If directing research on ‘what works’ in nature policy is what gets you up in the morning, and you want to make an impact, we may have the new role you’ve been looking for. Given the scale and pace of change needed to achieve the nature recovery we all need, there is a key role for evaluators and researchers to provide:timely, robust evidence on whether programmes are working as intended, their impacts, and their value for moneydata from monitoring the state of the natural environment and from social research with stakeholdersresearch on innovations, potential reforms and experience elsewhere.This is where ICF delivers. We are the principal provider of evaluation expertise to government on policies and programmes for the natural environment in England. We manage Defra’s main monitoring, evaluation and analytical support service, and are a leading supplier of policy-focused research and consultancy advice on environmental issues. We are looking for an experienced, senior practitioner to help lead our growing volume of nature policy work for Defra, Natural England, the Office of Environmental Protection and other public bodies. The successful candidate will:Have experience of designing and directing high quality programme and policy evaluations relevant to nature policyHave an appreciation of the UK institutional context and the process of environmental policy development.Enjoy leading on a portfolio of projects in a fast-paced, professional environmentHave proven technical evaluation, research, communication, team management and commercial skills.The role is positioned in an ICF team dedicated to provision of policy-relevant research, analytical and evaluation services to the UK public sector. The core responsibilities of the role will be to:Design and lead policy research and evaluation projects relating to nature policy in the UK.Work with colleagues to support the quality and growth of our environmental policy services for the Defra group and other UK clientsBe an active member of the senior management team of this area of our business, working with colleagues to ensure its effective management and achievement of agreed business goalsProvide line management and technical support to team members and contribute to the efforts to enhance the capability of the team and ICF.We are keen to talk to candidates that have:A strong academic background in economics, natural sciences, public policy or a related discipline.A strong commitment to, and interest in, environmental policy.At least 15 years of professional experience in policy and programme research and evaluation relating to the polices that support biodiversity and nature recovery, ideally in a consultancy context.Experience of conducting high quality research, monitoring and evaluation assignments using recognised process, impact and VfM methods, at least some of which will be in the UK.Strong analytical skills and the ability to develop sound conclusions and policy-relevant recommendations.Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including experience with presenting key concepts to clients.Experience in leading multi-disciplinary project teams.Commitment to employee progression and development.Demonstrable experience in winning and successfully delivering research and evaluation projects and contracts.Sound research and business ethics, including the protection of proprietary and confidential information.Commercial acumen and an understanding of the policy consulting business model.We are open to applications from candidates looking for a role that is primarily technical in focus, and from those seeking a position that also involves team and business leadership responsibilities.While we welcome applications from candidates internationally, this role is located in the United Kingdom, and successful candidates must: Have the legal right to work in the UK (or be eligible for sponsorship where applicable on a case-by-case basis); andBe physically located in the UK on Day 1 of employment (or shortly before your start date).#LI-CC1
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