Marine Ecosystems and Biodiversity Policy Officer – Secondment or Loan
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Occupation Type
Business, research and administrative professionals not elsewhere classified.
Occupation Code Skill LevelHigher Skilled
Sponsorship Salary Threshold
£56,600
(£29.03 per hour)
Occupation rate applies
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Description
Vacancy title
Marine Ecosystems and Biodiversity Policy Officer – Secondment or Loan
Closing date
20/03/2026, 16:00
Advertising basis
Loan, Secondment
Actual starting salary
Although HEO Pay Scale is £37,111 to £45,378, please see 'Other vacancy related information' for further clarity.
Salary range or pay band
HEO £37,111 to £45,378
Allowances
No
Work pattern
Full time (applications are welcome from people who work part time, as part of a job share or who work full time)
Duration
2 years
Group
Local Govt, Housing, Climate Change and Rural Affairs
Directorate
Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability
Branch
Marine Ecosystems and Biodiversity
Location (s)
Pan Wales
Purpose of post
The Marine Ecosystems and Biodiversity Branch within the Marine and Biodiversity Division are seeking a motivated individual with strong interpersonal skills along with the ability to work autonomously.
Our Welsh seas are some of richest and most biologically diverse across Europe and are home to many habitats and species of national and international importance.
To protect our species and habitats, Wales has a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPA’s) covering 69% of our inshore waters. The MPA’s also help us to achieve Good Environmental Status in our waters, through the UK Marine Strategy and support deliv
Marine Ecosystems and Biodiversity Policy Officer – Secondment or Loan
Closing date
20/03/2026, 16:00
Advertising basis
Loan, Secondment
Actual starting salary
Although HEO Pay Scale is £37,111 to £45,378, please see 'Other vacancy related information' for further clarity.
Salary range or pay band
HEO £37,111 to £45,378
Allowances
No
Work pattern
Full time (applications are welcome from people who work part time, as part of a job share or who work full time)
Duration
2 years
Group
Local Govt, Housing, Climate Change and Rural Affairs
Directorate
Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability
Branch
Marine Ecosystems and Biodiversity
Location (s)
Pan Wales
Purpose of post
The Marine Ecosystems and Biodiversity Branch within the Marine and Biodiversity Division are seeking a motivated individual with strong interpersonal skills along with the ability to work autonomously.
Our Welsh seas are some of richest and most biologically diverse across Europe and are home to many habitats and species of national and international importance.
To protect our species and habitats, Wales has a network of Marine Protected Areas (MPA’s) covering 69% of our inshore waters. The MPA’s also help us to achieve Good Environmental Status in our waters, through the UK Marine Strategy and support deliv
ery of our Global Biodiversity Framework Commitments, particularly the 30x30 target.
To support our response to the climate emergency, commitments to “Net Zero” and First Minister priorities, there is planned expansion off offshore renewable energy across Welsh seas, which is resulting in increasing spatial demands and impacts to the MPA network. There is a need to agree compensatory measures for any impacts/loss of habitats and species from the expansion of offshore renewables, and wider infrastructure, to ensure the coherence and resilience of our MPA’s.
The main purpose of the role is work with, with Natural Resources Wales (NRW), UK Government departments and WG Marine Planning and Licensing team to speed up the consenting process for infrastructure development. This will include supporting the Offshore Wind Environmental Improvement Package (OWIEP) to expediate the deployment of offshore renewables, in addition to supporting wider derogations for e.g. port/flood defence developments. The post holder will work closely with NRW to identify and take forward potential suitable compensatory measures.
The post holder will also support the wider work of the Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystems branch including supporting completion of the MPA network, delivery of Welsh Minister commitments to OSPAR and the UK Marine Strategy and Programme for Government commitments.
The role will also require significant engagement with a range of WG cross policy areas including Energy, Fisheries and Transport (Ports) divisions. Additionally, the role will involve significant interaction with Cabinet Secretaries/Ministers and Special Advisors.
The post holder will be supporting an SEO post and wider colleagues within the branch.
