Job Description

ID 2757

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The Welsh Government operates name-free recruitment. The recruiting panel will not see personal information such as a candidate's name and address during the sifting process. This policy is in line with our commitment to end bias and promote equality and diversity.
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Vacancy details

Vacancy title
Biodiversity Policy Officer x 2


Closing date
07/07/2025, 16:00


Advertising basis
Permanent
Actual starting salary
A non-negotiable starting salary of 35,787 will be offered to the successful candidate.
Salary range or pay band
HEO 35,787 to 43,759
Allowances
No
Work pattern
Full time (applications are welcome from people who work part time, as part of a job share or who work full time)
Group
Local Govt, Housing, Climate Change and Rural Affairs
Directorate
LGHCCRA
Branch
Biodiversity
Location (s)
Pan Wales
Pan Wales' means that the location in which the vacancy can be based is flexible, subject to the needs of the business. A list of the Welsh Government's offices can be found on www.gov.wales/welsh-government-offices. Please note it may not always be possible to accommodate a preference for a specific office location.
Purpose of post
This is a fantastic opportunity to shape the future of biodiversity in Wales by supporting the development, implementation and monitoring of ambitious, legally binding targets that will help halt and reverse our nature loss.


From the air we breathe, to the water we drink, and the food we eat, nature is an essential part of our lives. It contributes to our health and well-being and is an important tool in tackling climate change.


However, nature in Wales is in crisis. The latest report on the state of nature in Wales (2023) highlights the scale of nature loss across the country - Welsh wildlife has decreased on average by 20% since 1994 and one in six Welsh species are threatened with extinction


Pollution, urbanisation, over exploitation of both land and sea and the impacts of climate change put nature at risk. In response, The Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework (GBF) was agreed internationally at COP15. This set out four goals and 23 targets which seek to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 and to achieve a nature positive world by 2050.


Wales is rising to the challenge. Through its Programme for Government, the Welsh Government is committed to putting nature at the heart of decision-making, introducing a statutory duty and legally binding targets that will drive meaningful action to protect and restore biodiversity. As the postholder, you will be central to delivering this commitment. Your work will help give nature a strong voice in our legislation and policies, ensuring a thriving, sustainable natural environment for generations to come


The targets must align with Well-being of Future Generations (Wales) Act 2015 and the Environment (Wales) Act 2016 as well as aligning with the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity targets and reporting requirements.


The role includes strategic engagement with other UK administrations, Natural Resources Wales, key delivery partners and internal engagement across Welsh Government, collaborating on joint action to address the climate and nature emergencies



Key tasks
Working with stakeholders and delivery partners to develop SMART (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant and Time-bound) targets to halt and reverse biodiversity loss. Contribute to all relevant Ministerial and government business, producing briefing, lines etc. including in support of regulatory Senedd committees' scrutiny sessions. Establish effective external and internal relationships, ensuring stakeholder feedback informs policy development and legal drafting of regulations. Work closely with Legal Services and the Legislative Programme and Governance Unit to co-develop workable legislative proposals. Working with stakeholders and delivery partners to support the development of a monitoring, evaluation and reporting framework. Represent the policy area and Welsh Government at external meetings or networks. qualification or equivalent qualification in ecology, nature conservation, marine or plant biology, environmental science/management/sustainability

Development opportunities
Opportunity to work in a high profile area, working with a range of stakeholder and to develop skills in developing and implementing policy and legislation
Other vacancy related information
A reserve list may be held for this opportunity. Any candidate who is successful in being offered a reserve status, will remain on the reserve list for 12 months


A presentation on the "technical" criteria will be required at interview stage. More information will be provided in the invitations to that stage


In the event of a large number of applications, an initial sift will be conducted against the lead assessment criterion: Technical. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.


In the event of candidates scoring the same overall the merit order will be Technical, Leadership then working together.





Vetting level
Basic
Number of posts
2
Contact point for further information regarding the post
MarineAndBiodiversity@gov.wales