Senior Consultant - Environment Policy

We are looking for a Senior Consultant to join our growing environmental policy practice. The environment practice works extensively for UK Government departments (e.g. Defra) and agencies as well as the European Commission (e.g. DG Environment) and its agencies as well as NGOs and industry associations. 

Much of our work involves economic analysis and evaluation of public policies, programmes and contexts. It tackles issues at the top of today’s policy agenda across:

• Biodiversity and natural capital

• Protected areas and conservation

• Green economy

• Environmental governance

• Agriculture and fisheries

• Food safety, nutrition and health

We are working on many of today’s most important policy issues, providing robust evidence and strategic support.

Examples include:

In the UK, we are providing Defra with research, analysis and evaluation services as it develops the new Environmental Land Management scheme. We have been providing advice on the costs, benefits and funding needs of achieving different levels of improvement in biodiversity metrics, to support the design of the new nature strategy and biodiversity targets as directed under the Environment Bill. We have evaluated the effectiveness of fisheries control and enforcement, as the UK moves to become an independent coastal state. And we are looking at the use of reverse auctions in reducing nutrient pollution of water.

In the EU we have been: researching on the economic benefits of marine protected areas, to support the European Commission’s blue growth policies; leading the EU’s Business and Biodiversity Platform (a forum that works with and helps businesses integrate natural capital and biodiversity considerations into business practices); assessing how marine habitat and species assessments can be more harmonised under the Birds and Habitats Directives and the MSFD; and supporting the European Commission’s evaluation of the animal welfare strategy (available here).

From day one, you will contribute to a diverse range of assignments by undertaking qualitative and quantitative research and analysis that impacts directly on public policy decisions. In parallel, we will provide you with the opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills further through excellent training and development support, structured career guidance systems, our mentoring programme, communities of practice and line management arrangements.

Your main responsibilities will be to:

• Undertake policy and/or economic research and analysis

• Prepare descriptive and analytical reports

• Contribute to the management of projects and tasks

• Help us to win new work by contributing to compelling proposals

• Pursue business development opportunities and build networks and partnerships

We are looking for someone with the following skills and experience:

• Degree, Master’s degree or PhD in relevant discipline

• Demonstrable interest and experience in environmental policy 

• Strong qualitative, quantitative and analytical skills

• Skills in economic analysis and appraisal, impact assessment, evaluation and/or environmental economics

• Good understanding of UK and/or European policy-making process (experience of working on assignments for the UK Government or European Commission would be an advantage)

• Relevant professional experience of at least 5 years within the context of UK or EU public policy in a related field

• Business development experience, including contributing to proposals / grant applications, would be an advantage

• Advanced computer user skills (Microsoft applications)

• Exceptional writing skills

• Excellent oral and written English; fluency in at least one additional European language an advantage

• Highly-developed interpersonal skills and self-motivation

• High level of attention to detail and accuracy

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