Location
Central London (National role)

Hours
Full Time

Salary
£32,240 per annum

About the Role
The Peatland Team at Natural England provides advice, support, and delivery of work across four key programmes, primarily contributing to the Resilient Landscape and Seas Programme. This includes delivering the peat action plan aimed at reversing peatland decline and supporting the Nature Recovery Network and Government’s net zero targets. The team advises Government on environmental policy related to peatlands and uplands, manages environmental land schemes, and leads stakeholder relationships at a national level. New initiatives include developing the Peatland Restoration Roadmap to deliver the England Peat Action Plan and creating internal standards on emerging issues.

The Grants Higher Officer will join an established team responsible for maintaining strong communication with grantees, processing quarterly claims, responding to project queries, and ensuring all documentation and evidence are complete. The role involves accurate financial record keeping, updating trackers, filing documentation, supporting process improvements, and assisting with compliance visits.

This position supports Strategy teams in developing and delivering grant schemes across Natural England’s programmes, coordinating delivery through engagement with operational teams. The role impacts government-funded grant schemes for nature recovery through delivery, coordination, and support.

Experience
- Sound administrative skills and basic project management knowledge.
- Experience in finance or grant-related roles.
- Good understanding of Natural England’s roles and delivery responsibilities.
- Proven ability to collaborate with diverse stakeholders to achieve practical outcomes.
- Experience delivering work against targets and deadlines within project or programme management frameworks.
- Ability to manage competing demands and multiple cases simultaneously.

About you
- Clear communicator able to explain complex financial processes using appropriate language and techniques.
- Responsible data handler with understanding of governance, policies, and procedures.
- Proactive team player who participates actively in team meetings and cross-team working.
- Committed to continuous improvement and promoting efficient, effective, and consistent processes.
- Able to build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
- Motivated to contribute to nature recovery and wider societal goals through effective grant scheme delivery.

Qualifications
- Please refer to the job description for detailed person specification.
- No specific formal qualifications are explicitly required, but relevant experience and skills are essential.