JNCC will be adopting a more flexible approach to working options and, once we are able to return to working in our office locations, our people will have more flexibility about where they choose to work. The expectation is that we will be expected to work from our office base for 1 – 2 days a month as a minimum.  We can provide more details at the interview and offer stages.

Who are JNCC?

Established in 1991, we’re the UK’s statutory advisor on issues affecting the natural environment across the UK and internationally. Our primary role involves advising all four Governments of the UK. We also work with private sector organisations to support decision making on the sustainable use of marine waters and natural resources around the UK. JNCC is led by the Joint Committee, which brings together members from the nature conservation bodies for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and independent members appointed by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs under an independent Chair. Support is provided to the Committee by almost 200 people who bring together scientific and technical expertise, extensive knowledge of policy at global, European and national levels, and skills in working with other organisations. Staff are based in two main offices in Peterborough and Aberdeen.

Why JNCC?

We’re small enough (c.200 staff) that your voice is heard by everyone including the CEO, but big enough that we have all the skills, resources and people you’ll need to get the job done. All our staff are passionate about conservation and making a difference to the world we live in. We have a very flexible, inclusive and welcoming organisational culture. Our Executive Management provides advisers with the freedom and tools you will need, and our friendly team will assist you in your role. You will benefit from our supportive workplace culture, excellent holiday and pension benefits, as well as an exciting job in a unique environment.

What’s the role?

We are seeking a Senior Marine Species Adviser to lead on the provision of statutory advice on the conservation of primarily cetaceans and seals, but also marine turtles. The post holder will be expected to lead the delivery of national and international assessment and reporting, development of conservation advice and provision of management advice; take an active role in national and international forums such as OSPAR, ICES and ASCOBANS; collaborate and identify opportunities to improve and develop evidence and guidance on managing pressures and impacts.

The post will sit within the JNCC Marine Species Team but the postholder will work closely with colleagues across the organisation. They will also routinely work with partners in the Statutory Nature Conservation Bodies, regulatory agencies, Defra and the Devolved Administrations. There is an expectation that the postholder will work with national and international marine species experts as well as relevant research and policy groups to develop scientific advice to inform policy.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for an individual with a skillset complimentary to our primary work areas including: seal, cetacean and marine turtle ecology; project management and leadership; proactive in collaboration and identification of opportunities through networking; application of data and evidence through analysis and interpretation;  development of conservation policy advice; and  individuals with a good understanding of the legal framework for offshore marine conservation. Candidates should also be able to demonstrate knowledge of pressures and threats, and associated monitoring, management, and mitigation.

Assessment

Candidates should have direct relevant academic experience and have a minimum of 3 years relevant work experience.

We will assess you against all technical elements and expected behaviours listed below.

Technical experience:

To be a successful candidate you will need to demonstrate in your statement of suitability that you have at least one of the following:

• Experience of strategic thinking and work/resource planning as well as project development and design and a proven track record of working with partners, stakeholders and funding bodies.

• Experience of data analysis and interpretation and experience in producing peer reviewed material and drafting technical documentation for different audiences

Technical knowledge:

• Relevant background in marine species ecology

• Good understanding of the relevant legal frameworks for conservation of marine species in the UK

Behaviours 

• Making Effective Decisions

• Leadership

• Working Together

• Communicating and Influencing

• Managing a Quality Service

In the event that we receive a large volume of applications we reserve the right to conduct the sift based on the Lead Behaviour of Making Effective Decisions

Please see the CS Behaviours framework for more details at this grade:

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/717275/CS_Behaviours_2018.pdf

Closing Date & Interviews

The closing date for this post is 23:55 on Sunday 25 July 2021

Interviews are expected to take place during the week commencing 2^nd August 2021

How to apply: https://www.civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/csr/index.cgi

Please be aware that at this time, interviews are likely to take place by video conference. We will aim to give you a minimum of 5 days’ notice before inviting any candidate for interview but please be aware that this may not be possible, and interviews may have to be changed at short notice.