Nature Policy Advisor

Are you passionate about protecting and enhancing the natural environment? Do you want to make a real impact across the West Midlands?

We’re looking for a Nature Policy Advisor to join the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) and help shape a greener, more sustainable future for our region.

About the role.

This is a brand new and exciting opportunity to support WMCA’s ambitious Natural Environment Programme, helping to deliver strategic initiatives on nature recovery, biodiversity, green finance, and nature-based solutions.

As Nature Policy Advisor, you'll play a key role in developing and influencing policy, advising on biodiversity across key infrastructure and planning projects, and engaging with local authorities, arm’s length bodies, and other regional stakeholders. Your work will directly contribute to projects that restore habitats, deliver net gain, and unlock new ways of investing in nature.

You’ll also act as a trusted advisor to teams across WMCA and Transport for West Midlands (TfWM), helping to ensure biodiversity and ecology are embedded in major regional strategies and delivery plans.

Learn more about our natural environment work here: How we're improving our natural environment in the West Midlands

This role is being offered as a three year fixed-term contract.

What you will be doing.

• Providing technical advice on biodiversity, nature-based solutions, and ecological best practice across WMCA and TfWM projects.
• Supporting regional planning and transport schemes with expert input on Biodiversity Net Gain and ecological impact.
• Monitoring and interpreting changes in relevant policy and legislation to keep WMCA informed and compliant.
• Engaging and influencing stakeholders across the public sector, including Natural England, the Environment Agency, and local authorities.
• Leading and supporting research projects, reports, and briefings to inform internal decision-making.
• Managing consultant-led work, supporting budget monitoring, and identifying funding opportunities for nature projects.
• Representing WMCA at external forums and events to build partnerships and promote our nature ambitions.
• Supporting the delivery of innovative private investment projects through the Local Investment in Natural Capital programme.

What’s essential.

• Proven experience in project and stakeholder management in an environmental or ecological context.
• Strong understanding of UK biodiversity policy, including Biodiversity Net Gain, ecological impact assessments, and relevant legislation.
• Confident using the DEFRA BNG metric and interpreting ecological data and protected species reports.
• A good grasp of the planning and development process and how to influence it from a nature perspective.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to tailor technical advice for different audiences.
• Competency in Microsoft Office and ideally GIS/data interpretation.
• A degree in a relevant discipline (or equivalent professional qualification.

Location.

The location for this role is Summer Lane with at least 2 days a week spent in the office.

How to apply.

Applying for a role with WMCA is straight forward. Follow these steps to get started.

1. Create your Careers Account. Register with your name, email address, and a password.
2. Build your Profile. Upload your CV to help populate your career and education details.
3. Write your Supporting Statement. Make sure to address each of the required essential criteria.
4. Submit your application. Do one final check and once complete, click submit.

Anonymised Applications.

Your uploaded CV won’t be visible after submission. Our process is anonymised, and only the information in your profile is used for shortlisting. Be thorough in each section. it’s your chance to showcase your skills and experience.

Using Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We cannot stop anyone from using AI help write application content. Used right, it can be a great tool. If you choose to use AI, then use it as a helper rather than relying on it wholly to write your application.

Applications that rely too heavily on AI may be rejected during shortlisting. For help on how to write a supporting statement, please visit the FAQs section of our careers site.

Reasonable adjustments.

If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that means you might require changes to the application or recruitment process, please get in touch with our Recruitment Team ([email protected]).

Salary and benefits.

We advertise salary ranges, with new appointments typically starting at the lowest salary point. In exceptional cases, the salary point may be adjusted to secure the best candidate. This approach allows for potential year-on-year salary increases, offering progression and appropriate rewards to employees. Requests for salaries above the maximum advertised range will not be considered.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

• Local Government Pension Scheme (one of the most generous pension schemes in the UK).
• 28 days paid annual leave (with an option to purchase more), giving you have ample time to relax.
• ethical saving options and healthcare plans.
• Discounted gym membership.
• An option to buy a bicycle, including e-bikes and adapted pedal cycles, at a discounted rate.
• 3 days of paid leave each year to volunteer.
• Interest free financing through SmartTech to buy the latest technology
• Discounted shopping with over 2,000 big-name retailers, and more.

For more information, please visit the benefits page on our career site.

Why join WMCA?

WMCA is laser-focused on improving the West Midlands, bringing economic growth, jobs, homes, and better journeys to the region. We target local needs where it matters most, ensuring everyone has a job that pays well and has access to safe and affordable places they can call home.

We put people and place at the heart of everything we do, working hand in hand with our partners to direct funding where it's needed most. What you do, really matters. Your expertise will help make a big difference, improving people's lives, every day.

Creating an inclusive workplace.

WMCA holds diversity accreditations, such as the RACE Code Quality Mark, Armed Forces Covenant (Gold status) and has been recognised as one of the Inclusive Top 50 Employers and The Times Top 50 Employers for Women. We’re a Disability Confident Employer with ‘Leader’ status, committed to interviewing applicants with disabilities who meet all the essential role criteria.

We recognise that certain groups, such as women and people of colour, may be less likely to apply for roles if they feel they do not meet all the requirements. However, we encourage individuals who are passionate about the role and want to make a difference to still apply. We value potential and encourage applicants to highlight their skills, including transferable ones, even if they don't fit the traditional "perfect candidate" mould.

We gladly consider part-time, flexible, and job share arrangements, so please don't let these factors deter you from applying

Right to Work in the UK

Proof of Right to Work in the UK will be required for all applicants in accordance with UK Home Office requirements, before any employment offer can be confirmed.

Non-UK applicants (excluding Ireland) would be required to hold a relevant Visa from the UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI).