, including risk management.
• Good understanding of performance measurement and evaluation of benefits
• Excellent communication skills with ability to communicate clearly to a variety of audiences; and to provide informed, clear and insightful reports and advice.
• Proven ability to plan and manage workloads, work to deadlines and adapt to changing priorities.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a proven ability to work constructively and supportively with a wide range of sectors to foster good relations and encourage actions by others.
• A degree in a relevant subject or other equivalent relevant experience.

JOB PURPOSE SUMMARY

The Scottish Marine Environmental Enhancement Fund (SMEEF) is an ambitious and innovative initiative seeking to harness private finance to support delivery of marine and coastal environmental enhancement activities in Scottish waters through grant-aided projects. All sectors that use the marine or coastal environment are encouraged to make voluntary contributions to the fund, along with any other companies or individuals interested in investing in marine enhancement.
The Marine Enhancement Grants Officer is a new and important role in the Scottish Marine Environmental Enhancement Fund team. Supporting the Project Manager, the post will lead the effective delivery of SMEEF’s grant programme. This will include ensuring a responsive, customer focussed service and supporting applicants to share learning from their projects. The successful candidate will also lead in developing the grants strategy and a programme for monitoring and reporting to demonstrate impact of SMEEF grants.
Hosted by NatureScot SMEEF administers the funds raised in the form of grants and strategic spending on research and other projects to support marine enhancement in Scotland. To date the programme has sourced and awarded more than £3.5m of funding. This post will expand the capacity of the team to continue this delivery and manage the new seagrass restoration fund (£2.1m) across Scotland.
The Marine Enhancement Grants Officer is a new and important role in the SMEEF team. Supporting the Project Manager, the post will lead the effective delivery of SMEEF’s grant programme. This will include ensuring a responsive, customer focussed service and supporting applicants to share learning from their projects. The successful candidate will also lead in developing the grants strategy and a programme for monitoring and reporting to demonstrate impact of SMEEF grants.
This is a fast moving role. The successful candidate will be flexible in managing the busy workload as part of a small and dispersed team. As a team, we work in an environment of continuous learning and improvement.