Terrestrial Species Policy Specialist

Terrestrial Species Policy Specialist

Team / Directorate: Terrestrial Ecosystems & Species / Evidence Policy & Permitting

Starting salary: £45,367

Contract type: Fixed-term for 12 months with the possibility of extension

Work pattern: Full time, 37 hours per week

Post number: 203765

The role

This pivotal role will position you as the expert lead on terrestrial species policy, with a key focus on the conservation and legal protection of our most vulnerable species. As the Terrestrial Species Policy Lead Specialist Advisor, you will spearhead the development of Natural Resources Wales' (NRW) policies on protected species, alongside the creation of technical guidance, strategic plans, and implementation strategies.

In this capacity, you will play a crucial role in translating both Welsh and UK Government policies into actionable and effective solutions, ensuring these policies are successfully delivered in practice. Your work will drive forward new approaches to improve internal processes and provide expert advice to both internal teams and external stakeholders on matters related to protected species.

You will collaborate closely with colleagues across various teams, including with Regulatory Approaches and Operations Species teams, as well as government officials and sector representatives. This dynamic, cross-functional role requires a deep understanding of protected species, the ability to develop clear, actionable technical advice, and the skill to integrate expert input from NRW's species and regulatory specialists.

If you are passionate about biodiversity conservation and want to make a tangible impact on the protection of Wales' unique natural heritage, this is an exciting opportunity to shape policy at the forefront of environmental protection.

As an organisation we support flexible working. You will be contracted to the nearest NRW office to your home and a suitable hybrid working pattern will be agreed on appointment. Any regular face to face meetings or training will be planned in advance.

To make an informal enquiry about this role, please contract Liz Halliwell.

Interviews will be conducted via Microsoft Teams.

Successful external applicants will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) check. We aim to make offers of appointment within 4 to 8 weeks of the closing date.

What you will do

• Lead and project manage specific and complex issues that require development of NRW policies, strategies, plans, programmes
• Provide advice to WG and other bodies in Wales and the UK as appropriate, and in-turn review and advise on the produced policy, plans and strategies.
• Retain ownership and oversight of the terrestrial species policy area to ensure integrity of NRW approaches with Welsh Government, Central Government and EU Policy intent.
• Advise on evidence needs and opportunities, commission evidence and project manage agreed evidence projects, in line with the agreed evidence programme.
• Maintain a detailed working knowledge of the technical specialist areas identifying the implications of legislative, technology and market changes for Natural Resources Wales and the sector(s).
• Contribute to task and finish groups, commissioned through the Business Boards, to prepare defined products as required.
• Steer the overview and ownership of engagement with Welsh Government on the specific policy areas related to terrestrial species.
• Share your knowledge and expertise to help solve problems, supporting all Heads of Business in the directorate as required.
• Undertake health and safety duties and responsibilities appropriate to the post
• Be committed to Natural Resources Wales Equal Opportunities and Diversity Policy, together with an understanding of how it operates within the responsibilities of the post
• Be committed to your own development and that of your staff through the effective use of your personal development plan (known as Sgwrs).
• Any other reasonable duties requested commensurate with the grade of this role.

Your qualifications, experience, knowledge and skills

In your application and interview you will be asked to demonstrate the following skills and experience using the STAR method.

1. Knowledge of: Welsh, UK and EU legislation related to biodiversity; Welsh, UK Government policy drivers in biodiversity; and the issues and opportunities in Wales.

2. Knowledge and practical understanding of the range of partners and stakeholders involved with biodiversity in Wales.

3. Specialist technical knowledge related to terrestrial species, with a focus on protected species and their conservation and management techniques.

4. Experience of: In-depth understanding of the relevant technical specialist area and the complex range of drivers and barriers to delivery.

5. Working in a programme and project management environment with Project Management experience and/or qualifications.

6. You will be a member of a relevant professional institution and/or working towards membership.

7. Representing the organisation in high profile and contentious issues in the public arena.

Welsh language level requirements

Essential: A1 - Entry level (able to use and understand simple, basic phrases and greetings, no conversational Welsh) previous Level 1

Please note if you do not meet the A1 requirement i.e., ability to understand basic phrases and ability to pronounce Welsh names correctly, then NRW offers a variety of learning options and staff support to help you meet these minimal requirements during the course of your employment with us.

This role will offer a range of benefits, including:

• Civil Service Pension Scheme offering employer contributions of 28.97%
• 28 days annual leave, rising to 33 days
• generous leave entitlements for all your life needs
• commitment to professional development
• health and wellbeing benefits and support
• weekly wellbeing hour to use as you choose

See full details for all the employee benefits you will receive.

Please keep reading

If you think you have what it takes to do this role, but don't necessarily meet every single point on the job description, please still get in touch and we will be happy to discuss the role with you in more detail.

We're passionate about creating a diverse workforce and positively encourage applications from under-represented communities. We embrace equality of opportunity irrespective of disability, neurodivergence, ethnic origin, colour, nationality, gender expression and gender identity, marital status, sexual orientation, culture, or religion We put the principles of human rights, equality, fairness, dignity and respect at the heart of our values.

We are committed to equal opportunities, and we guarantee interviews for candidates with disabilities who meet the minimum selection criteria.

We want to attract and retain talented and highly skilled staff, so we make sure that our pay scales remain competitive. We advertise the full pay scale on our job descriptions. Appointed candidates start at the first point of the pay scale and annual increments are paid each year.

We want our staff to grow professionally and personally. From leadership development to access to further and higher education courses, our staff have opportunities to expand their knowledge on variety of topics, stay current in their field and continue to learn as their career progresses.

We are a Bilingual organisation which complies with the Welsh Language Standards . Welsh language skills are considered an asset to NRW and we encourage and support staff to learn, develop and use their Welsh language skills.