Key tasks
Key Responsibilities Will Be
To support our response to the climate emergency, commitments to “Net Zero” and First Minister priorities, there is planned expansion off offshore renewable energy across Welsh seas, which is resulting in increasing spatial demands and impacts to the MPA network. There is a need to agree compensatory measures for any impacts/loss of habitats and species from the expansion of offshore renewables, and wider infrastructure, to ensure the coherence and resilience of our MPA’s.
The main purpose of the role is work with, with Natural Resources Wales (NRW), UK Government departments and WG Marine Planning and Licensing team to speed up the consenting process for infrastructure development. This will include supporting the Offshore Wind Environmental Improvement Package (OWIEP) to expediate the deployment of offshore renewables, in addition to supporting wider derogations for e.g. port/flood defence developments. The post holder will work closely with NRW to identify and take forward potential suitable compensatory measures.
The post holder will also support the wider work of the Marine Biodiversity and Ecosystems branch including supporting completion of the MPA network, delivery of Welsh Minister commitments to OSPAR and the UK Marine Strategy and Programme for Government commitments.
The role will also require significant engagement with a range of WG cross policy areas including Energy, Fisheries and Transport (Ports) divisions. Additionally, the role will involve significant interaction with Cabinet Secretaries/Ministers and Special Advisors.
The post holder will be supporting an SEO post and wider colleagues within the branch.
Key tasks
Key Responsibilities Will Be
- Support strategic engagement with Natural Resources Wales (NRW), JNCC, and UK Government to identify and secure suitable compensation measures that support current and future infrastructure development needs.
- Collaborate across government and industry, working with DEFRA, DESNZ, The Crown Estate, and Welsh Government Marine Planning teams to deliver derogations and compensatory habitat requirements—accelerating offshore wind deployment and wider infrastructure projects.
- Lead on other priorities within the branch, working closely with colleagues across the division and wider including, fisheries, water, flood and environmental policy.
- Manage day-to-day government business, ensuring timely delivery of priorities and commitments.
- Work in a high-profile policy area that directly supports Programme for Government commitments and delivers Ministerial priorities on biodiversity and climate change.
- Gain significant experience in intergovernmental policy development and delivery, collaborating with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders, including Ministers.
- Join a high-performing, friendly, and inclusive team where your contributions will make a real impact.
I n the event of a large number of applications, an initial sift will be conducted against the lead assessment criterion: Experience 1. Candidates who pass the initial sift may be progressed to a full sift or progressed straight to interview.
In the event of two or more candidates having the same total score, the following list will be used to determine a merit order/which candidate will be appointed. Weighting the criteria - which candidate had the highest score for Experience Question 3, then 2, then 1.
- These temporary roles are available for a duration of 2 years, on a loan or secondment basis.
- A reserve list may be held for this opportunity. Any candidate who meets the required scoring and are successful in being offered a reserve status, will remain on the reserve list for 12 months and may be considered for comparable roles that may arise within the team.
- Successful candidates are expected to return to their substantive appointment at the end of this opportunity.
Candidates should note that this post is being offered as either a secondment or loan opportunity only. Please ensure you have fully consulted the eligibility guidance before you apply.
Eligibility Verification
Applications will be assessed against the below stated criteria. Candidates who do not meet the eligibility requirements will be notified regarding the status of their application.
For Candidates Applying on a Secondment Basis
Eligibility Verification
Applications will be assessed against the below stated criteria. Candidates who do not meet the eligibility requirements will be notified regarding the status of their application.
For Candidates Applying on a Secondment Basis
- You must obtain prior agreement from your employer to be released on secondment before applying. Please ensure you have line management approval.
- During the secondment, you will remain on the terms, conditions, and payroll of your home organisation.
- Inward secondees are not eligible for Welsh Government pay awards or rewards. Please see our candidate guidance for pay arrangements.
- You must be an existing civil servant, appointed through fair and open competition, who has passed probation and been in your substantive post for at least 6 months at the time of application.
- This is a temporary post. At the end of the loan, you will return to your substantive grade and pay arrangements in your home organisation.
