Biodiversity Indicators Adviser 202439
Joint Nature Conservation Committee
Apply before 11:55 pm on Sunday 13th October 2024
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About the job
Job summary
Post background
The Nature Conservation and Policy Advice (NCPA) Team in JNCC plays a key role in nature conservation in the UK, working with partners in the country nature conservation bodies (CNCBs), the UK and devolved governments and the wider nature conservation community. We maintain an overview of UK nature conservation policy and legislation; facilitate, convene and, where required, co-ordinate joint UK working on key topics; and work with UK countries on areas of priority where JNCC contributes complementary capabilities of evidence and advice, for example our work in land use. Within JNCC, the NCPA Team works collaboratively across the organisation delivering shared solutions, and in developing evidence-based approaches to addressing environmental threats and opportunities.
JNCC and Defra jointly produce and publish the UK Biodiversity Indicators. This is an accredited official statistics compendium, which shows the UK's progress towards meeting biodiversity goals and targets, including those set out through the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD).
In December 2022, at the 15th Conference of the Parties of the CBD, a new ambitious Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) was adopted. It contains 4 goals and 23 targets, with a Mission ‘to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030’ towards the vision of “a world living in harmony with nature by 2050”. The GBF is accompanied by a monitoring framework that sets out indicators to track progress, including mandatory headline indicators.
The UK Biodiversity Indicator suite is being adapted to align with the new headline indicators. This will involve the modification of some existing indicators as well as the development of new indicators. The UK’s headline indicators will be used in the UK’s National Reports to CBD.
The post-holder will work with a JNCC-led project team to develop the methods for the headline indicators for the UK and subsequently produce the indicators for publication at the end of 2025.
This is an exciting opportunity to help the UK measure its progress towards the targets and goals of the GBF and ultimately feed into the CBD’s Global Biodiversity Outlook.
Job description
Post Duties
The main focus of the post will be to develop and produce new indicators based on the methods published by the CBD’s Ad Hoc Technical Expert Group on Indicators.
The post holder will carry out the functions listed below:
- Investigate data sources and analytical options for the production of a selection of indicators.
- As necessary, consult with experts and the project team, to make recommendations for the preferred options for appropriate data sources and indicator development approaches.
- Develop the analytical approach for selected indicators. Create a methodological statement guiding the production of the indicator.
- Contribute to the creation of reproducible analytical pipelines for the automation of indicator production in R Studio.
- Lead on the production and publication of a selection of indicators. This includes data acquisition from data providers, analysis and interpretation of the data and drafting technical information documents setting out all relevant information about the indicators, including caveats and explanation for approach where appropriate.
- Throughout all this work the post holder may support the Project Manager and Biodiversity Indicators Manager, or others, with engagement with stakeholders, experts and statisticians, and policy officials in Defra and the Devolved Governments. This could include organising events such as meetings and workshops for internal or external participants; including planning, logistics, writing papers and presentations, facilitation of groups and note taking.
- Contribute to other duties of the NCPA team, including activities to further team cohesion and support delivery of other projects as required.
Person specification
Please demonstrate in your Behaviours the STARR technique
- Situation: Set the stage.
- Task: Explain where you fit in.
- Action: Describe each step.
- Results: Impress with your achievements.
- Reflection: what have you learned
Behaviours
We'll assess you against these behaviours during the selection process:
- Managing a Quality Service
- Delivering at Pace
- Working Together
- Making Effective Decisions
Technical skills
We'll assess you against these technical skills during the selection process:
- A relevant degree or equivalent qualification and/or relevant recent work experience that provides the knowledge and experience described below.
- A knowledge of ecology and nature conservation in the UK.
- Experience of researching and utilising large environmental datasets, of analysing scientific information and, preferably, some experience of the development, implementation, and publication of indicators.
- Experience in the use of standard office software, databases, and statistical packages (including proficiency in R coding and use of R Studio),
- Good communication skills with an ability to summarise information to produce succinct briefing papers and to communicate complex concepts to non-technical audiences in simple, concise, and easily accessible terms.
Benefits
JNCC is committed to creating an environment where everyone feels valued and respected and see this as a good place to work. JNCC has a responsibility to ensure that we have an inclusive culture where discrimination, harassment, bullying and prejudice will not be tolerated. Our selection process is determined on fair and open competition and regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, marriage and civil partnership.
Continuous professional development (CPD)
Employees are encouraged to keep developing skills and professional knowledge.
JNCC has made available, and encourages employees to use, on average, five working days per annum for CPD activities with access to related funding
Leave entitlement
JNCC annual leave allowance is 25 days per annum. After five years’ service, leave entitlement increases to 30 days per annum.
In addition to annual leave, JNCC offers 12 public and privilege days per annum, three of which are explicitly reserved for office closure between Christmas and New Year.
Work/life balance
JNCC supports flexible working hours and practices to help employees strike a good balance between work life and personal life.
Our policies are family-friendly and include flexi-time, flexible working patterns, compressed hours and dispersed working. JNCC also offers paid maternity, paternity, adoption and shared parental leave, over and above the minimum statutory entitlements. Some work/life balance benefits are available following a minimum length of service.
Any move from another employer will mean you can no longer access childcare vouchers. This includes moves between government departments. You may however be eligible for other government schemes, including Tax-Free Childcare. Determine your eligibility at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/
Civil Service Pension
Employees will have the opportunity to join Civil Service pension arrangements, which include a valuable range of benefits. JNCC makes a significant contribution to the cost of employee pensions.
Employee Assistance Programme
JNCC provides employees with a free and confidential support service which gives unlimited access to information, advice and emotional support to help employees prepare for and manage all of life's ups and downs, events and challenges.
Trade Union
JNCC has entered into a partnership agreement with its recognised Trade Unions: Prospect and PCS, which employees are able to join and be involved with.
Salary sacrifice schemes
Employee Discount Scheme
Civil Service Sports Club
Things you need to know
Selection process details
Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.
Security
Nationality requirements
Working for the Civil Service
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition, as outlined in the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles (opens in a new window).
Diversity and Inclusion
Apply and further information
Contact point for applicants
Job contact :
- Name : Recruitment Team
- Email : recruitment@jncc.gov.uk
Recruitment team
- Email : recruitment@jncc.gov.uk