CITES Scientific Adviser

Team: International Advice Team
Ref No: 2026068
Grade: H (HEO)

This post will have a base in Peterborough.

JNCC has adopted a hybrid working approach, allowing colleagues to benefit from time in the office, with the flexibility also to work from home. Employees are expected to work from one of our office bases for a few days a month as a minimum with attendance expected at regular face to face team meetings. Arrangements will vary by team and the exact balance will depend on the nature of your role. We can provide more details at the interview and offer stages.

Who are JNCC?

Established in 1991, we’re the UK’s statutory advisor on issues affecting the natural environment across the UK and internationally. Our primary role is advising all four Governments of the UK. We also work with private sector organisations to support decision making on the sustainable use of marine waters and natural resources around the UK. JNCC is led by the Joint Committee, which brings together members from the nature conservation bodies for England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland and independent members appointed by the Secretary of State for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs under an independent Chair. Support is provided to the Committee by approx. 300 people who bring together scientific and technical expertise, extensive knowledge of policy at global, European and national levels, and skills in working with other organisations. Staff are based in two main offices in Peterborough and Aberdeen.

Why JNCC?

We’re small enough (c. 300 staff) that your voice is heard by everyone including the CEO, but big enough that we have all the skills, resources and people you’ll need to get the job done. All our staff are passionate about conservation and making a difference to the world we live in. We have a very flexible, inclusive and welcoming organisational culture. Our Executive Management provides employees with the freedom and tools you will need, and our friendly team will assist you in your role.

JNCC is committed to maintaining employee health and wellbeing, whether it is physically, emotionally, financially or socially, and offers a range of benefits to support employees in this. Such benefits include the option to join the Civil Service Pension Scheme, professional and personal development opportunities as well as an exciting job in a unique environment.

Hours of work: Full-time
Normal minimum hours of attendance for the post are 36 hours per week over a 5-day period, Monday to Friday.
Flexi time is available. This post may also be suitable for job share.

Annual Leave

The annual leave allowance is 25 days per year, rising to 30 days per year after 5 years’ service. There are also 12 days public and privilege leave. Part-time staff will receive this on a pro rata basis.

Post Background

We are seeking an individual with a strong understanding of Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs), particularly the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of wild fauna and flora (CITES), to support the International Advice Team in delivering JNCC’s statutory responsibilities as the UK CITES Scientific Authority (fauna).

The International Advice Team provides scientific and technical advice to governments across the UK on the implementation of a range of biodiversity-related MEAs to which the UK is a Party, as well as supporting international reporting obligations. These agreements include CITES, the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS), and others.

JNCC are appointed as the UK’s CITES Scientific Authority (fauna) and have undertaken this role since 1991 (and by our predecessor body since 1975); providing Defra, other government departments, the Devolved Governments, and UK Overseas Territories with timely, evidence-based scientific advice on matters relating to CITES, international wildlife trade, biodiversity conservation, and sustainable development. The Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew fulfils the corresponding role for plants. Following the UK's departure from the European Union, the UK's obligations under CITES are now implemented through domestic legislation, including the Control of Trade in Endangered Species (Amendment and Revocation) Regulations 2026.

As trusted government advisers operating at the science-policy interface, JNCC works closely with policymakers, regulators, researchers, and international partners to support evidence-based decision-making. Team members regularly participate in UK delegations to international meetings and contribute to global policy development, technical working groups, and capacity-building initiatives. Our international work continues to expand, and we collaborate with governments, local communities, and other stakeholders worldwide, recognising the environmental, social, and economic importance of biodiversity.

Post Duties

Working as part of a small, highly collaborative team, the successful candidate will help deliver scientific advice and evidence to support decision-making on international wildlife trade and biodiversity conservation issues. They will contribute to the assessment of permit applications, development of scientific advice, research and analysis, and engagement with UK and international stakeholders. The postholder will play an important role in maintaining business continuity and supporting the increasing demand for CITES-related advice and licensing activity following the UK's exit from the European Union.

In addition, the postholder will support a range of other activities, including delivering JNCC's intersessional commitments arising from CITES CoP20 (including recent listing proposal relevant to UK), supporting colleagues in developing lines to take at scientific and standing committee meetings, as well as providing scientific advice and training to our Overseas Territories and enforcement authorities, such as Border Force, police force and the National Wildlife Crime Unit. The role will also contribute to broader international biodiversity policy work and support JNCC's wider responsibilities in relation to Multilateral Environmental Agreements (MEAs).

This role offers a unique opportunity to work at the intersection of science, policy and international conservation, helping to shape the UK’s contribution to global efforts to ensure international wildlife trade is legal, sustainable and does not threaten the survival of species in the wild.

Technical

To be a successful candidate you will have:

• Good understanding, demonstrated through practical application, of biodiversity conservation, wildlife trade and/or international environmental policy.
• Good understanding of the legal and policy framework underpinning CITES implementation in the UK.

Experience (Responsibilities)

To be a successful candidate you will have:

• Experience of critically evaluating and synthesising evidence from a range of scientific, technical and policy sources to support wildlife trade, conservation or regulatory decision-making, and communicating findings clearly to diverse audiences.
• Experience of representing an organisation in external meetings, working groups or stakeholder engagements.
• Experience of working collaboratively with colleagues and stakeholders from a range of organisations, disciplines and cultural backgrounds.

Behaviours

• Making Effective Decisions
• Delivering at Pace
• Communicating and Influencing
• Working Together

In