We are looking for a Finance Officer for the ‘LIFE Raft project - Rathlin Acting for Tomorrow: Removing invasive non-native ferrets and rats from the Rathlin Island SPA, Northern Ireland.’ Rathlin Island is Northern Ireland’s only inhabited offshore island, with a permanent community of around 160 people. Rathlin is of great importance for wildlife at both national and EU levels, but this wildlife is under threat from invasive non-native ferrets and rats. The aim of the LIFE Raft project is to safeguard this wildlife by eradicating both the ferret and rat populations from the island, whilst embedding sound biosecurity measures to prevent their return. The project will strengthen existing local pride in, and stewardship of, the island’s natural heritage and create significant socioeconomic opportunities for a sustainable future. Success will require a multi-disciplinary approach covering technical operations, community engagement and collaborative working across the project partnership and with key external stakeholders.

We are looking for a highly experienced and motivated Finance Officer who will take on the role of supporting the RSPB and the RDCA team in the financial administration of this project. This role will be managed by the LIFE Raft Programme Manager and will lead and support tasks such as overseeing project and internal budgeting processes, processing payments, preparing and monitoring contracts, checking partner expenditure reports and receipts and conducting audit spot-checks.  In addition, duties will include expenditure monitoring and reporting for our lower value funded projects, including preparing financial claims, checking timesheets and receipts, ensuring compliance with funder requirements and preparing documentation and reports for project audits. 

Aside from having excellent numeracy skills, you will will be highly organised, happy to work in a close-knit team and proficient in the use of Microsoft Excel spreadsheets. You will have a ‘can do’ attitude and also be skilled at cultivating and maintaining both internal and external working relationships.  Ideally, you will have previous experience handling sensitive financial data and grant/financial administration.  Very occasional travel around the UK and abroad may be required. You will also be a team player, willing to support every member of the team to succeed in their respective roles. You can expect the same in return. Finally, you will be a passionate advocate for Rathlin Island and the recovery and conservation of breeding seabirds in this fragile island ecosystem.

Key Result Areas: 

Manage project budgets and expenditure in close collaboration with the programme manager. You will recognise and minimise RSPB financial risks through monitoring project compliance with external grant conditions and taking action to improve systems and processes and/or alert the Programme Manager to ensure management is aware. Monitor partner expenditure and advise relevant staff of issues where necessary.Cultivate and maintain relationships with staff in partner organisations to ensure they fully comply with financial reporting obligations to the RSPB, and to assist and advise them in financial management. Prepare appropriate contracts with partner organisations and other contractors, ensure they are enacted properly, process payments on behalf of RSPB. Demonstrate effective team working to adhere to our values. 

Essential qualifications, skills, and experience:

Educated to degree level or have sufficient relevant experience to be able to carry out duties effectively. Knowledge of financial management (knowledge of EU LIFE, NLHF and/or DAERA financial management processes would be highly desirable). Advanced spreadsheet skills Excellent numeric skills Highly proficient in the use of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel Proven relationship and partnership building skills Proven financial management skills Proven risk management skills Proven diplomacy and negotiation skills Experience of handling confidential and legally privileged financial data - spreadsheets and databases 

Desirable qualifications, knowledge, skills and experience: 

Proven track record of developing and managing large project budgets up to £500k 

Additional Information:

This role is fixed-term for 15 months, part time working 25 hours per week 

As part of this application process you will be asked to complete an application form to evidence of how your meet the skills, knowledge, and experience requested.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 6 October 2025. For further information please contact erinmckeown@rspb.org.uk.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate, sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled, we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any additional support you may need to complete your application.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship - the successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be offered an employment contract.

Before applying for this role, we recommend reading through the candidate guidance notes attached to the top of this advert. 

LIFE Raft is made possible with funding from EU LIFE, National Lottery Heritage Fund, DAERA & Garfield Weston. LIFE Raft is supported by partners the Rathlin Development & Community Association, Causeway Coast & Glens Heritage Trust, Causeway Coast & Glens Borough Council and DAERA.