Lead Policy Advocate - Nature and Climate Finance

The Woodland Trust is looking for a Lead Policy Advocate - Climate and Nature Finance to drive our advocacy on green finance and ecosystem service markets. Green finance is an emerging priority for UK and devolved governments, and this role provides the opportunity to shape and promote high integrity and high impact approaches for woods and trees.

The Role:

• Influence public policy and market frameworks by working closely with government, regulators, corporate partners and the wider conservation sector.
• Provide expert insight into emerging nature markets and finance models that support the Trust’s strategic and income-generating goals.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with senior leaders, corporate stakeholders and voluntary sector partners to extend the Trust’s policy influence.
• Represent the Trust in external forums, clearly communicating policy priorities in language that resonates with business and policy audiences.
• Monitor public policy developments across the UK, identifying risks, opportunities and informing internal teams accordingly.
• Support cross-organisational collaboration by responding to internal requests, managing external relationships, and adapting to evolving priorities.
• This is a hybrid role with travel to London, Cardiff, Edinburgh and to our Head Office in Grantham, once or twice a month.

The Candidate:

• You have an enthusiasm for the environment and share our core values-Grow Together, Explore, Focus and Make it Count
• Proven experience in policy and advocacy relating to green finance and ecosystem service markets, with a strong understanding of their role in environmental and conservation outcomes.
• Skilled in shaping and delivering policy goals through effective external advocacy and stakeholder engagement across public, private, and voluntary sectors.
• Confident communicator with the ability to influence and build credibility at senior levels and translate complex policy into compelling messages.
• Knowledge of UK policy landscapes, including devolved administrations, and how to tailor approaches accordingly.
• Collaborative and evidence-led, with experience aligning internal teams and expertise to support advocacy efforts.
• Educated to degree level or equivalent, with a commitment to continuous learning and willingness to travel across the UK as needed.

Benefits & Wellbeing: Joining our team means you'll be a big part of tackling environmental and climate issues. We take good care of our staff, offering support and training opportunities. We also offer:

• Enhanced Employer Pension
• Life Assurance
• Flexible & Hybrid Working Options
• Generous Annual Leave - 25 days + bank holidays (pro rata for part time)
• Buy and Sell Annual Leave
• Enhanced Parental Pay
• Employee Assistance Programme

About Us: The Woodland Trust is the UK's leading woodland conservation charity and is dedicated to creating a world where trees and woods thrive for both people and nature. Our mission involves engaging and inspiring individuals to contribute toward tackling the nature and climate crisis through the protection, restoration, and creation of essential woodland habitats.

Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion: To achieve our vision of a world where woods and trees thrive for people and nature, we need to better reflect society and the communities we work in. All people, no matter their background, identity, ability, or circumstance, should benefit from trees.

People of colour and disabled people are currently under-represented across the environment and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we particularly encourage you to apply.

Please contact us to discuss any additional support or adjustments you may need to complete your application.

Application Advice: For fairness we keep our candidates’ personal details hidden from the hiring managers, so they do not see your CV until shortlisting is completed.

Make sure that your Personal Statement clearly shows how your skills and knowledge link to the specifications in the job description and you share with us your passion for the role.

Acceptable Use Policy - Artificial Intelligence (AI): We understand that candidates may choose to use AI tools to support their job applications-for example, to help structure or edit written responses. We welcome the use of AI in this way, particularly where it helps improve accessibility, such as for neurodivergent applicants. However, we ask that any information submitted reflects your own experience, skills and understanding. During interviews, candidates are expected to respond independently without the use of AI tools. If you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please contact recruitment@woodlandtrust.org.uk

Apply Now: If you're ready to make a difference and grow with us, send in your application today. We might close the job opening early if we get a lot of applications, so it's a good idea to apply soon. If we do close the advert early, and you have an application in process, we will email you prior to closing to give you time to complete.

Interviews will be held via Microsoft Teams on the following dates:

Wednesday 8th and Monday 13th October 2025

For queries relating to this new opportunity please email recruitment@woodlandtrust.org.uk.