Marine Conservation Advisor

The role involves supporting NRW's work on improving marine conservation advice and making a positive difference to marine protected areas in Wales. You will work with technical marine experts across the organisation, engaging with other stakeholders as necessary. The initial focus of the role will be on the Nature Networks funded project entitled Improving Marine Conservation Advice II, focusing on condition assessment and conservation advice packages for cross-border sites.

Initial tasks will include:

• Collating the right information to produce and keep marine conservation advice packages up to date.
• Helping in the development of condition assessments where necessary.
• Considering the best approach to reporting on the condition of marine Sites of Special Scientific Interest (SSSIs).
• Organising and helping run meetings and workshops with specialists to develop and agree the conservation advice.
• Acting as secretariat for the project task and finish group, and other groups as required.

You will analyse, interpret and synthesise data and evidence drawing on information and data from a range of sources. Arrange project meetings with technical specialists and other marine staff including preparing materials for meetings. Prepare conservation advice information, drawing on a range of information and data sources. Support the preparation of material to inform the development of NRW, WG and other Partners policy, statutory advice and guidance documents. Prepare the development of procedures, tools and guidance and lead the delivery of new ways of working. Liaise with relevant NRW staff regarding interactions between teams to ensure the timely and effective delivery of project, policy or strategy obligations. Project manage small evidence projects, in line with the agreed evidence programme. Contribute to task and finish groups, commissioned through the Business Boards, to prepare defined products as required. Prepare material to inform advice to WG and other bodies in Wales. Undertake health and safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post. Be committed to Natural Resources Wales Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy, together with an understanding of how it operates within the responsibilities of the post. Be committed to your own development through the effective use of your personal development plan.

Your qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills include:

• Strong analytical skills that enable you to process, analyse and interpret large amounts of technical and non-technical information.
• Knowledge of Welsh, UK and EU legislation related to MPAs; Welsh, UK Government policy drivers in MPA management; and the issues and opportunities in Wales.
• Experience of technical analysis and interpretation of a range of environmental information and data.
• Experience of working in a programme and project management environment.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to share your knowledge and expertise to help solve problems.

Welsh Language level requirements: Essential: Level A1 - Entry level. Please note if you do not meet the A1 requirement, NRW offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal requirements during the course of your employment with us.

This role will offer a range of benefits, including:

• Civil Service Pension Scheme offering employer contributions of 28.97%.
• 28 days annual leave, rising to 33 days.
• Generous leave entitlements for all your life needs.
• Commitment to professional development.
• Health and wellbeing benefits and support.
• Weekly wellbeing hour to use as you choose.

We are passionate about creating a diverse workforce and positively encourage applications from under-represented communities. We embrace equality of opportunity irrespective of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and sexual orientation. We are committed to equal opportunities, and we guarantee interviews for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

We want to attract and retain talented and highly skilled staff, so we make sure that our pay scales remain competitive. We advertise the full pay scale on our job descriptions. Appointed candidates start at the first point of the pay scale and annual increments are paid each year.

We want our staff to grow professionally and personally. From leadership development to access to further and higher education courses, our staff have opportunities to expand their knowledge on a variety of topics, stay current in their field and continue to learn as their career progresses.

We are a Bilingual organisation which complies with the Welsh Language Standards. Welsh language skills are considered an asset to NRW, and we encourage and support staff to learn, develop and use their Welsh language skills.