International Biodiversity Adviser 2026067

JNCC Support Co; Peterborough; Hybrid; GBP 30,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

JNCC Support Co invites applications for an International Biodiversity Adviser based in Peterborough, offering hybrid working arrangements. The role supports UK international biodiversity policy, MEAs, and advisory work across Defra and devolved administrations.

A strong background in science-policy and stakeholder collaboration is essential. You will engage with multiple MEAs, develop practical guidance, and may travel internationally.

Qualifications

• Experience synthesising complex information and communicating it to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience diplomatically engaging with stakeholders and partners to achieve common goals.
• Experience translating commitments under MEAs into practical policy or action.

Responsibilities

• Provide scientific and technical advice to Defra and other bodies on international biodiversity.
• Prepare for international meetings, draft documents, gather evidence and brief UK delegations.
• Draft international reports and represent JNCC at meetings, possibly UK Government delegations.

Skills

Synthesis of complex information

Stakeholder engagement

Policy analysis

Multilateral environmental agreements

Job description

International Biodiversity Adviser 2026067

The Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) is the statutory adviser to the UK Government on nature conservation in the UK and internationally, working at the science-policy interface.

The International Advice Team leads on providing advice to governments across the UK on a range of Multi-lateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) to which the UK is Party. These include the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora (CITES), the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar Convention) and the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), as well as to the subsidiary bodies of the MEAs and other affiliated science-policy platforms, such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Biodiversity and Ecosystems Services (IPBES). Our experts regularly form part of UK delegations at international meetings and engage with other associated international-level fora. Our work at an international scale is constantly changing as international and domestic priorities develop and as reflected in the JNCC Strategy.

The post holder will have the opportunity to work across a number of MEAs and assist in delivering JNCC’s duties to enable the UK to meet its international obligations. The position will be supporting policy development and increased UK ambition in the area of international nature conservation.

The post holder needs to have a good understanding of the importance of the relationship between scientific research, evidence and policy development. You will be reporting to a Senior International Biodiversity Adviser, and working closely with officials in Defra, other UK government departments and the devolved governments, and with specialists from across JNCC and the Country Nature Conservation Bodies. This will support the development of advice and guidance on a variety of international issues and their implementation throughout the UK.

Discussion with and input from other stakeholders will be required for this role. You will need to work with a wide range of specialists and stakeholders to undertake policy-relevant analysis and to contribute to developing practical advice in a fast-moving science-policy environment. There may be opportunity for international travel associated with this post.

Company: JNCC Support Co Salary: from £33,130 a year, pro rata Hours: Full-time Location: Peterborough, PE2 8YY Working pattern: Hybrid - 4 days remote Job type: Permanent Posting date: 30 Oct 2026 Closing date: 17 Nov 2026

Summary

The Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC) is the statutory adviser to the UK Government on nature conservation in the UK and internationally, working at the science-policy interface.

The International Advice Team leads on providing advice to governments across the UK on a range of Multi-lateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs) to which the UK is Party. These include the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora (CITES), the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands (Ramsar Convention) and the Convention on Migratory Species (CMS), as well as to the subsidiary bodies of the MEAs and other affiliated science-policy platforms, such as the Intergovernmental Panel on Biodiversity and Ecosystems Services (IPBES). Our experts regularly form part of UK delegations at international meetings and engage with other associated international-level fora. Our work at an international scale is constantly changing as international and domestic priorities develop and as reflected in the JNCC Strategy.

The post holder will have the opportunity to work across a number of MEAs and assist in delivering JNCC’s duties to enable the UK to meet its international obligations. The position will be supporting policy development and increased UK ambition in the area of international nature conservation.

The post holder needs to have a good understanding of the importance of the relationship between scientific research, evidence and policy development. You will be reporting to a Senior International Biodiversity Adviser, and working closely with officials in Defra, other UK government departments and the devolved governments, and with specialists from across JNCC and the Country Nature Conservation Bodies. This will support the development of advice and guidance on a variety of international issues and their implementation throughout the UK.

Discussion with and input from other stakeholders will be required for this role. You will need to work with a wide range of specialists and stakeholders to undertake policy-relevant analysis and to contribute to developing practical advice in a fast-moving science-policy environment. There may be opportunity for international travel associated with this post.

Essential requirements

Post Duties: While staff often work across multiple MEAs to support team resilience and create learning and development opportunities, past experience, skills, and interests of the incumbent are taken into consideration. Tasks may include:

• Providing scientific and technical advice to Defra, the Devolved Administrations, and the Statutory Nature Conservation Bodies on issues relating to international biodiversity.
• Preparing for international meetings including drafting documents, gathering and analysing relevant evidence, and preparing briefings for UK delegations.
• Compiling and drafting international reports (e.g. the recently released 7th National Report).
• Representing JNCC at relevant meetings in the UK and potential participation in UK Government delegations at international meetings, including Conferences of the Parties and other related intersessional meetings.
• Contributing to the development of new projects.
• Building relationships with key stakeholders to enable/facilitate delivery against UK objectives and meet wider UK policy commitments.
• Supporting the development and use of biodiversity indicators.
• Contributing generally to the work of the International Advice Team as required.

Technical: To be a successful candidate you will have:

• Good understanding of the benefits biodiversity provides to people and sustainable development, demonstrated through practical application and.
• Good understanding of the objectives and role of Multilateral Environmental Agreements.

Experience (Responsibilities): To be a successful candidate you will have:

• Experience synthesising complex information and communicating this to technical and non-technical audiences.
• Experience diplomatically engaging with stakeholders and partners, identifying their priorities and working collaboratively with them to achieve common goals.
• Experience translating commitments made under multilateral environmental agreements or other high-level commitments into practical policy, regulatory, scientific or operational action.

Behaviours:

• Working Together
• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing
• Making Effective Decisions

Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme

About Disability Confident Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.