Lead Biodiversity Funding Initiatives Globally – UK Government Seeks Chair for Biodiversity Challenge Funds Advisory Group @UK Government Seeks Chair for Biodiversity Challenge Funds Advisory Group

UK Government Job Summary

Job Title: Chair to the Biodiversity Challenge Funds (Freelancer)
Organization: Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (UK)
Location: Remote (worldwide)
Closing Date: Monday 8 June 2026
Contract: Initial three-year term, with possibility of reappointment

Salary: £400/day plus reimbursement of reasonable expenses

Job Summary

Chair to the Biodiversity Challenge Funds (freelancer) | Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (UK) | Remote (worldwide) | Closing date: Monday 8 June 2026 | Contract: 3 years (with possibility of renewal)

About the Biodiversity Challenge Funds

The Biodiversity Challenge Funds (BCFs) encompass three UK Government international biodiversity and environmental grant schemes: the Darwin Initiative (DI), Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) Challenge Fund, and Darwin Plus (D+).

Funds are allocated through a transparent process based on clear criteria, with applications reviewed by expert committees.

Role Overview

The Chair will lead the IWT Advisory Group (IWTAG), acting as a champion for the IWT Challenge Fund, representing its interests at senior levels across sectors including public, business, academia, and NGOs.

The role involves chairing meetings, making final funding decisions, supporting member recruitment, and providing strategic advice to Defra and NIRAS.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as a champion for the IWT Challenge Fund, promoting its objectives across sectors
• Chair all IWTAG meetings, ensuring impartiality and due process
• Make final decisions on assessment and funding recommendations where necessary

• Attend 4 Defra Programme Board meetings annually to review recommendations
• Support recruitment and induction of expert members
• Provide strategic advice on fund priorities and development
• Represent the fund at events, workshops, and webinars

Candidate Profile

Essential Criteria

• Proven experience chairing high-level committees making strategic/funding recommendations
• Significant technical expertise relevant to IWT and biodiversity topics
• Experience with transnational environmental crime, enforcement, or capacity-building

• Track record in delivering projects in low- and middle-income countries
• Familiarity with competitive grant schemes, assessing project applications, and providing feedback
• Experience working with government departments at a senior level

Desirable Criteria

• Ability to maximize impact of Official Development Assistance (ODA) funds

Time Commitment

• Up to four one-day sift meetings, plus preparation
• One to two strategy discussion days
• One to two interview days for applications
• One to two days for new member induction
• Up to four days for Programme Board and ad hoc meetings

Additional Information

• Meetings are primarily virtual, with some in-person attendance in London or other locations
• Initial appointment: three years, starting September 2026
• Expenses reimbursed per Defra’s policy

Application Process

Candidates must submit an application via Flexi-Grant, including a statement of suitability, CV, and conflict of interest declarations.

For queries about the application process, including potential conflicts of interest, please email BCF-IWTCF@niras.com.

The deadline is 23:59 UK time, Monday 8 June 2026. Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in late July 2026.

Diversity and Inclusion

The department encourages applications from diverse backgrounds and is committed to equal opportunities, including support for disabled applicants.