The Darwin Expert Committee seeks new chair

21 September 2012

Following the appointment of eight new members of the Darwin Expert Committee (DEC) in August, the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) is now looking to appoint a new committee chair.

The DEC works to support the Darwin Initiative, run by DEFRA, a programme which works in countries with insufficient fiscal resources, helping them meet their objectives under the three major global biodiversity conventions:

1. the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD)
2. the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna (CITES)
3. the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS)

The Darwin Initiative funds a broad and diverse range of projects. From supporting and facilitating Beekeeping in the pastures of Kyrgyzstan to identifying invasive species of marine algae in the Galapagos islands, the initiative works in collaboration with local institutions to promote environmental awareness, build research capacity and implement measures which work towards attaining convention objectives.

The DEC is a select group of scientific experts, managed by Defra. The DEC supports the Darwin Initiative; providing independent advice to the Secretary of State via Defra officials on applications for funding; monitoring and evaluating progress of the initiative toward agreed objectives and publishing reports on the Initiative through Defra.

The current chair of the DEC, Professor David Macdonald, comes to the end of his tenure in 2013 and applications are now open for a new chair. The DEC chair is expected to report directly to the Chief Scientific Adviser (CSA), meeting each year to provide an annual report to the Science Advisory Council (SAC).

Defra is looking for candidates who have the stature and breadth of experience to lead the DEC in its assessment of project applications as well as becoming an effective ambassador for the Darwin Initiative at home and abroad. The position requires a commitment of around ten days per annum, as well as attendance, where possible, of Darwin Initiative workshops and events.

Successful candidates will be able to:

1. Lead and facilitate collective decision-making within DEC meetings
2. Identify funding priorities in line with Darwin Initiative guidance
3. Contribute to long-term strategy discussions relating to the Darwin Initiative
4. Appreciate the mechanisms of government processes and funding
5. Demonstrate discretion over internal Government policy-making discussions
6. Make succinct presentations and be a confident public speaker
7. Understand constraints of working in other countries and diverse cultures

To meet these requirements Defra expects candidates to have experience in the following areas:

1. chairing high level committees
2. a scientific or professional field relating to Darwin Initiative-type projects
3. identifying the links between biodiversity and livelihoods
4. working with or within countries in which the Initiative operates
5. promotion of biodiversity and/or development related interests at senior levels and across a range of sectors.
6. working on grant awarding committees
7. working with Government Departments at a senior level
8. working in or with non-governmental organisations and/or business at senior level

Applicants will be considered from a wide range of backgrounds, including private sector, academic and professional institutions and non-governmental organisations.

The deadline for applications is noon on Monday 8 October 2012 and the appointment will commence on 1 March 2013. For more information on the position and how to apply please see the Cabinet Office public appointments page.