At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide strategic advice on ocean governance and support member countries in implementing policies.
- Company: Join the Commonwealth Secretariat, a diverse association of 56 countries focused on sustainable development.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, opportunities for international travel, and impactful work on global ocean issues.
- Other info: Dynamic role with opportunities to engage in international seminars and conferences.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in ocean conservation and governance while collaborating with global leaders.
- Qualifications: Post-graduate degree in relevant field and 10 years of experience in ocean governance.
The predicted salary is between 24750 - 30250 £ per year.
Location: Marlborough House, Pall Mall, London, SW1Y 5HX, UK. The Commonwealth Secretariat is seeking to appoint an Adviser, Ocean Governance within its Climate Change and Oceans Division. The Division leads the Secretariat’s work on environmental resilience, bringing together programmes on climate change and oceans to support member countries to build environmental, political and economic resilience.
The Ocean Section supports delivery of the Commonwealth Secretariat Strategic Plan 2025–2030 by advancing work on environmental resilience and ocean conservation. Its portfolio includes the Ocean Incubator, the Commonwealth Blue Charter Action Groups, the Blue Finance Group delivered in partnership with ORRAA and bilateral technical assistance on maritime boundaries and the BBNJ Agreement.
Reporting to the Head of Oceans, the post-holder will be responsible for delivering specialised strategic, policy, technical, economic and/or legal advice to Commonwealth member governments on ocean governance. This may include advice on the BBNJ Agreement, maritime boundaries, ocean policies and maritime transportation policies. Please note that the role involves frequent overseas travel.
Other responsibilities for this role include (but are not limited to):
- Providing advice to Commonwealth member countries to support the implementation of the BBNJ Agreement, determination of maritime boundaries, development of ocean policies, and development of maritime transportation policies;
- Undertaking analytical work for member countries, including policy reviews, legal gap analyses and drafting policies to strengthen ocean governance;
- Managing technical assistance projects by defining project parameters, securing approvals, developing and monitoring budgets, reporting on implementation and performance, and working effectively in multi-disciplinary project teams;
- Proactively managing relationships with government officials and other stakeholders in those Commonwealth member countries receiving technical assistance from the Ocean Section;
- Developing strategic partnerships and initiatives with multilateral and bilateral agencies, and maintaining contact with senior government officials, investors and other international agencies;
- Contributing to international seminars, conferences, expert group meetings and ministerial meetings, assisting with events on ocean governance, and providing technical inputs to support grants to countries on ocean governance.
To be considered, you will need a post-graduate degree in a relevant area of specialisation, such as ocean law, ocean governance, environmental economics, marine biology or a similar field. You will also need at least 10 years of experience advising senior counterparts on ocean governance, including at least five years’ experience in one or more of the following areas: the BBNJ Agreement, maritime boundaries, ocean policies and/or maritime transportation policies. A PhD, law degree, or experience organising conferences or workshops would be advantageous.
The Commonwealth is a voluntary association of 56 member governments and provides guidance on policymaking, technical assistance and advisory services to Commonwealth member countries. We support governments to help achieve sustainable, inclusive and equitable development.
To join us, you must be a citizen of a Commonwealth country.
Adviser, Ocean Governance in City of Westminster employer: The Commonwealth
The Commonwealth Secretariat is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at the heart of climate-resilient economic development in Central London. With a strong commitment to sustainable practices and a collaborative work culture, employees benefit from professional growth opportunities and the chance to make a meaningful impact on global energy and natural resource policies. Join us to be part of a dynamic team dedicated to addressing pressing climate challenges while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Pall Mall.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Adviser, Ocean Governance in City of Westminster
✨Get Involved in Local Environmental Initiatives
Dive into your local environmental scenes, like community clean-up projects or eco-focused events. Not only will you meet like-minded people, but it's a surefire way to showcase your passion and skills in environmental engineering tech.
✨Join Industry-Specific Organisations
Check out organisations like the Institution of Environmental Engineers for networking opportunities and resources. They often host events and seminars that can help us connect with key players in the industry, including potential employers like The Commonwealth.
✨Show Off Your Projects and Passion
Create a portfolio that highlights any relevant projects, whether it's coursework, internships, or personal initiatives. Share this online, perhaps even on platforms like GitHub or your own website, to grab the attention of hiring managers looking for talent like us.
✨Utilise Environmental Job Boards
Take advantage of niche job boards dedicated to environmental careers. Sites like Green Jobs, Environmental Career and EcoJobs often feature openings from companies like The Commonwealth and can help us land that full-time gig.
We think you need these skills to ace Adviser, Ocean Governance in City of Westminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Technical Skills:When applying for a role in environmental engineering tech, make sure to highlight your technical skills like CAD software proficiency, data analysis, or modelling techniques. These are essential for the job and should stand out in your CV and cover letter, showing how you can contribute to projects at The Commonwealth.
Demonstrate Your Passion for Sustainability:In this field, showcasing your passion for sustainability and environmental protection can set you apart. Include any relevant projects, volunteer experience, or courses that underline your commitment to these causes. The Commonwealth will appreciate candidates who genuinely care about making a difference.
Tailor Your Application to the Role:Don't just send a generic CV and cover letter. Make sure to tailor your application to the specific role of Adviser, Ocean Governance at The Commonwealth. Highlight experiences that align directly with the job description and give concrete examples of your work to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for a full-time position.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have certifications related to environmental engineering or technology, like LEED Accreditation or any relevant software certifications, make sure to mention them. These qualifications can boost your application and show that you’re serious about your professional development in this competitive field.
How to prepare for a job interview at The Commonwealth
✨Brush Up on Environmental Regulations
Make sure you’re well-versed in the latest environmental regulations and standards. In an environmental engineering tech role at The Commonwealth, you might be asked specific questions about compliance measures, so understanding these will definitely give you an edge.
✨Showcase Your Technical Skills
Prepare to demonstrate your proficiency with relevant tools and software, such as AutoCAD or GIS. You might be given a practical problem to solve during the interview, so it’s a great idea to brush up on these skills and perhaps even bring a portfolio of your projects to showcase your technical prowess.
✨Highlight Your Passion for Sustainability
In a full-time role, employers are looking for commitment and enthusiasm. Share your experiences, studies, or projects that reflect your passion for environmental sustainability. This will show The Commonwealth that you're not just qualified but genuinely invested in the field.
✨Prepare for Behavioural Questions
Be ready for behavioural questions that assess how you handle teamwork, conflict, and project management. Think of examples from your studies or practical experiences where you tackled challenges effectively, showcasing both your technical and interpersonal skills.
