Job Description

ID 3117

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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.

Vacancy details

Vacancy title
Marine Ecosystems and Biodiversity Policy Officer - HEO - Secondment


Closing date
21/10/2025, 16:00


Advertising basis
Secondment
Actual starting salary
35,787
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)
Duration
2 years
Group
Local Govt, Housing, Climate Change and Rural Affairs
Directorate
Marine and Biodiversity Division
Branch
Marine Ecosystems and 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
The Marine Ecosystems and Biodiversity Branch within the Marine and Biodiversity Division are seeking a motivated individual with strong interpersonal skills along with the ability to work autonomously.


Our Welsh seas are some of richest and most biologically diverse across Europe and are home to many habitats and species of national and international importance.


To protect our species and habitats, Wales has a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPA's) covering 69% of our inshore waters. The MPA's also help us to achieve Good Environmental Status in our waters, through the UK Marine Strategy and support delivery of our Global Biodiversity Framework Commitments, particularly the 30x30 target.


To support our response to the climate emergency, commitments to "Net Zero" and First Minister priorities, there is planned expansion of offshore renewable energy across Welsh seas, which is resulting in increasing spatial demands and impacts to the MPA network. There are also additional pressures from wider development including flood defences and the expansion of our ports.


There is an increasing need to agree strategic compensatory measures for any impacts/loss of habitats and species resulting from development.


The role includes strategic engagement with other UK administrations, Natural Resources Wales, key delivery partners and internal engagement across Welsh Government, to secure compensatory habitat and expediate the consenting process to enable infrastructure development.


The role will also include wider work of the Marine Ecosystems and Biodiversity branch, including supporting the development of management actions to improve the condition of the MPA network, designation of Marine Conservation Zones and delivery of Welsh Minister commitments to OSPAR and the UK Marine Strategy.


The post holder will be supporting an SEO post and wider colleagues within the branch.




Key tasks
Work with stakeholders and delivery partners to identify and deliver strategic compensation, both what is needed now and future needs. Establish effective external and internal relationships ensuing that stakeholder feedback supports policy development. Support delivery of wider branch priorities, including the development of management actions to improve the MPA network and delivery of Welsh Ministers statutory and international biodiversity commitments. Represent the policy area and Welsh Government at external meetings or networks. Contribute to all relevant Ministerial and government business, producing briefing, lines etc.

Development opportunities
This post provides an opportunity to work in a high-profile policy area which plays a leading role in supporting Programme for Government commitments and in delivering Ministerial priorities on biodiversity and climate change. The post offers significant intergovernmental policy development and delivery, and direct working with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders and ministers. Marine Biodiversity branch is a high performing, friendly and inclusive team. The successful candidate will be well supported and given access and time to complete any training that they may need to complete the role effectively and/or personal development goals.

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
Vetting level
Basic
Number of posts
1
Contact point for further information regarding the post
Mark.Bloomfield@gov.wales