Senior International Biodiversity Adviser - Negotiation

As a Senior Biodiversity Adviser, you will provide expert advice on the UK's negotiating positions in intergovernmental fora, provide advice in 'real-time' during intergovernmental negotiations, contribute to intergovernmental technical advisory bodies, and contribute to wider nature-related Government evidence and research programmes. In this role, you will be expected to become a national or even international leader in your respective specialism(s). JNCC will support you to reach your full potential, as we recognise that our work areas are niche and new postholders may lack the experience to immediately become a national or international leader when they start  will be required to have a good understanding of the importance of the relationship between scientific research, evidence and policy development.

You will work closely with officials in Defra, other UK government departments and the devolved governments, and with specialists from across JNCC and the Country Nature Conservation Bodies. This will support the development of advice and guidance on a variety of international issues and their implementation at the UK level. You will work with a wide range of specialists and stakeholders in this role.

You will undertake policy-relevant analysis and develop practical advice in a fast-moving science-policy environment. Significant international travel will be required in this post. You will principally focus on leading JNCC's contributions to UK negotiations under the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD). You may also be required to work across other MEAs to support team resilience and leverage opportunities for cross-MEA impact.

• Leading the development of scientific and technical advice to Defra, the Devolved Administrations, and the Statutory Nature Conservation Bodies on issues relating to international biodiversity.
• Leading the work of a small team in preparations for international meetings including drafting documents, gathering and analysing relevant evidence, and preparing briefings for UK delegations.
• Representing JNCC at relevant meetings in the UK and participating in UK Government delegations at international meetings, including at the Conferences of the Parties and at other related intersessional meetings.
• Regularly contribute to or lead small interdisciplinary project teams that draw upon staff from across JNCC, ensuring such teams effectively and efficiently deliver their objections to the required deadlines and within budget.
• Leading the development of new projects.
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with key stakeholders to enable delivery against UK objectives and meet wider UK policy commitments.
• Directly line manage one or more H-Grade staff, ensuring they have the correct direction and resources to successfully undertake their work. Proactively develop line reports to support them in reaching their full potential.
• Proactively 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 an understanding of the sub-national and national governmental structures of the UK, ideally through first‑hand experience.