We are seeking an International Relations & Partnerships Manager to join our Global Research Team. This position is central to building and managing international collaborations, developing strategic diplomatic partnerships, and ensuring that global biodiversity initiatives align with ethical, legal, and cultural frameworks around the world.
Our mission is to create the world’s largest and fastest-growing database of protein sequences—an effort that supports AI-driven models designed to build a “digital twin” of Earth’s biodiversity. This role ensures that partnerships with governments, NGOs, and research institutions are developed and maintained with transparency, equity, and knowledge sharing at their core.
Roles and Responsibilities
Biodiversity Partnership Management
* Lead the development, establishment, and management of international biodiversity collaborations, ensuring robust legal frameworks, regulatory compliance, and equitable benefit-sharing mechanisms.
* Manage permit applications and regulatory processes, working closely with ministries, national authorities, and conservation agencies to secure long-term sampling and collaboration opportunities.
* Track and report value-sharing, ensuring biodiversity partners have transparent access to insights and benefits derived from their contributions.
* Coordinate across the Global Research Team to ensure smooth transfer of information, compliance, and scientific outcomes across all partnerships.
International Relations & Diplomacy
* Develop and manage strategic partnerships with governments, NGOs, research institutes, and private organizations worldwide.
* Contribute to policy engagement efforts, ensuring biodiversity collaborations align with international frameworks (e.g., the Nagoya Protocol, Convention on Biological Diversity) and national priorities.
* Represent the organization in international negotiations, policy forums, and global consortia focused on biodiversity, conservation, and data sharing.
* Support capacity-building programs and knowledge exchange initiatives with biodiversity partners to ensure fair benefit-sharing and mutual value creation.
Key Skills and Experience
Preferred Background
* Degree or equivalent experience in international relations, diplomacy, environmental policy, sustainable development, or related fields.
* Experience in international project management, government relations, or science diplomacy will also be considered.
Diplomatic & Interpersonal Skills
* Proven ability to build trust and foster long-term professional relationships with diverse stakeholders.
* Strong track record in cross-cultural communication, negotiation, and diplomacy.
* Experience representing organizations in international partnerships, conferences, or stakeholder events.
Project Management Skills
* Experience managing multi-stakeholder projects with complex regulatory, political, and cultural considerations.
* Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize and deliver across multiple regions and partnerships simultaneously.
* Knowledge of global biodiversity frameworks such as the Nagoya Protocol, Convention on Biological Diversity, and Access and Benefit-Sharing mechanisms.
Other Desirable Experience
* Understanding of the role of biodiversity in science, technology, and innovation.
Working Style
* Location: Office-based in London, UK (non-remote).
* Travel: Regular international travel required (approximately 2 weeks every 2 months).