Senior International Biodiversity Adviser – Implementation – 2026029 in Peterborough

As a Senior Biodiversity Adviser, you will provide expert advice supporting the UK Government and component subnational governments to develop and implement policies to achieve the ambitions agreed in international fora. To do this, support development of the UK’s negotiating positions in intergovernmental fora, contribute to intergovernmental technical advisory bodies, assess the UK’s progress in achieving its intergovernmental obligations, 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 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 at JNCC. You 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.

You will principally focus on leading JNCC’s work to support implementation of the KMGBF in the four countries of the UK and the UKOTCDs. 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.
• Lead the work of a small team developing advice on the implementation of the KM-GBF in the UK, including the development of indicators and target-setting, compiling National Reports under CBD, and maintaining the UK Biodiversity Clearing House Mechanism.
• Representing JNCC and the United Kingdom in working groups and international partnerships to facilitate implementation.
• Regularly contribute to or lead small interdisciplinary project teams that draw upon staff from across JNCC, ensuring such teams effectively and efficiently deliver their objectives 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.

Behaviours

• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace
• Making Effective Decisions
• Communicating and Influencing

Technical skills

• 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.
• Excellent understanding of indicator development and use for setting and monitoring progress against biodiversity goals and targets, ideally through first‑hand experience.
• Experience translating science into compelling, concise communication materials that inform decision‑making processes.
• Experience diplomatically engaging with policymakers, stakeholders, and partners, determining their priorities and working collaboratively with them.
• Experience thinking strategically and making effective use of project management skills and other techniques to deliver outcomes, including identifying risks and mitigating actions.

Benefits

• Salary of £41,525, with a £12,029 contribution towards the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme.
• Access to a range of benefits including the Civil Service Pension, Employee Assistance Programme, and civil service sports club.
• Annual leave allowance of 25 days per annum, increasing to 30 days after five years of service, plus 12 public and shared days per annum.
• Four working days per annum for Continuous Professional Development, with related funding available.
• Flexible working arrangements and family‑friendly policies, including flexi‑time, compressed hours, and shared parental leave beyond statutory entitlement.

Equality and diversity

JNCC is committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected and see this as a good place to work. JNCC has a responsibility to ensure that we have an inclusive culture where discrimination, harassment, bullying and prejudice will not be tolerated. Our selection process is determined on fair and open competition and regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership.