Head of Policy (AD1242)

We are seeking an internationally-recognised individual with considerable experience working on international biodiversity policy. They will be an experienced leader and manager, with experience of managing a team of diverse and highly expert individuals. They will be comfortable participating as part of the Senior Management Team and show flexibility and resilience in a role with complex demands. They will be able to demonstrate how they have brought innovation to bear during their career to date.

You will be responsible for leading the development and effective and delivery of a portfolio of high-quality projects at the science-policy interface that contribute to achieving the mission and strategy of UNEP-WCMC. The current portfolio includes: support to ongoing development of the post-2020 global biodiversity framework; biodiversity indicators; national ecosystem assessment; cooperation and synergies across multilateral environmental agreements; and emerging work on nature, gender and human rights. The Head of Policy will help shape the future strategic direction of this work.

Under the oversight of the UNEP-WCMC Director and Deputy Director, this position will report to the WCMC Chief Executive Officer and will be a member of the UNEP-WCMC Senior Management Team, wider Leadership Co-ordination Team and contribute to strategy implementation, budget and business planning, pipeline development and impact reporting at organisational level.

The UN Environment Programme World Conservation Monitoring Centre (UNEP-WCMC) is a world leader in biodiversity knowledge. We work with scientists and policy makers worldwide to place biodiversity at the heart of environment and development decision-making to enable enlightened choices for people and the planet. The Centre operates as a collaboration between UNEP and WCMC, a UK registered charity. The Charity is run by its CEO who reports directly to the WCMC Board of Trustees and works closely with the Director and Deputy Director of UNEP-WCMC to ensure the success and impact of the Centre. WCMC employs around 170 staff, most of whom are technical experts providing information and advice on matters related to solving the global crises facing nature and climate. Please note that this is a position with WCMC the UK-registered charity, and is not a position working for the United Nations.

We will provide you with the challenge of working on high profile international biodiversity projects, where your work really makes a difference in an area aligned to our strategic aims and broader global initiatives. In addition to training and development opportunities, we offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including generous pension contributions.

WCMC attaches great importance to addressing safeguarding and ethical considerations in all activities carried out by its staff, including where partner organisations or individuals are part of the delivery of our work. This includes children and vulnerable adults in the community who may be vulnerable to abuse. WCMC act with integrity, are transparent and expect applicants to share the same values.

WCMC is committed to promoting equality of opportunity for all staff and job applicants. We aim to create a supportive and inclusive working environment in which all individuals are able to make best use of their skills, free from discrimination or harassment, and in which all decisions are based on merit. We do not discriminate against staff on the basis of age; race; sex; disability; gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity; religion; faith or belief.

If you are looking for a rewarding and challenging post where you can impress us with your knowledge of international biodiveristy polices and knowledge to support policy developemnt and implementation at international level, we want to hear from you. Please complete our application form and send it together with your CV and a short covering letter through the link at the bottom of the page by 22nd September 2021.

Please note that this is a UK based role and the successful applicant will be expected to reside within commuting distance of Cambridge and within the UK. Some of our roles are eligible for visa sponsorship, providing the relevant sponsorship criteria are met.

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