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. 270 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.270 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.            

Short Summary: Post background
Air pollution is a transboundary threat to over 80% the area of UK semi-natural habitat affecting ecosystem function as well as the wildlife and people that rely on them. In this UN Decade of Restoration, the UK has global as well as domestic biodiversity commitments that could be undermined if air pollution effects are not addressed. 

JNCC’s enhanced joint-working on air pollution is critical to assist with the coordinated UK effort to build an evidence base and tools to:

• Monitor for effects of air pollution on habitats; 
• support better decision-making in the UK and ;
• understanding what recovery from air pollution looks like.

The post holder will work closely with the Environmental Pollution science leads to provide strategic thinking and science advice to Defra and Country Nature Conservation Bodies (CNCBs) in the Inter-agency Air Pollution Group (IAPG). In addition, they will provide advice and assurance on modelling, monitoring and effects of air pollution to a range of projects including the Air Pollution Assessment Service tool and Air Pollution Recovery Indicators projects. 

Job Description: Post Duties
Provide scientific and technical advice to support:

• Project delivery of Air Pollution Assessment Service and Air Pollution Recovery Indicators project; 
• Policy-relevant analysis, evidence and advice to government on air pollution effects on the natural environment;
• Assessment and reporting on air pollution impacts that JNCC deliver;
• Communication of JNCC's air pollution work through presentations, report and scientific paper publishing, website, newsletters and other fora; 
• Coordinate JNCC responses to Government and other consultations or official requests relating to air pollution matters, co-ordinating with the CNCBs as required;
• Contribute to development of JNCC’s air pollution work to respond to the evolving policy needs and JNCC strategic priorities.

Technical
To be a successful candidate you will have:

• A relevant degree (e.g., Environmental Science, Environmental Chemistry, Environmental Modelling) or equivalent experience. 

Experience (Responsibilities)
To be a successful candidate you will have:

• Demonstrable experience in air pollution modelling and monitoring and application to ecosystems and/or wildlife; 
• Awareness of how scientific evidence is used in policy development for conservation of nature and relevant air pollution and environmental legislation.

Behaviours

• Seeing the Big Picture; 
• Changing and improving; 
• Managing a Quality Service;
• Working Together.

In the event that we receive a large volume of applications we reserve the right to conduct the sift based on the Lead Behaviour of Seeing the Big Picture

Please see the CS Behaviours framework for more details at this grade.

Nationality requirements 
This job is broadly open to the following groups: 

• UK nationals;
• Nationals of Commonwealth countries who have the right to work in the UK;
• Nationals of the Republic of Ireland;
• Nationals from the EU, EEA or Switzerland with settled or pre-settled status or who apply for either status by the deadline of the European Union Settlement Scheme (EUSS);
• Relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals working in the Civil Service;
• Relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals who have built up the right to work in the Civil Service;
• Certain family members of the relevant EU, EEA, Swiss or Turkish nationals.

Interview date
The anticipated interview date is week commencing Monday, 11 September 2023

A Recruitment and Retention Allowance (RRA) up to £5,000 per annum, pro rata, may be agreed. This allowance is discretionary and will depend on candidate's qualifications and experience.
        
This post is open to secondment from another Government organisation.

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 our office base for 1 – 2 days a month as a minimum, this 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.