We are seeking an individual with a strong understanding of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), particularly the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora (CITES), to support the International Advice Team in delivering JNCC’s statutory responsibilities as the UK CITES Scientific Authority (fauna).
The International Advice Team provides scientific and technical advice to governments across the UK on the implementation of a range of biodiversity-related MEAs to which the UK is a Party, as well as supporting international reporting obligations. These agreements include CITES, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), and others.
JNCC are appointed as the UK’s CITES Scientific Authority (fauna) and have undertaken this role since 1991 (and by our predecessor body since 1975); providing Defra, other government departments, the Devolved Governments, and UK Overseas Territories with timely, evidence-based scientific advice on matters relating to CITES, international wildlife trade, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew fulfils the corresponding role for plants. Following the UK's departure from the European Union, the UK's obligations under CITES are now implemented through domestic legislation, including the Control of Trade in Endangered Species (Amendment and Revocation) Regulations 2026.
As trusted government advisers operating at the science-policy interface, JNCC works closely with policymakers, regulators, researchers, and international partners to support evidence-based decision-making. Team members regularly participate in UK delegations to international meetings and contribute to global policy development, technical working groups, and capacity-building initiatives. Our international work continues to expand, and we collaborate with governments, local communities, and other stakeholders worldwide, recognising the environmental, social, and economic importance of biodiversity.
Post Duties:Working as part of a small, highly collaborative team, the successful candidate will help deliver scientific advice and evidence to support decision-making on international wildlife trade and biodiversity conservation issues. They will contribute to the assessment of permit applications, development of scientific advice, research and analysis, and engagement with UK and international stakeholders. The postholder will play an important role in maintaining business continuity and supporting the increasing demand for CITES-related advice and licensing activity following the UK's exit from the European Union.In addition, the postholder will support a range of other activities, including delivering JNCC's intersessional commitments arising from CITES CoP20 (including recent listing proposal relevant to UK), supporting colleagues in developing lines to take at scientific and standing committee meetings, as well as providing scientific advice and training to our Overseas Territories and enforcement authorities, such as Border Force, police force and the National Wildlife Crime Unit. The role will also contribute to broader international biodiversity policy work and support JNCC's wider responsibilities in relation to Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs).This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of science, policy and international conservation, helping to shape the UK’s contribution to global efforts to ensure international wildlife trade is legal, sustainable and does not threaten the survival of species in the wild.
Technical:
To be a successful candidate you will have:
- Good understanding, demonstrated through practical application, of biodiversity conservation, wildlife trade and/or international environmental policy.
- Good understanding of the legal and policy framework underpinning CITES implementation in the UK.
Experience (Responsibilities):
To be a successful candidate you will have:
- Experience of critically evaluating and synthesising evidence from a range of scientific, technical and policy sources to support wildlife trade, conservation or regulatory decision-making, and communicating findings clearly to diverse audiences.
- Experience of representing an organisation in external meetings, working groups or stakeholder engagements.
- Experience of working collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders from a range of organisations, disciplines and cultural backgrounds.
Behaviours:
- Making Effective Decisions
- Delivering at Pace
- Communicating and Influencing
- Working Together
In the event that we receive a large volume of applications we reserve the right to conduct the sift based on the Lead Behaviour of Making Effective Decisions.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
CITES Scientific Adviser 2026068
Company: JNCC Support Co
Salary: from £33,130 a year, pro rata
Hours: Full-time
Location: Peterborough, PE2 8YY
Working pattern: Hybrid - 4 days remote
Job type: Permanent
Posting date: 30 Oct 2026
Closing date: 15 Nov 2026
Summary
Post background:
We are seeking an individual with a strong understanding of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), particularly the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora (CITES), to support the International Advice Team in delivering JNCC’s statutory responsibilities as the UK CITES Scientific Authority (fauna).
The International Advice Team provides scientific and technical advice to governments across the UK on the implementation of a range of biodiversity-related MEAs to which the UK is a Party, as well as supporting international reporting obligations. These agreements include CITES, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), and others.
JNCC are appointed as the UK’s CITES Scientific Authority (fauna) and have undertaken this role since 1991 (and by our predecessor body since 1975); providing Defra, other government departments, the Devolved Governments, and UK Overseas Territories with timely, evidence-based scientific advice on matters relating to CITES, international wildlife trade, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew fulfils the corresponding role for plants. Following the UK's departure from the European Union, the UK's obligations under CITES are now implemented through domestic legislation, including the Control of Trade in Endangered Species (Amendment and Revocation) Regulations 2026.
As trusted government advisers operating at the science-policy interface, JNCC works closely with policymakers, regulators, researchers, and international partners to support evidence-based decision-making. Team members regularly participate in UK delegations to international meetings and contribute to global policy development, technical working groups, and capacity-building initiatives. Our international work continues to expand, and we collaborate with governments, local communities, and other stakeholders worldwide, recognising the environmental, social, and economic importance of biodiversity.
Essential requirements
Post Duties:Working as part of a small, highly collaborative team, the successful candidate will help deliver scientific advice and evidence to support decision-making on international wildlife trade and biodiversity conservation issues. They will contribute to the assessment of permit applications, development of scientific advice, research and analysis, and engagement with UK and international stakeholders. The postholder will play an important role in maintaining business continuity and supporting the increasing demand for CITES-related advice and licensing activity following the UK's exit from the European Union.In addition, the postholder will support a range of other activities, including delivering JNCC's intersessional commitments arising from CITES CoP20 (including recent listing proposal relevant to UK), supporting colleagues in developing lines to take at scientific and standing committee meetings, as well as providing scientific advice and training to our Overseas Territories and enforcement authorities, such as Border Force, police force and the National Wildlife Crime Unit. The role will also contribute to broader international biodiversity policy work and support JNCC's wider responsibilities in relation to Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs).This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of science, policy and international conservation, helping to shape the UK’s contribution to global efforts to ensure international wildlife trade is legal, sustainable and does not threaten the survival of species in the wild.
Technical:
To be a successful candidate you will have:
- Good understanding, demonstrated through practical application, of biodiversity conservation, wildlife trade and/or international environmental policy.
- Good understanding of the legal and policy framework underpinning CITES implementation in the UK.
Experience (Responsibilities):
To be a successful candidate you will have:
- Experience of critically evaluating and synthesising evidence from a range of scientific, technical and policy sources to support wildlife trade, conservation or regulatory decision-making, and communicating findings clearly to diverse audiences.
- Experience of representing an organisation in external meetings, working groups or stakeholder engagements.
- Experience of working collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders from a range of organisations, disciplines and cultural backgrounds.
Behaviours:
- Making Effective Decisions
- Delivering at Pace
- Communicating and Influencing
- Working Together
In the event that we receive a large volume of applications we reserve the right to conduct the sift based on the Lead Behaviour of Making Effective Decisions.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
About Disability Confident
Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.
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