International Relations Coordinator

Salary - £40,574 + excellent benefits

Hybrid working (50/50)

Permanent, Full time

Location: Wallingford preferred, open to Bangor (Wales), Lancaster and Edinburgh

Closing date: Monday 17th August. We reserve the right to close this advert early if we find the right candidate, so we encourage you to apply early.

International collaboration lies at the heart of UKCEH’s mission to tackle some of the world’s most pressing environmental challenges. Based within UKCEH’s growing International Relations Team, this exciting role offers the opportunity to help shape and expand the organisation’s global partnerships, working at the intersection of science, diplomacy, and strategic engagement.

You will work closely with leading scientists and science diplomacy experts, to develop new collaborations,identifyopportunities, and strengthen UKCEH’s global influence. In doing so, you will contribute directly to the delivery of UKCEH Strategy 2030’s international ambitions and help position UKCEH as a trusted partner in addressing environmental challenges worldwide.

This role offers excellent opportunities for professional growth and career development. The successful candidate will be supported by a committed line manager, with access to mentoring, development opportunities, and exposure to senior scientific, policy and international stakeholders, helping them build their leadership,partnershipand science diplomacyexpertise.

Our international activities span from providing observing and data systems to measure, experiment and model complex interdependent systems - from molecules to landscapes, from the semi-arid West African Sahel to the rainforests of Southeast Asia and Latin America, and across timescales from hours to decades. Through equitable partnerships across the international public and private sectors, we deliver impactful research and solutions, develop evidence and tools that enhance environmental capability worldwide, support the UK’s international science ambitions through global projects, and contribute to international initiatives that shape the research agenda and inform policy.

Your main responsibilities will include:

• Partnership development: Contribute to the advancement of UKCEH internationalobjectivesby developing andmaintainingrelationships with both UK and overseas government ministries, research organisations, funding bodies, academic institutions, embassies, and other partners in strategic countries, with a particular focus on Asia-Pacific region. This will include working with our teams across UKCEH toestablishbilateral partnership activities and build new projects. Your work will include developing cooperation agreements,representingthe organisation internationally, and arranging high-level meetings/workshops/events with established and future partners and funders.

• Strategic intelligence: Work closely with colleagues across UKCEH to build understanding of international collaboration opportunities across the Asia-Pacific region, including conducting stakeholder mapping and landscape analysis toidentifykey organisations, decision-makers, funding opportunities, and emerging science and policy priorities. You will advise colleagues internally on these areas and work to translate these insights into actionable opportunities and supporting the development of a pipeline of potential projects for the region.

• Reporting,monitoring& internal coordination: Support the preparation of reports, analyses, communications, and monitoring information on UKCEH's international activities and partnerships, helping to evaluate impact and return on investment. Act as a key liaison between scientists, operational teams, and external partners,maintainingup-to-date international engagement resources to support effective communication and strategic decision-making.

Whatwe’relooking for:

Essential criteria:

• A degree in international relations, political science, environmental sciences, or a related field.

• Experience in partnership development and business development ideally within a research, policy, or governmental institution and in an international setting.

• Good diplomatic, negotiation, and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively with a diversity of stakeholders.

• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.

• A proactive, self-starting approach, with the ability toidentifyopportunities and challenges, and drive activities forward.

Desirable criteria:

• Experience working in or engaging with scientific organisations.

• Knowledge of climate policy, science diplomacy, or international research funding mechanisms.

• A willingness to travel across the UK and internationally, for meetings and conferences of short duration, and be keen to work as part of a cohesive team.

• Proficiencyin two or more UN official languages would be an asset.

UKCEH is committed to supporting professional development, and we welcome applicants without fieldwork experience, providing opportunities to develop the necessary skills within the role.

What we offer

At UKCEH, we recognise your dedication and provide a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you both at work and at home. When you join us,you’llbenefitfrom:

• Generous annual leave -27 days (rising to 29 days after 5 years) +3 for Christmas closure

• 10% employer pension contribution

• Financial protection through life assurance and income protection

• Enhanced family-friendly policies

• Flexible and hybrid working options (depending on your role)

• Lifestyleperksincluding dental, gym,retailand cycling discounts

• A commitment to wellbeing, supported by a range of internal initiatives

• Employee Assistance Programme and health benefits, including 24/7 support with remote GP access, mental health,physiotherapyand lifestyle services

• Peer recognition and rewards that celebrate your contribution

• Salary sacrifice agreement benefits including Electric & Plug-in Hybrid vehicle and Cycle2Work schemes

• Interest-free annual travel season ticket loans