About the job

Job summary

The Head of Science Policy will deliver RBG Kew’s mission by collaboratively working with our researchers to provide expert, evidence-based advice and support to both UK and international governments and bodies on science policy where relevant to Kew’s work, enabling research outcomes to inform and influence policy development.

Job description

In this role,  you will identify areas of priority, producing impact case studies, papers and thought leadership pieces. Importantly you will be responsible for Kew’s internationally recognised role as the UK Scientific Authority for the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) for Flora through leadership of a CITES policy team and act as Kew’s expert lead on the Convention for Biological Diversity (CBD) and other related conventions, policies and agreements.

Person specification

We are seeking experienced candidates with a track record of working at the research-policy interface in an environmental, conservation and/or biodiversity science context. Experience in diplomacy, negotiation and advocacy in these arenas is essential, as is knowledge gained through direct working experience  of CITES, CBD, UNFCCC and/or the UK Wildlife Trade Regulations. Significant experience of preparing complex scientific information for a wide range of audiences is required, including of producing briefing material for decision-makers and to deadlines.

This is a permanent position within the Science Directorate, responsible for a team of approximately 10 staff and interns.

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.