Eligibility Verification
Applications will be assessed against the below stated criteria. Candidates who do not meet the eligibility requirements will be notified regarding the status of their application.
For Candidates Applying on a Secondment Basis
- You must obtain prior agreement from your employer to be released on secondment before applying. Please ensure you have line management approval.
- During the secondment, you will remain on the terms, conditions, and payroll of your home organisation.
- Inward secondees are not eligible for Welsh Government pay awards or rewards. Please see our candidate guidance for pay arrangements.
For Candidates Applying on a Loan Basis
Basic
Number of posts
1
Contact point for further information regarding the post
MarineEcosystemsAndBiodiversity@gov.wales
Welsh language requirements
3 - Welsh language skills are not essential for this post, they are however desirable and will be considered if two or more candidates receive the same score at the application or interview stage.
Understanding by reading
0 - No skills
Speaking and being understood
0 - No skills
Understanding by listening
0 - No skills
Writing and being understood
0 - No skills
Welsh Government, like all other Government Departments use Success Profiles when we recruit. For each role we consider what you will need to demonstrate to be successful. This gives us the best possible chance of finding the right person for the job. It raises performance and improves diversity and inclusivity.
The Selection Process And Stages Are
- You must be an existing civil servant, appointed through fair and open competition, who has passed probation and been in your substantive post for at least 6 months at the time of application.
- This is a temporary post. At the end of the loan, you will return to your substantive grade and pay arrangements in your home organisation.
- Prior agreement from your employer to be released on loan must be obtained before applying. Please ensure you have line management approval.
- Successful candidates will have their financial position protected in line with Welsh Government pay policy (see candidate guidance for details).
- Loanees will move to Welsh Government’s pay scale for the HEO grade, salary will be based on basic pay only.
Basic
Number of posts
1
Contact point for further information regarding the post
MarineEcosystemsAndBiodiversity@gov.wales
Welsh language requirements
3 - Welsh language skills are not essential for this post, they are however desirable and will be considered if two or more candidates receive the same score at the application or interview stage.
Understanding by reading
0 - No skills
Speaking and being understood
0 - No skills
Understanding by listening
0 - No skills
Writing and being understood
0 - No skills
Welsh Government, like all other Government Departments use Success Profiles when we recruit. For each role we consider what you will need to demonstrate to be successful. This gives us the best possible chance of finding the right person for the job. It raises performance and improves diversity and inclusivity.
The Selection Process And Stages Are
Evidence to provide
Experience questions
Experience 1
Ability to analyse complex data and information and provide clear, evidence-based recommendations to senior managers
Experience 2
Knowledge of marine protected areas and strategic compensation measures
Experience 3
Ability to develop and deliver policy or evidence-based work.
Experience 4
Ability to work to challenging and competing deadlines.
You will be asked about your nationality and if you are legally allowed to work in the United Kingdom. This is to find out if you are eligible to apply for this vacancy. This is a requirement for working within the Civil Service. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules
If you do not meet the eligibility criteria your application will not progress. If it becomes clear at a later stage in the process that you are not eligible to apply, your application may be withdrawn, or the offer retracted.
Nationality Requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
Experience questions
Experience 1
Ability to analyse complex data and information and provide clear, evidence-based recommendations to senior managers
Experience 2
Knowledge of marine protected areas and strategic compensation measures
Experience 3
Ability to develop and deliver policy or evidence-based work.
Experience 4
Ability to work to challenging and competing deadlines.
You will be asked about your nationality and if you are legally allowed to work in the United Kingdom. This is to find out if you are eligible to apply for this vacancy. This is a requirement for working within the Civil Service. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/nationality-rules
If you do not meet the eligibility criteria your application will not progress. If it becomes clear at a later stage in the process that you are not eligible to apply, your application may be withdrawn, or the offer retracted.
