About the job

Job summary

RBG Kew is looking to appoint a new CBD Officer. This position will support Kew in the run up to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) COP16 which is due to be held in Colombia in October 2024, ensuring that Kew’s critical work on plant conservation is represented and feeds into decision making. In addition, the position will focus on internal implementation of the CBD at Kew and wider policy tracking and help RBG Kew maintain its reputation as a leading authority in UK Conservation Policy and a first port of call for the UK government wanting policy advice based on high quality evidence and publications. This post will be key to Kew’s ability to respond to requests and queries from international stakeholders, Defra, and other UK government departments.

Job description

The successful appointee will be expected to be Degree Level in law, international relations, biological sciences, or other relevant subject and have proven knowledge of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) and its Nagoya Protocol on Access to Genetic Resources and Benefit Sharing and their application to scientific institutions and scientists working overseas.

Person specification

They will also have experience of producing a range of briefing materials for decision makers to tight deadlines. 

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 interview 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.