Senior Pollution Adviser

Post Title: Senior Pollution
adviser
Team: Environmental Pollution
Ref No: 202438
Grade: S (SEO)
Type of appointment: Fixed-term – 1 year
Location: Peterborough or Aberdeen
Salary: £38,320

This post will have a base in either Peterborough or Aberdeen. It is a 1 Year Fixed
Team Appointment as Maternity Cover.

JNCC has adopted a hybrid working approach, allowing colleagues to benefit from time in
the office, with the flexibility also to work from home. Employees are expected to work from
one of our office bases for a few days a month as a minimum with attendance expected at regular
face to face team meetings. Arrangements will vary by team and the exact balance will depend on
the nature of your role. 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 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.

Hours of work: Full-time

Normal minimum hours of attendance for the post are 36 hours per week over a 5-day period,
Monday to Friday.

Flexi time is available. This post may also be suitable for job share.

Annual Leave:

The annual leave allowance is 25 days per year, rising to 30 days per year after 5 years’
service. There are also 12 days public and privilege leave. Part-time staff will receive this
on a pro rata basis.

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.

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

Nationality requirements 

This job is broadly open to the following groups: 

• UK nationals
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with settled or pre-settled status or who apply
  for either status by the deadline of the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service
• relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the
  Civil Service
• certain family members of the relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals

JNCC do not provide sponsorship.

Closing date and interview date

The closing date for this post is 23:55 on Sunday, 13 October 2024.

The anticipated interview date is week commencing Monday, 28 October 2024.