Development Phase Programme Manager
Thames Rivers Trust (TRT) is a catchment-based environmental charity focused on enhancing river health and resilience throughout the Thames Basin. As a convening organisation, TRT collaborates with local delivery partners, statutory agencies, and funders to implement nature-based solutions, support environmental data infrastructure, and improve community access to blue spaces. TRT also coordinates the Thames Catchment Community Eels Project (TCCEP), building on a tradition of multi-partner catchment initiatives to achieve significant environmental and social benefits. Project Summary The Thames Catchment Community Eels Project (TCCEP) is a collaborative, catchment-scale initiative that supports the recovery of the critically endangered European eel by removing migration barriers, restoring river habitats, and reconnecting communities with their local water environments. The project builds on the success of a pilot phase funded through the Green Recovery Challenge Fund (2020 – 2022), which trained over 200 volunteers, surveyed more than 450 barriers, and helped catalyse collaborative action across the Thames Basin. During this Development Phase (2026), partners will work together to finalise the programme design for a three-year Delivery Phase (2027 – 2030). This includes site-level feasibility studies, co-designed community engagement, capital project planning, evaluation framework development, and a final funding application for the Delivery Phase. Alongside habitat restoration, the programme also emphasises education, equity, climate resilience, and long-term legacy, using the iconic eel as a flagship species to inspire action and foster connection. Job Summary This essential role will oversee the coordination, governance, and planning of the TCCEP Development Phase. The Programme Manager will supervise the programme’s daily operations, manage partner input into key workstreams (capital design, education, citizen science, inclusion), and ensure that timelines, budgets, and deliverables meet The Heritage Fund expectations. The role involves direct responsibility for preparing the Delivery Phase funding application and ensuring that the Development Phase creates a strong legacy platform for long-term impact. This includes coordinating evaluation planning, risk registers, governance frameworks, and a sustainable funding strategy. The role requires strong leadership, strategic thinking, and the ability to facilitate collaboration among multiple partners across diverse catchments and disciplines. Key responsibilities Programme Management and DeliveryLead day-to-day coordination of all Development Phase activities across partner organisations. You will be supported by a team including a Learning & Engagement Officer, Finance & Admin Officer and four external consultants (activity, conservation, interpretation, evaluation), alongside the TRT CEO and key staff from the delivery partnersManage and update the programme timeline, risk register, and delivery planOversee preparation and submission of the Delivery Phase application to The National Lottery Heritage FundTrack milestones and ensure high-quality deliverables across capital planning, education, evaluation, and engagement workstreams Stakeholder Engagement and CoordinationConvene and chair monthly partner meetings and quarterly Programme Board meetingsAct as the central contact for The Heritage Fund, Environment Agency, and strategic stakeholdersFacilitate input from delivery partners, ensuring alignment with shared priorities and timelines Communications and ReportingSupport production of communication materials including briefings, reports, and evaluation summariesCollate and submit regular updates to The Heritage FundEnsure clear and effective internal communications among partners Legacy and StrategyLead development of the project legacy strategy and post-2030 sustainability plans Coordinate funding strategy work with TRT’s Fundraising OfficerEmbed climate resilience, equity, and inclusion principles across project planning Please see the attached job description for more details about the role and person specification. Conditions of ServiceFixed term for one year, though we would look to extend the role, subject to alternative funding being available to cover the period between the end of the Development Phase and commencement of the Delivery Phase (3−5 months)Standard working week is 37.5 hours, with flexible working arrangements consideredThe role may involve fieldwork, travel to meetings across the Thames Basin, and working outdoors in varying conditionsNo overtime will be paid; time off in lieu may be taken with prior agreement Application Process To apply, please send:A CV (no more than 2 pages)A one-page covering letter detailing your interest and suitability for the role Send applications to: info@thamesriverstrust.org.uk Deadline: 11.59pm Friday 16th January 2026 Interviews: 27th – 30th January 2026 If you would like to discuss the role, please contact: info@thamesriverstrust.org.uk
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