Appointments to the Zoos Forum - 2009

Darwin Expert Committee (DEC)

Appointment of New Members

Information pack for applicants

The closing date for the receipt of applications is:

12 noon, Friday 20th May 2016

1 Contents:

1. Darwin Expert Committee (DEC)

Introduction 3 The Darwin Initiative 4

2. Being a member of the DEC

What is the DEC 5 Description of role 5 Qualities and experience required 5 Terms and conditions of appointment 6

3. Applying for the role

The recruitment process 7 How to apply 7 Selection Process 7 How we will handle your application 8 Equal opportunities 8 Dealing with your concerns 8

Annex A: The Seven Principles of Public Life 9

Annex B: Current DEC Members 10 ______

2 Darwin Expert Committee (DEC) recruitment process 2014

Introduction

The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) is seeking applications for new members to join its Darwin Expert Committee (DEC).

We are particularly seeking individuals who have good knowledge of the links between biodiversity and development and knowledge of or experience in projects delivering biodiversity, livelihood and economic benefits in developing countries.

We are looking for individuals who, as leaders in their field, genuinely want to contribute at the highest levels and are able to support their views with well-argued evidence. You’ll offer sound judgment, excellent interpersonal skills, the ability to assimilate complex information and preferably have previous committee experience.

This expertise should also ideally be supplemented by knowledge and experience in one or more of the following areas:  Implementation of biodiversity commitments in key MEAs: o Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) including the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing; o Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES); and o the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture  Sustainable Development  Environmental Law  Business & economics  Ecosystem-approach and ecosystem services expertise;  Biodiversity-related scientific or academic research;  New carbon markets

We actively encourage applications from individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, including private sector, academic and professional institutions, non-governmental organisations, minority ethnic backgrounds, and Defra also operates a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for disabled people.

The appointments will commence on 1st July 2014.

3 The Darwin Initiative

The Darwin Initiative was announced by the UK Government at the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in June 1992 and has committed over £126 million to 997 projects in 159 countries since 1992.

The Darwin Initiative aims to assist those countries that are rich in biodiversity but poor in financial resources to implement their commitments under the main biodiversity Conventions; the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD), the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing; the Convention on Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and the International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.

The Darwin Initiative provides funding under the following schemes:  Main projects  Post projects  Scoping projects  Fellowships

Further information on the Darwin Initiative is available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/darwin-initiative-funding-schemes-and-how-to- apply

Darwin Plus: The Overseas Territories Environment and Climate Fund (also known as Darwin Plus) was established in 2012 and funds projects in our UK Overseas Territories. These projects are assessed by members of the Darwin Plus Advisory Group (DPAG) which is separate to the Darwin Expert Committee. This recruitment exercise is only seeking applications for new members of the Darwin Expert Committee, not for the DPAG.

4 2. Being a member of the Darwin Expert Committee (DEC)

What is the DEC?

The Darwin Expert Committee is one of Defra’s Expert Committees. It is made up of independent experts from a range of backgrounds; government policy makers, non- governmental organisations, scientific and academic institutions and the private sector.

The primary role of the DEC is to assess the project applications received to enable Ministers to select the highest quality projects for funding.

Description of role

Members are responsible for assessing applications for Darwin funding, evaluating each application according to the criteria for grant awards and providing scores and written comments which will then be discussed by the Committee at sift meetings.

Members will be required to commit to around 10 days per annum in total including assessment of applications (7 days), 2 one-day sift meetings (Stage 1 and Stage 2) and an annual Strategy meeting (1 day) which is usually held back-to-back with the second sift meeting so requiring an overnight stay. Sift meetings generally take place in early October and late January.

In addition, DEC members may be invited to attend certain Darwin Initiative events, including workshops for new projects.

Members must be willing to travel to meetings within the UK. These are likely to take place in London or Bristol.

Qualities and experience required

In appointing new Members to the Committee, the panel will be looking for candidates who have a breadth of experience of project working in developing countries and can demonstrate a clear understanding of the linkages between biodiversity and sustainable development.

The following selection criteria will be applied:

Criteria

Criterion 1: Significant experience and standing in a field related to biodiversity with an explicit focus on how to deliver on our biodiversity commitments in an international development context, and in association with benefits to poverty reduction, sustainable livelihoods and sustainable growth.

Criterion 2: Significant experience of working with international development (Official Development Assistance - ODA), either at project or policy level, including how to deliver 5 sustainable economic and/or livelihoods development in developing countries with biodiversity.

Criterion 3: Significant scientific, academic or professional experience and standing in a field related to the work of at least one of the main biodiversity conventions (CBD, the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing, CITES & International Treaty on Plant Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture.)

Criterion 4: Experience of working with or within countries in which the Darwin Initiative operates and an understanding of the constraints of working in other countries and with diverse cultures

Criterion 5: Experience of working on or managing projects in developing countries relating to sustainable use of biodiversity with a focus on economic and/or livelihood benefits for local communities.

