Consultant - Marine & Fisheries Policy

Consultant to join our marine and fisheries team. The role will sit in ICF’s European Policy, Research, Evaluation and Strategy unit. ICF provides independent policy research, evaluation and analytical support to the Defra group and other UK public sector clients. We provide robust evidence and strategic support to policy‑makers and regulators, using the latest research and evaluation methodologies, advanced data science and behavioural insights. We work across the full spectrum of UK environmental and related policies, from nature restoration to food production, climate adaptation to resource management.

Our marine team supports our clients to address critical policy and management challenges on issues at the top of today’s policy agenda, including:

• Marine biodiversity and natural capital
• Marine protected areas and conservation
• Marine planning and environmental governance
• Blue economy
• Sustainable fisheries

Examples of our work include:

• Developing guidance on how to apply the natural capital approach to marine and coastal environments
• Assessing the impacts of marine protected areas
• Providing guidance on how to better evaluate the effectiveness of marine planning
• Supporting the running of the EU Blue Economy Observatory
• Evaluative research to enhance how new Fisheries Management Plans are delivered
• Research on social networks in fishing communities
• Assessing the performance of the new UK bluefin tuna fishery

There will be opportunities to work across these issues and our wider environmental portfolio. From day one, you will contribute to a diverse range of assignments by undertaking qualitative and quantitative research and analysis that impacts directly on public policy decisions. In parallel, we will provide you with the opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills further through excellent training and development support, structured career guidance systems, our mentoring programme, communities of practice and line management arrangements.

Your main responsibilities will be to:

• Undertake research and analysis
• Engage with stakeholders through the delivery of primary research
• Support managers through the coordination of projects and research tasks
• Help us to win new work by contributing to compelling research proposals

Who we are looking for:

We are looking for someone with the following skills and experience:

• Demonstrable interest and experience in a relevant UK marine policy area
• Degree, Master’s degree or PhD in a relevant discipline
• Relevant academic and/or consultancy research experience
• Skills in policy analysis, social and economic research, environmental economics, and/or data science
• Strong qualitative, quantitative and analytical skills
• Exceptional ability to write and communicate in English
• Strong organisational and collaborative working skills
• Highly-developed interpersonal skills and self‑motivation

Prior experience in a consulting environment would be an advantage but we also welcome applicants with backgrounds in academia, government and non‑governmental employment. Interested candidates are invited to demonstrate their skills, experience and interests by submitting a one‑page cover letter and a two‑page CV.

The benefits of joining ICF:

Our people at ICF are our most important asset, so we invest in them from the moment they arrive. When you join our team, you’ll have access to a vast array of benefits to help you live your life well. We offer a hybrid working policy, which will provide you with the flexibility to collaborate in the office, as well as in the comfort of your own home, ensuring you are able to successfully deliver the requirements of your role. To support you, our employee wellbeing hub is designed to provide highly personalised support across a comprehensive range of wellbeing issues, such as mind, body, finances, community, career programs and HR support. We enjoy celebrating success, which is why we have a competitive recognition program called ‘You Matter’, which awards points as a ‘thank you’ for your work achievements. These can be spent on a large variety of high‑quality items, as well as online or high‑street vouchers, all with zero tax payable by the employee.

ICF also offers a range of competitive benefits, which include:

• Single Private Medical Insurance cover with no restrictions on existing conditions.
• Dental insurance and an online GP service.
• 25 days annual leave, plus UK bank holidays (annual leave increases with years of service).
• Pension scheme with 5% of salary employer contribution.
• Life assurance paying 4× annual salary and Group Income Protection paying 66% of salary for up to 5 years if you are off work on long‑term sick.
• Enhanced parental leave policies, enhanced maternity, paternity, adoption, and shared parental pay.

Candidate AI Usage Policy:

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair and equitable interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in‑person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process. However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodations that involve the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at candidateaccommodation@icf.com. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.