Job Description

ID 3415

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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
Senior Marine Strategic Compensation Manager


Closing date
11/02/2026, 16:00


Advertising basis
Loan, Secondment
Actual starting salary
Although SEO Pay Scale is 47,675 to 56,445, please see 'Other vacancy related information' for further clarity.
Salary range or pay band
SEO 47,675 to 56,445
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
Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability
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 Biodiversity Branch within the Marine and Biodiversity Division are seeking a motivated individual with strong interpersonal skills along with the ability to work autonomously.



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 off offshore renewable energy across Welsh seas, which is resulting in increasing spatial demands and impacts to the MPA network. There is a need to agree compensatory measures for any impacts/loss of habitats and species from the expansion of offshore renewables, and wider infrastructure, to ensure the coherence and resilience of our MPA's.


The main purpose of the role is work with, with Natural Resources Wales (NRW), UK Government departments and WG Marine Planning and Licensing team to speed up the consenting process for infrastructure development. This will include supporting the Offshore Wind Environmental Improvement Package (OWIEP) to expediate the deployment of offshore renewables, in addition to supporting wider derogations for e.g. port/flood defence developments. The post holder will work closely with NRW to identify and take forward potential suitable compensatory measures.


The role will also include evaluating, on a Wales level the effectiveness of compensatory measures proposed and delivered by the Defra operated Library of Strategic Compensation Measures and the Marine Recovery Fund.



The post holder will also support the wider work of the Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystems branch including supporting completion of the MPA network, delivery of Welsh Minister commitments to OSPAR and the UK Marine Strategy and Programme for Government commitments.


The role will also require significant engagement with a range of WG cross policy areas including Energy, Fisheries and Transport (Ports) divisions. Additionally, the role will involve significant interaction with Cabinet Secretaries/Ministers and Special Advisors.




Key tasks
Key responsibilities will be:

Lead strategic engagement

with Natural Resources Wales (NRW), JNCC, and UK Government to identify and secure suitable compensation measures that support current and future infrastructure development needs.

Collaborate across government and industry

, working with DEFRA, DESNZ, The Crown Estate, and Welsh Government Marine Planning teams to deliver derogations and compensatory habitat requirements--accelerating offshore wind deployment and wider infrastructure projects.

Represent Wales at national forums

, including offshore renewable energy groups and expert sub-groups such as the Collaboration on Offshore Wind Strategic Compensation (COWSC).

Provide expert advice and briefings

to senior leaders and Welsh Ministers on offshore renewables, derogations, and compensatory habitat strategies.

Work closely with legal teams

to ensure compensatory habitats are designated within the Marine Protected Area (MPA) network.

Manage day-to-day government business

, ensuring timely delivery of priorities and commitments.

Support wider branch objectives

and deputise for the Head of Branch when required.

Development opportunities
Work in a

high-profile policy area

that directly supports Programme for Government commitments and delivers Ministerial priorities on biodiversity and climate change. Gain

significant experience in intergovernmental policy development and delivery

, collaborating with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including Ministers. Join a

high-performing, friendly, and inclusive team

where your contributions will make a real impact. Benefit from

excellent support and access to training

, ensuring you have the tools and time to succeed in the role and achieve your personal development goals.

Other vacancy related information
In the event of a large number of applications, an initial sift will be conducted against the lead assessment criterion: Experience 3. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to assessment/interview.

In the event of two or more candidates having the same total score, the following list will be used to determine a merit order/which candidate will be appointed. Weighting the criteria - which candidate had the highest score for Experience Question 3, then 2, then 1.

These temporary roles are available for a duration of 2 years, on a loan or secondment basis.*
A reserve list may be held for this opportunity. Any candidate who meets the required scoring and are successful in being offered a reserve status, will remain on the reserve list for 12 months and may be considered for comparable roles that may arise within the team.*
Successful candidates are expected to return to their substantive appointment at the end of this opportunity.*


Candidates should note that this post is being offered as either a secondment or loan opportunity only. Please ensure you have fully consulted the eligibility guidance before you apply.

Eligibility Verification

Applications will be assessed against the below stated criteria. Candidates who do not meet the eligibility requirements will be notified regarding the status of their application.

For Candidates Applying on a Secondment Basis

You must obtain prior agreement from your employer to be released on secondment before applying. Please ensure you have line management approval.*
During the secondment, you will remain on the terms, conditions, and payroll of your home organisation.*
Inward secondees are

not eligible for Welsh Government pay awards or rewards. Please see our candidate guidance for pay arrangements.*

For Candidates Applying on a Loan Basis

You must be an existing civil servant, appointed through fair and open competition, who has passed probation and been in your substantive post for at least 6 months at the time of application.*
This is a temporary post. At the end of the loan, you will return to your substantive grade and pay arrangements in your home organisation.*
Prior agreement from your employer to be released on loan must be obtained before applying. Please ensure you have line management approval.*
Successful candidates will have their financial position protected in line with Welsh Government pay policy (see candidate guidance for details).*

Loanees will move to Welsh Government's pay scale for the HEO grade, salary will be based on basic pay only.



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