Senior Specialist - Biodiversity Net Gain Evaluation

How to ApplyWe'll assess you against the competencies below during the selection process. When completing the application form you should present relevant examples using the STAR format. STAR stands for:• Situation• Task• Action• ResultExamples should be given in no more than 250 words for each competency. Please ensure you read the Candidate Information Pack before you begin completing the application form.

Key tasks:

Advising and influencing the strategic policy evaluation of BNG, including working closely with contractors to develop and design robust and appropriate evaluation methodologies, including complexity-appropriate approaches (as set out in the Magenta_Book_supplementary_guide on Handling_Complexity_in_policy_evaluation).Liaising with internal and external experts and networks, to ensure effective evaluation of BNG, that draws on the latest thinking within the sector.Engaging with policy and delivery teams and other analysts to ensure that evaluation meets their evidence needs and maximises the impact of the evaluation, making sure the evaluation programme is responsive to policy concerns, addresses key risks and is answering the most critical policy questions.Commissioning & project managing external evaluation contractors, ensuring that externally commissioned evaluation and research deliver robust, impactful findings and achieve value for money.Providing technical advice on evaluation design and methods for related workstream evaluations (including the Biodiversity Metric, the BNG Credits system, the BNG Register, and the Environmental Benefits from Nature Tool).Maintaining oversight of ongoing evaluation activities across Natural England’s BNG programme to ensure learning is shared across relevant teams.Supporting the communication of evaluation findings to BNG policy and delivery teams and more widely within Natural England, Defra and other government departments to ensure key learning feeds into future policy development and that products have maximum impact.Supporting with the development of data collection tools and data management systems, working closely with BNG data and monitoring leads.Working collaboratively across NE’s evaluation network to influence and shape future evaluation methods and practices.

We may use a reserve list of candidates who pass at interview for any future opportunities that arise at the same grade in Natural England where similar skills are necessary.