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. They will identify areas of priority, producing impact case studies, papers and thought leadership pieces. Importantly they 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 will act as Kew’s expert lead on the Convention for Biological Diversity (CBD) and other related conventions, policies and agreements.

Job description

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 required, as is knowledge gained through working experience of CITES, CBD, UNFCCC and/or the UK Wildlife Trade Regulations.

Person specification

Significant experience of preparing complex scientific information for a wide range of audiences is essential, 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 c. 10 staff and interns.

This role is based at Kew with some travel to the Wakehurst site required. There is the option of regular home working, subject to operational requirements, with a minimum 2 days per week on site at Kew. The role requires international travel.

Interviews are expected to take place during the week commencing 27th May.   

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 as access to our own beautiful gardens at Kew and Wakehurst.

Things you need to know

Selection process details

If you are interested in this position, please submit your application via the Kew Gardens website. 

We are dedicated to equality of opportunity and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We are committed to interviewing disabled applicants who meet the essential criteria for the post.

No agencies please.

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.