Senior International Biodiversity Adviser – Negotiation

About the job

This is an exciting and influential role for individuals who can follow technical and policy detail, while seeing the bigger picture. They will inform decision‑making across government and wider society.

The Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) is the statutory adviser to the UK Government on nature conservation in the UK and internationally, working at the science‑policy interface. The International Advice Team leads on providing advice to governments across the UK on a range of Multi‑lateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) to which the UK is Party, including the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), CITES, Ramsar, CMS, and other affiliated science‑policy platforms.

Our experts regularly form part of UK delegations at international meetings and engage with other associated international‑level fora.

The post holder will contribute to JNCC’s efforts that enable the UK to meet its international obligations across a number of MEAs, primarily leading JNCC’s contributions to negotiations under the Convention on Biological Diversity.

As a Senior Biodiversity Adviser, you will provide expert advice on the UK’s negotiating positions in intergovernmental fora, offer real‑time support during negotiations, contribute to intergovernmental technical advisory bodies, and support wider nature‑related government evidence and research programmes. You will be expected to become a national or international leader in your specialism and will work closely with Defra, other UK government departments, and the devolved governments to develop advice and guidance on a variety of international issues and their implementation at the UK level.

Significant international travel will be required.

• Lead the development of scientific and technical advice to Defra, the Devolved Administrations, and the Statutory Nature Conservation Bodies on issues relating to international biodiversity.
• Lead a small team in preparations for international meetings, including drafting documents, gathering and analysing relevant evidence, and preparing briefings for UK delegations.
• Represent JNCC at relevant meetings in the UK and participate in UK Government delegations at international meetings, including at Conferences of the Parties and other intersessional meetings.
• Regularly contribute to or lead small interdisciplinary project teams that deliver their objectives to required deadlines and within budget.
• Lead the development of new projects.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders to enable delivery against UK objectives and meet wider UK policy commitments.
• Line‑manage one or more H‑Grade staff, ensuring they have the correct direction and resources to successfully undertake their work and supporting their professional development.
• Contribute to the effective and efficient functioning of the International Advice Team, the International Directorate, and wider JNCC.

• Excellent understanding of international policies and legislation, including sub‑national and national UK governmental structures, ideally through first‑hand experience.
• Experience translating science into compelling, concise communication materials that inform decision‑making processes.
• Experience participating in intergovernmental decision‑making processes and negotiations.
• Experience diplomatically engaging with policymakers, stakeholders and partners, determining their priorities and working collaboratively within intergovernmental fora.
• Experience identifying and explaining the connections between biodiversity and other fields, such as climate change, national security and public health.

Alongside a salary of £41,525, JNCC contributes £12,029 towards a Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. Employees are offered a range of benefits including paid maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave, a free, confidential Employee Assistance Programme, flexible working arrangements, CPD funding, and access to civil service pension arrangements and a Civil Service Sports Club.

JNCC is committed to creating an inclusive environment where discrimination, harassment, bullying and prejudice will not be tolerated. Suitability is assessed on merit and through fair and open competition in accordance with Civil Service recruitment principles. Equality and diversity, including disability inclusion, are upheld in all stages of the selection process.