Nationality Requirements
This job is broadly open to the following groups:
- UK nationals
- nationals of the Republic of Ireland
Secondments are fixed term options for no more than two years, open to individuals not employed as a Civil Servant (this includes those employed by Non-Departmental Government Bodies). Sometimes posts are advertised as a secondment opportunity. If this is the case it will state it above. Secondees have different terms and conditions, please refer to the guidance pack before applying. Secondees are not entitled to the benefits listed below including those relating to Social Partnership.
All Welsh Government staff are members of the Civil Service, and as a result are eligible for:
- Civil Service Pension Scheme
If you are an active Civil Service Pension member you can continue your membership throughout your employment with us.
We recruit by merit on the basis of fair and open competition. Please see the Civil Service Commission's recruitment principles on the Commission's website.
If you feel your application has not been treated in accordance with these principles and wish to make a complaint please email complaints@gov.wales . Please ensure that you refer to the vacancy reference number.
If you are not satisfied with the response you receive from the Welsh Government, you can contact the Civil Service Commission: info@csc.gov.uk.
How To Apply
All applications for this vacancy must be made using our online application system.
Unless stated otherwise in the 'Other vacancy-related information for advert', the Welsh Government cannot offer Visa sponsorship. Welsh Government holds a Visa sponsorship licence, but this can only be used for certain roles and this campaign does not qualify.
Applications are welcomed from people with a diverse range of lived and professional experiences. We are actively committed to becoming an increasingly diverse organisation which represents the diverse communities we serve. There are a number of Diversity networks that staff can participate in, which include the Disability Awareness and Support Staff Network; Minority Ethnic Staff Network; Mind Matters (Mental health and well-being); PRISM (LGBTI+), Women Together and the Neurodivergence Network.
If you have an impairment which prevents you from applying online, please email our recruitment team. You can:
- request an application pack in an alternative format
You should check your Application Centre regularly for updates to your application. Please also check your spam/junk folder in case any communication regarding your application and/or assessment details finds its way there.
Once you've registered for an account and logged in, you'll be taken to the online application form. You must complete this and submit it before the deadline on the closing date. We will not consider an incomplete application form.
If you would like to apply for this vacancy in Welsh, please use the Change Language link on this page. We welcome applications in Welsh, and applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than applications submitted in English.
Please see the candidate guidance for more information on the recruitment process.
For information on Civil Service Success Profiles please click here .
For TS to G6 recruitment schemes:
When presenting your evidence, you may find it useful to consider the expectations of the grade as set out in the Grade Description as well as the main responsibilities that are essential for the role.
Use the 'Apply' button to submit your application. You will be asked to register if you don't have an account or sign in if you do. Registration takes a few minutes and you will need an email address.
You should check your Application Centre regularly for updates to your application. Please also check your spam/junk folder in case any communication regarding your application and/or assessment details finds its way there.
Once you've registered for an account and logged in, you'll be taken to the online application form. You must complete this and submit it before the deadline on the closing date. We will not consider an incomplete application form.
If you would like to apply for this vacancy in Welsh, please use the Change Language link on this page. We welcome applications in Welsh, and applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than applications submitted in English.
Please see the candidate guidance for more information on the recruitment process.
For information on Civil Service Success Profiles please click here .
For TS to G6 recruitment schemes:
Use the 'Apply' button to submit your application. You will be asked to register if you don't have an account or sign in if you do. Registration takes a few minutes and you will need an email address.
You should check your Application Centre regularly for updates to your application. Please also check your spam/junk folder in case any communication regarding your application and/or assessment details finds its way there.
Once you've registered for an account and logged in, you'll be taken to the online application form. You must complete this and submit it before the deadline on the closing date. We will not consider an incomplete application form.
If you would like to apply for this vacancy in Welsh, please use the Change Language link on this page. We welcome applications in Welsh, and applications submitted in Welsh will not be treated less favourably than applications submitted in English.
Please see the candidate guidance for more information on the recruitment process.
For information on Civil Service Success Profiles please click here .
For TS to G6 recruitment schemes:
When presenting your evidence, you may find it useful to consider the expectations of the grade as set out in the Grade Description as well as the main responsibilities that are essential for the role.