Pollution of the ocean from plastic bags, microbeads, wet wipes, plastic bottles and straws is big news. Chemicals, whether from plastic or other sources, are entering the ocean and damaging its wildlife, but also impacting on our health and well-being. We are looking for an exceptional Chemicals Specialist with knowledge and experience in chemical pollution to keep making our voice heard on the key issues that matter.
The Marine Conservation Society (MCS) is at the heart of the movement to protect and restore our seas. We are the UK's leading marine charity and we have played a central role in bringing about the current focus on marine plastics. We are determined to drive that momentum - ensuring that our actions create changes that will protect the future of our planet.
We want a candidate who can bring their chemicals experience and knowledge and be an exceptional advocate for change to reduce and stop chemical pollutants reaching the ocean. Chemical pollutants can come in many forms whether from discarded waste (including plastics), legacy materials or new and emerging chemicals of concern. You will be working within the policy and advocacy team focusing on the chemical challenges within the marine environment and relating to wider issues such as plastics and water quality.
We need someone who can understand and interpret technical information on chemical pollutants and utilise your advocacy skills to influence attitudes and legislation, whether that is to government, businesses or contributing to campaigns that galvanise public actions as we work to make the reduction of pollution at source an imperative.
We’ve had huge success on water quality and plastics and we are looking to expand our work on chemicals. You’ll be the principal specialist and experienced in the development and delivery of our policy, being proactive and resourceful with the drive to maintain a robust evidence base on the state of UK waters and stakeholder perceptions in relation to pollutants of concern.
Sharing a passion for our causes, you’ll be a confident ambassador to represent us in radio/TV interviews, or at events with senior stakeholders from industry or our partner organisations.
This role requires confidence in your knowledge, and persuasive communication skills, to work collaboratively with colleagues who share your commitment to our objectives.
Key Skills
- Specialist knowledge on chemical pollutants, interaction and impact on the environment, human health, fisheries and wildlife.
- Understanding of relevant UK, European and international regulations for pollutants
- Ability to write detailed and technical response to consultations
- Competent research skills, with evidence of data handling and the ability to critically analyse information
- A track record of taking complex issues (ideally in policy but other backgrounds welcome) and developing compelling messages for non-technical audiences
- Demonstrable negotiating and influencing skills in written and verbal communications
- Experienced in confidently representing the organisation to potential and existing stakeholders, in national and international meetings
- Able to work collaboratively and proactively with other teams
- Resilience and tenacity, recognising that big changes come with incremental steps
How to Apply and Further Information
Download the information pack for the full job description and more about what we would like to see in your application [Job Information Pack](https://www.mcsuk.org/media/2019_05_Info_Pack_PolicyAdvocacy.pdf)
Send your CV and cover letter to [hr@mcsuk.org](mailto:hr@mcsuk.org)