Terms and conditions of appointment

Period of appointment Initial appointment will, in most cases, be for 3 years, with the possibility of reappointment for a further 3 year term. The appointments will commence on 1st July 2016 with the first application assessments likely to be immediate.

Remuneration We will be offering a stipend of £150 per day (up to a maximum of 10 days per annum) plus reimbursement of reasonable travel and subsistence costs for attending committee meetings.

Location of Offices and Meetings London and Bristol.

6 3. Applying for a role

The recruitment process

Darwin Expert Committee Members, appointed by Defra, will be independent appointments made through open competition. They are not classed as formal public appointments.

How to apply

Candidates should submit the following five documents:  Curriculum Vitae (CV)  Statement of suitability  Conflicts of interest Questionnaire  Diversity and Data Protection Questionnaire  Political Activity Questionnaire

CV: should include education, professional qualifications and employment history and the names and contact details for two referees. CVs should not exceed 2 A4 pages (size 12 Arial font).

Statement of suitability: should give evidence of your ability to meet the criteria for the role, as described above. Please provide specific examples to demonstrate how you meet each of the criteria. The statement must not exceed 2 A4 pages (size 12 Arial font).

All completed documents listed above should be returned by email to: [email protected].

The deadline for receipt of completed documents is 12:00 noon on 20 May 2016.

Where email is not available, completed documents may be sent by post to:

Shaluki Perera Defra Area 2E Nobel House, 17 Smith Square London SW1P 3JR

Selection Process

Selection Panel The panel will be chaired by Professor Stephen Blackmore CBE (Chair of the Darwin Expert Committee). Other panel members will be Mrs Clare Hamilton (UK Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs) and Mr Julian Wright (UK Department for International Development).

7 Short-listing The selection panel will determine which candidates best demonstrate that they have the required qualities and experience. These candidates will then be invited for interview. It is therefore essential that your CV and statement of suitability give full but concise information/evidence/examples relevant to the appointment.

Interviews Interviews are expected to take place at Defra’s offices in Nobel House, 17 Smith Square, London, SW1P 3JR on 14th and 15th June 2016.

Candidates will be able to claim for reasonable expenses incurred travelling to and from interview. Caring expenses to allow candidates to attend the interview may also be reimbursed.

How we will handle your application

 We will acknowledge receipt of your application documents, via email or post.  The proposed short-listing will take place in the week commencing 23rd May 2016.  Candidates will be notified as to whether or not they have been short-listed for interview by 27th May 2016.  References will be taken up if candidates are selected for interview.  The interviews will take place on 15 and 16 June 2016.  Interviewees will be informed of the outcome in early July.

Equal opportunities

These appointments will be made based on merit with independent assessment and transparency of process. Defra is committed to improving the diversity of their public bodies and welcome applications irrespective of race, ethnic or national origin, sex, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, religion, or belief, age, gender or re-assignment. We would particularly welcome candidates from under-represented groups, for example women, people with disabilities and members from Black and Minority Ethnic communities.

Dealing with your concerns

For queries about the application process please e-mail [email protected] or telephone Shaluki Perera on 0208 026 4068.

For more information on the Darwin Initiative or the role or the Darwin Expert Committee please contact Sally Cunningham on 0208 026 6878.

8 Annex A

The Seven Principles of Public Life

It is important that all appointees uphold the standards of conduct set out in the Committee on Standards in Public Life’s Seven Principles of Public Life (appended to the Code of Practice for Ministerial Appointments to Public Bodies). The selection panel must satisfy itself that all candidates for appointment can meet these standards and have no conflicts of interest that would call into question their ability to perform the role.

Selflessness Holders of public office should act solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other benefits for themselves, their family or their friends.

Integrity Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might seek to influence them in the performance of their official duties.

Objectivity In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.

Accountability Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.

Openness Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.

Honesty Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.

Leadership Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.

9 Annex B

Current DEC membership

Namedo Organisation Professor Stephen Blackmore (Chair) Retired (RBG Edinburgh) Mr Jonathan Barzdo Retired (CITES Secretariat) Mr Martin Brasher Retired (Defra) Ms Joanna Elliott Fauna and Flora International (FFI) Mr Alistair Gammell Retired (Pew Trusts) Professor Mary Gibby Retired (RBG Edinburgh) Professor Brendan Godley University of Exeter Dr Keith Hamer University of Leeds Mr Matthew Hatchwell Wildlife Conservation Society (WCS) Dr Gary Martin Global Diversity Foundation Professor EJ Milner-Gulland University of Oxford Dr Shaun Russell Bangor University Dr Rachel Wynberg University of Cape Town Dr Geoffrey Hawtin Retired (Global Crop Diversity Trust and Bioversity International) Dr Jay Mistry Royal Holloway, University of London Dr Juliet Vickery RSPB Ex- Officio Members: Professor Monique Simmonds Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew Dr Vincent Fleming Joint Nature Conservation Committee (JNCC)