Conservation Scientist

We are seeking a fixed term Conservation Scientist for 12 months. This will be to support the
further development of the Taskforce on Nature-related Financial Disclosures (TNFD) framework.
The ideal candidate will have a strong background in biodiversity assessment, monitoring, and
conservation, with ecological knowledge to evaluate the efficacy of proposed biodiversity
indicators and metrics within the TNFD framework.

What’s the role about? 

Work areas will be narrowed down to a few deliverables once the project begins.

• Scope and Evaluate Proposed Biodiversity Indicators and their contribution
  to conservation goals outlined by TNFD
• Provide Guidance to TNFD on the application of core and optional metrics
  related to nature
• Ensure the TNFD Framework Aligns with Nature Recovery Goals
• Conduct Case Studies to assess the strengths and weaknesses of proposed
  and potential TNFD metrics. 
• Scientific Assessment of TNFD’s nature-related metrics for financial
  disclosure. 
• Propose Additional Datasets, gaps and Metrics that TNFD could include in
  future guidance based on emerging science and publicly available data. 
• Develop and Maintain Specialist Expertise in a specialist scientific area,
  ensuring that RSPB project decisions are informed with professional scientific advice
• Build Internal and External Stakeholder Relationships on project boards,
  across RSPB, and with external partners and stakeholders.
• Communicate Scientific Findings to professional and non-technical
  audiences including national media and international science conferences, ensuring our
  science inspires, informs, and builds credibility and support among key audiences

What we need from you:

Essential skills, knowledge and experience:

• Advanced degree (Ph.D. preferred) in environmental science, ecology,
  biodiversity, conservation biology, or related field 
• Proven experience in biodiversity assessment, monitoring, and
  conservation, preferably in a research or consultancy capacity
• Strong analytical skills: demonstrated ability to analyse complex
  scientific data and interpret findings effectively
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex
  scientific concepts to diverse stakeholders effectively and present findings in various
  formats including reports and peer reviewed papers.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams
  and engage with stakeholders from academia, government, and industry.
• Knowledge of conservation issues and practice, gained through experience
  of leading a scientific project.
• Project design – ability to design robust scientific projects
• Self-motivated and able to work efficiently under pressure within a
  defined work plan to meet deadlines. This necessitates the ability to plan and organise own
  work
• Ability to influence others through production of written material: for
  example, peer–reviewed papers in scientific journals, reports to funders
• Skilled use of Microsoft Office and ability to use advanced scientific
  software for data analysis.

Desirable skills, knowledge and experience:

• Experience in financial disclosure frameworks and their integration with
  biodiversity conservation 
• Publication record – a track record of peer- reviewed publications in the
  field of biodiversity assessment or corporate sustainability .
• Familiarity with TNFD framework or similar initiatives.
• Engagement with business stakeholders – experience engaging with
  businesses or industry stakeholders to promote best practices in biodiversity assessment

Additional Information

This is a Fixed-Term role for 12 months @ 37.5 hours per week. 

The RSPB reserves the right to extend or make this role permanent without further
advertising dependent on business needs at the end of the contract term.

We are looking to conduct interviews for this position from 09th July 2024. For further
information please contact [email protected] or [email protected] 

As part of this application process you will be asked to provide a copy of your CV and complete
an application form including evidence on how you meet the skills, knowledge, and experience
listed above.

This role will require completion of a DBS/PVG/Access NI in addition to the standard
pre-employment checks.

We are committed to developing an inclusive and diverse RSPB, in which everyone
feels supported, valued, and able to be their full selves. To achieve our vision of creating a
world richer in nature, we need more people, and more diverse people, on nature’s side. People
of colour and disabled people are currently underrepresented across the environment, climate,
sustainability, and conservation sector. If you identify as a person of colour and/or disabled,
we are particularly interested in receiving your application. Contact us to discuss any
additional support you may need to complete your application.

The RSPB is an equal opportunities employer. This role is covered by the
Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.

The RSPB is a licenced sponsor. This role is not eligible for UK Visa Sponsorship – the
successful applicant will need to have a pre-existing Right to Work in the UK in order to be
offered an employment contract.

We reserve the right to close this advert once sufficient applications have been received.