International Programme Director (SBE)
Of this £36m the UK has committed £10 million over four years to support a Scientific and Technical Delivery Platform of the Sustainable Blue Economies programme. The Platform consists of JNCC, MMO, NOC and the Met Office and draws together the combined expertise of the partnership and their networks.
It will provide demand-led scientific and technical support to Small Island Developing States to sustainably manage their precious marine resources for the benefit of present and future generations.
Cefas is the Tier 1 (Lead) partner overseeing the Platform and a Tier 2 (collaborator) delivery partner along with the other Platform partners implementing projects within the programme. This opportunity is to fill the role of the Cefas Programme Director, acting as both the overall Tier 1 Programme Director and as Cefas’ Tier 2 Programme Director.
Working within the International Funding and Partnerships Directorate the candidate will report to the Head of IFPD and senior IFPD staff. The Cefas SBE Programme Director (SBEPD) will be responsible for managing the Tier 1 role within SBE, outward facing engagement with the FCDO and the Programme Directors of Tier 2 partner organisations.Key aspects of the role will include oversight of, and setting strategic direction for the Platform, oversight of projects delivered throughout SBE and working across stakeholders internationally and in the UK. The Cefas SBEPD will oversee project delivery for Cefas and ensure joined up programme delivery across thematic and organisational boundaries.
This includes oversight of funding, programme and project design, quality of science outputs and impact. Working with the Cefas ODA Unit they will also be responsible for ensuring ODA compliance across the Platform.
The Civil Service is committed to attract, retain and invest in talent wherever it is found. To learn more please see the Civil Service People Plan and the Civil Service Diversity and Inclusion Strategy.
Welcome to Cefas (youtube.com)
The Cefas SBEPD will have a central role in representing Cefas’ delivery and engagement with external stakeholders within SBE, including the FCDO and with overseas governments in SBE eligible countries. As a senior role within Cefas, representing both Cefas and wider UK Government, it is expected that the post holder has established experience in these areas.
The Cefas SBEPD will be expected to be able to work autonomously across HMG, in particular with other Arm’s Length Bodies involved in the delivery of SBE.
In conjunction with other regional leads within IFPD It is also anticipated that the SBEPD will support IFPD’s wider objectives and work and build relationships with partner governments, develop wider opportunities, and create exceptional narratives with supporting evidence that will underpin FCDO’s strategic objectives.
The role offers a unique and varied opportunity within Cefas involving both science delivery and international engagement to achieve applied outcomes. Whilst the split in activities is likely to be roughly even the post holder will be expected to manage their time to prioritise and align with the requirements of the SBE Programme throughout the programme cycle.
Provide scientific oversight and leadership for the SBE project portfolio.- Deliver the Tier 1 role within the SBE programme on behalf of Cefas.
- Provide scientific direction, oversight, and leadership to the portfolio of projects across SBE.
- Manage, mentor, and provide leadership to scientists working across the SBEP.
- Projects delivered through effective collaborative partnerships, communication, and regional scientific knowledge, building relationships with key local stakeholders, UK-based Cefas staff and HMG colleagues:
- Ensure compliance of the SBE Platform with ODA programme rules, including requirements for GESI, SEAH, Aid diversion and EDI.
- Identify opportunities to demonstrate Cefas science expertise alongside international partners to promote UK science.
- Support the development and implementation of a cross-HMG strategy to support Cefas and stakeholder ambitions in regions where SBE is dynamic.
- Develop and maintain X-HMG strategic partnerships with HMG staff based in the UK and the countries within the SBE.
- Support the IFPD regional leads when building partnerships or above with key regional Government Ministries.
- Work across the diplomatic network to promote Gov – Gov stakeholder engagement and UK based science / evidence to support local Embassy country business plans (CBPs):
- Identify opportunities to develop parallel projects working across the organisation. This would be dependent on delivering the core SBE Programme.
- Develop understanding of the breadth of Cefas’ scientific capability and its ability to support development outcomes.
A new job description will be issued if required.