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Darwin Initiative Expert Committee Chair Recruitment

What is the Darwin Initiative Expert Committee?

The Darwin Initiative Expert Committee consists of a range of experts from our stakeholders advising Defra on the development of the initiative, reviewing applications and making technical recommendations. It is made up of independent experts including academics, practitioners, and NGO representatives, along with government officials, all with leadership experience, technical knowledge and experience of biodiversity conservation and/or multidimensional poverty reduction programmes.

Role Description:

We are currently recruiting for a Chair for the Darwin Initiative Expert Committee (DEC). We are looking for an individual to act as a champion for the Darwin Initiative, alongside Defra and other government ministers. The DEC Chair will represent and promote the Darwin Initiative and its interests at the most senior levels across all sectors including public, business, academic and non-governmental.

The DEC Chair will be responsible for chairing all meetings of the Darwin Expert Committee, to ensure due process is followed and decisions are taken independently, honestly, objectively, impartially and without bias to enable Defra to award funding to high-quality projects. Where necessary, they will make the final decisions if members are unable to reach a consensus view on any aspects of the assessment process or the resulting selection of applicants and recommendations for funding.

Additional responsibilities include: Supporting the recruitment and retention of members, providing strategic advice on the Darwin Initiative aims, priorities and further development, and where possible, attending, chairing or speaking at Darwin Initiative events, including workshops and webinars.

How to Apply:

The application deadline is Monday 24 March 2025, and the appointment will commence from 1 July 2025, with a three-year term, reviewed annually, and with the option of a second term by agreement.

Please refer to the Recruitment Pack for guidance and information on this recruitment.

Applications are to be submitted via Flexi-Grant.

We look forward to receiving your applications!