Job summary
Post background
The Nature Conservation Policy and Advice (NCPA) Team in JNCC plays a key role in nature conservation in the UK, working with partners in the country nature conservation bodies (CNCBs), the UK and devolved governments and the wider nature conservation community. We maintain an overview of UK nature conservation policy and legislation; facilitate, convene and, where required, co-ordinate joint UK working on key topics; and work with UK countries on areas of priority where JNCC contributes complementary capabilities of evidence and advice. Within JNCC, the NCPA Team works collaboratively across the organisation delivering shared solutions, for example on protected areas, and in developing evidence-based approaches to addressing environmental threats and opportunities.
We are looking for someone with knowledge of nature conservation and environmental issues, and with a good grasp of what the future might hold in addressing the environmental challenges and ambitions in the UK. You will have the ability to rapidly understand, analyse and synthesise information from a range of sources, while integrating current evidence and advice into regular engagement with stakeholders. These stakeholders are the governments of the four countries of the UK the CNCBs and other government agencies, and wider stakeholders on the development of new initiatives for nature recovery and the provision of public goods (including the Environmental Land Management Scheme in England and supporting the agricultural transition in Northern Ireland). Your work will ensure JNCC�s evidence and advice is effectively deployed to deliver the best outcomes for nature recovery.
You will need to understand the developing policy surrounding biodiversity, agriculture, the wider environment, and of the supporting science and evidence. You will be involved in projects across the team and will lead specific areas, depending on your experience, skills, and interests.
Job description
Post Duties�
1. Provide policy and technical advice and expertise on issues relating to biodiversity in the UK.
2. Understand and help shape the team�s priorities through joint-UK working on biodiversity, protected areas, land use, and natural capital, by identifying innovative solutions and build relationships with key partners and stakeholders from across the UK to deliver best outcomes for nature recovery.
3. Gather and interpret information in relevant policy areas within UK and devolved governments, country nature conservation bodies and other stakeholders.
4. Collate, manage and quality assure data and related databases on key areas of delivery.
5. Communicate effectively, for instance through presentations, reports, and scientific papers, managing web content, newsletters, and other media.
6. Identify new and emerging evidence and advice needs and work with team members and other partners to develop these ideas towards funding and implementation.
To contribute to the running of JNCC�s business through taking responsibility for any of:
7. project management support and outcome dissemination, and where necessary act as project manager,
8. convening and running joint UK groups and other project groups,
9. manage contracts, including the drafting of specifications and undertaking of procurement, in line with skills and experience.
Person specification
Please demonstrate in your statement your suitability for the position.
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
10. Making Effective Decisions
11. Communicating and Influencing
12. Delivering at Pace
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
13. An understanding of natural capital and ecosystems services concepts, how these concepts relate to nature conservation and more broadly across society.
14. Knowledge of the policy and legislative framework for environment and nature conservation in the UK.
15. Excellent evidence synthesis and writing skills, including experience of analysing complex information, graphic presentation and communicating complex concepts to technical and non-technical audiences.
16. Experience of working in interdisciplinary teams, including building and maintaining effective collaborative relationships.
Benefits
Alongside your salary of �30,573, Joint Nature Conservation Committee contributes �8,866 towards you being a member of the Civil Service Defined Benefit Pension scheme. 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.
Continuous professional development (CPD)
Employees are encouraged to keep developing skills and professional knowledge.
JNCC has made available, and encourages employees to use, on average, five working days per annum for CPD activities with access to related funding
Leave entitlement
JNCC annual leave allowance is 25 days per annum. After five years� service, leave entitlement increases to 30 days per annum.
In addition to annual leave, JNCC offers 12 public and privilege days per annum, three of which are explicitly reserved for office closure between Christmas and New Year.
Work/life balance
JNCC supports flexible working hours and practices to help employees strike a good balance between work life and personal life.
Our policies are family-friendly and include flexi-time, flexible working patterns, compressed hours and dispersed working. JNCC also offers paid maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave, over and above the minimum statutory entitlements. Some work/life balance benefits are available following a minimum length of service.
Any move from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at
Civil Service Pension
Employees will have the opportunity to join Civil Service pension arrangements, which include a valuable range of benefits. JNCC makes a significant contribution to the cost of employee pensions.
Employee Assistance Programme
JNCC provides employees with a free and confidential support service which gives unlimited access to information, advice and emotional support to help employees prepare for and manage all of life's ups and downs, events and challenges.
Trade Union
JNCC has entered into a partnership agreement with its recognised Trade Unions: Prospect and PCS, which employees are able to join and be involved with.
Salary sacrifice schemes
Employee Discount Scheme
Civil Service Sports Club