UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH)
International Relations Coordinator
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Salary - £40,574 - £43,056 + 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, identify opportunities, 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, partnership, and science diplomacy expertise.
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.
Main Responsibilities
- Partnership Development: Contribute to the advancement of UKCEH international objectives by developing and maintaining relationships 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 to establish bilateral partnership activities and build new projects. Your work will include developing cooperation agreements, representing the 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 to identify key 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, maintaining up-to-date international engagement resources to support effective communication and strategic decision-making.
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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 to identify opportunities 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.
- Proficiency in 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’ll benefit from:
- 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)
- Lifestyle perks including dental, gym, retail and 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, physiotherapy, and 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 (terms apply)
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How to Apply and What Happens Next
If you’re interested in this role, we’d love to hear from you. You’ll be directed to our Workday portal where you’ll create an account and upload your CV and your responses to the questions below. Your responses are an important part of our assessment process, so please take the time to complete them thoughtfully:
- A separate cover letter is not required
- Use clear, concise examples that demonstrate your personal contribution, relevant skills, qualifications (if applicable), and impact
- Limit your responses to a maximum of 150 words per question
Once submitted, our panel will review your application, and please be assured that we are committed to providing an outcome for all applicants, regardless of the result.
Questions
- In 150-200 words, please describe a time when you developed or strengthened a partnership with an external organisation or stakeholder. What was the objective, how did you approach the relationship, and what was the outcome?
- In 150-200 words, please provide an example of how you identified and developed an opportunity for collaboration, funding, or a new project. How did you assess the opportunity, engage relevant stakeholders, and support its progression?
Our Commitment to Inclusion
At UKCEH, we believe everyone should feel welcome and able to be themselves at work. We warmly encourage applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and identities. As a Disability Confident employer, we’re happy to support you with any adjustments you may need throughout the recruitment process.
Please note: unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this role and this does not qualify for endorsement to support a Global Talent Visa application. If you are considering pursuing self-sponsorship, please indicate this in your application so we can take it into account during the recruitment process.
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