About the job

Job summary

In this critical decade for action on the environmental crises, RBG Kew has committed its resources to finding solutions to the challenges of climate change, biodiversity loss and sustainable development. We believe Nature holds many of the answers, but species are becoming extinct before their secrets can be unlocked. Kew aims to be the ‘go to’ organisation for advice and evidence on plant science and horticulture.

The Government Affairs Engagement Officer will be part of a busy team at Kew, which leads on our government relations, engagement and influence, and whose impact will be critical if we are to deliver on our ambitions. The team is responsible for leading outreach with a broad range of government stakeholders (UK and international), the positioning of Kew with this audience, and wider policy influence.

Job description

The Government Affairs Engagement Officer will work on the coordination and organisation of Kew’s presence at UN COPs, and on other strategically important, logistically complex events/visits for government stakeholders. The post-holder will help identify opportunities for Kew to inform policy and decision-making through the provision of expert advice and evidence, and/or the convening of discussions and debate. Another key aspect of the role will be parliamentary engagement.

Person specification

Educated to degree level (or with equivalent experience), with experience in a similar policy or government engagement role and of delivering complex stakeholder events, candidates will be strong team players while being able to work independently, and able to juggle a multitude of tasks with different deadlines, while keeping in mind the big picture.

Benefits

Our fantastic benefits package includes opportunities for continuous learning, a generous annual leave entitlement, flexible working to help you maintain a healthy work-life balance, an Employee Assistance Programme and other wellbeing support such as cycle to work scheme and discounted gym membership. We also offer a competitive pension, an employee discount scheme and free entry into a wide range of national museums and galleries, as well access to our own beautiful gardens at Kew and Wakehurst.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

To apply for this role, please submit your application through the Kew Gardens website

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.

Security

Successful candidates must undergo a criminal record check. People working with government assets must complete baseline personnel security standard (opens in new window) checks.

Nationality requirements

This job is broadly open to the following groups:

• UK nationals
• nationals of the Republic of Ireland
• nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities with settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS) (opens in a new window)
• nationals of the EU, Switzerland, Norway, Iceland or Liechtenstein and family members of those nationalities who have made a valid application for settled or pre-settled status under the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS)
• individuals with limited leave to remain or indefinite leave to remain who were eligible to apply for EUSS on or before 31 December 2020
• Turkish nationals, and certain family members of Turkish nationals, who have accrued the right to work in the Civil Service

Further information on nationality requirements (opens in a new window)

Working for the Civil Service

The Civil Service Code (opens in a new window) sets out the standards of behaviour expected of civil servants.

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). The Civil Service embraces diversity and promotes equal opportunities. As such, we run a Disability Confident Scheme (DCS) for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.