Science - Policy Officer: Climate Change Adaptation

SCIENCE - POLICY OFFICER: CLIMATE CHANGE ADAPTATION

Starting Salary: £31,815 (Pay Band E)

We are seeking a highly-motivated individual to take a leadership role within the Adaptation Workstream of the Scottish Government’s Centre of Expertise in Climate Change (CoECC). This exciting new venture integrates across the Government’s Major Research Providers, and Higher Education Institutes, to deliver a national policy framework that optimally uses climate change science.

We are looking for a candidate with previous experience in summarising science for policy makers. The successful candidate will have excellent inter-personal and managerial skills and a willingness to work between contrasting organisations. They will have a career interest in the science-policy interface and detailed knowledge of policy drivers/implementation (e.g. the National Ecosystem Assessment, the UK’s Climate Change Risk Assessment, Scotland’s Biodiversity Strategy etc).

The post holder will work with a team of scientists, government agencies and relevant NGO staff, whose aims include:

1. Developing report cards to summarise adaptation options and best practice for policy makers and key stakeholders
2. Scoping and summarising information on climate change adaptation (ad hoc and planned)
3. Mining and collating datasets on terrestrial biodiversity, to develop a monitoring framework for ecosystem resilience
4. Overseeing the development of complementary datasets for other sectors (e.g. agriculture, forestry etc)
5. As the project matures, developing tools for public engagement and knowledge exchange

This is initially a 3-year fixed term appointment which is subject to Government review at 31 March 2012 and 31 March 2015. There is also the possibility of an extension of employment of up to 2 years depending on availability of funding.  Candidates should have relevant experience and knowledge in a similar role.

Informal enquiries can be sent to: Dr Christopher Ellis (c.ellis@rbge.org.uk). To apply for this post please send a covering letter detailing relevant experience and suitability for the position, and a CV and an equal opportunities form to Gillian Oddie, HR Department, Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh, EH3 5LR or email to g.oddie@rbge.org.uk.  The closing date for receipt of applications is Friday, 22 July 2011. Interviews will take place at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh on 8 - 9 August 2011.