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 is 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 approx. 300 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.300 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 employees with the freedom and tools you will need, and our friendly team will assist you in your role.
JNCC is committed to maintaining employee health and wellbeing, whether it is physically, emotionally, financially or socially, and offers a range of benefits to support employees in this. Such benefits include the option to join the Civil Service Pension Scheme, professional and personal development opportunities as well as an exciting job in a unique environment.
Post background
Chemical pollution is part of the triple planetary crisis of pollution, biodiversity and climate change. Pollution is a recognised driver of biodiversity decline across the UK. The UK has global commitments as well as domestic chemical targets and biodiversity commitments that could be undermined if chemical pollution effects are not addressed. This post will primarily be focused on chemical pollution in the UK, however, there are overlaps with other work areas including land use and international pollution so an understanding of the broader picture is useful.
JNCC’s enhanced joint-working on chemical pollution is critical to assist with the coordinated UK effort to build an evidence base and tools to:
• better understand the effects of chemical pollution on species populations and habitats;
• consider chemical pollution as part of the wider system;
• maximise the benefit of existing data and;
• support better decision-making in the UK
The post holder will work closely with the Environmental Pollution science leads to provide strategic thinking and science advice to Defra and Country Nature Conservation Bodies (CNCBs) in the Inter-agency Chemicals Group (IACG). In addition, they will provide advice and assurance on systems thinking and effects of pollution to a range of projects including the System Level Indicator and PhD projects.
Post Duties
• Scientific lead and Project Manager for System Level Indicators project (ongoing work from SR21 – Y3 of project; part of SR24 bid for more funded work).
• Secretariat and science adviser for Inter-agency Chemicals Group and Environmental Improvement Programme
• UK liaison on pollution advice for 25 Year Environment Plan H4 (Chemical) indicators sub-groups (eg Steering Group, Emerging Threats and Effects Working Group) providing two-way exchange between JNCC projects (System Level Indicators), Inter-agency Group and H4 Sub-groups.
• Provide cover for Chemicals Capability Building via PhD co-supervision, engagement with Centres for Doctoral Training and placements
Technical - To be a successful candidate you will be/have:
• Science Degree or equivalent experience with application to ecology or environmental context
Experience (Responsibilities) - To be a successful candidate you will have:
• Practical understanding of devolution and translation of science to policy
• Experience of synthesising data and evidence into materials that are understandable by a wide range of audiences (could include delivery of training).
• Coordinated or project managed a single project or programme of projects that required consultation outside of your host organisation
Behaviours
• Seeing the Big Picture
• Making Effective Decisions
• 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 Seeing the Big Picture
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident .