CITES Scientific Adviser 2026068

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.

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)

This vacancy is using Success Profiles (opens in a new window), and will assess your Behaviours, Experience and Technical skills.

Please use the STARR method when appropriate:

• S — Situation: Set the scene and provide necessary background context
• T — Task: Explain your specific role, responsibility, or goal in that situation
• A — Action: Describe the exact, practical steps you took to solve the problem or handle the challenge
• R — Result: Share the outcome of your actions, using quantifiable metrics or data whenever possible.
• R / T — Reflection or Takeaway : Add what you learned, how it applies to your future work, or what you would do differently next time.

Candidates shortlisted for interview will be required to prepare a short presentation. The presentation topic will be provided when the interview invitation is issued.

Feedback will only be provided if you attend an interview or assessment.