International Nature, Climate and Development Deputy Director

Posting date:	04 February 2026
Salary:	£81,000 per year
Hours:	Full time
Closing date:	23 February 2026
Location:	Bristol
Company:	Government Recruitment Service
Job type:	Permanent
Job reference:	446189/1

Summary

In Defra, we deal with a vast range of issues that profoundly affect people’s lives. We are responsible for England’s environment, countryside and rural economy, the food and farming sectors and have a lead responsibility for protection from a wide range of natural threats and hazards. Defra is also an important international Department, and we leverage our domestic expertise and learning to drive transformational change globally. Over the next five years the International Biodiversity and Climate Directorate will work to deliver the Global Biodiversity Framework and its vision to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030. We will catalyse shifts to end poverty on a liveable planet and shape systems which are nature-positive world and climate smart. In Defra we use negotiations, development programmes, deep political engagement, legislation and science to reduce global biodiversity and species loss and protect, conserve and restore  critical ecosystems.

This post offers an exceptional opportunity to be at the heart of this important agenda, to be part of a dynamic, high performing and collaborative team and lead our work to creatively and energetically drive change globally. As the Head of the International Nature, Climate and Development Division you will lead a team of approximately 25 staff initially (rising to 45 FTE), demonstrate visible global leadership on nature (including blue) finance, supply chains and bioeconomy. You will lead policy, strategy and delivery programming across these areas.

Given the nature of the role, you must have a strong strategic approach with a background in international nature or climate finance and international development and be willing to travel. I am very open to applicants from a wide range of backgrounds – particularly to those who may not always see themselves in the Senior Civil Service.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Leading on international nature finance policy for Defra, including blue finance from 2027. This will include working with the multilateral system, businesses and the private sector to ensure greater volume, accessibility and equity in nature finance flows. You will develop and implement a nature finance strategy with FCDO covering nature risk, natural capital valuation and working with private investors.
• Providing leadership and oversight of Defra valuing nature and sustainable agriculture ODA programming (approximately £300m of live programming), ensuring programmes deliver strong results, are value for money and support Defra policy objectives, including leveraging significant volumes of private sector finance.
• Reconfigure and reshape the Defra valuing nature and sustainable agriculture ODA portfolios, ensuring new programming, business cases and strategy are in place to underpin investment of £9m/£9m/£8m over the SR period to deliver visible impact and outcomes. Your will ensure responsible closure of programmes, maximising learning and benefits, while minimising risks - especially fraud and safeguarding.
• From April 2027, taking on responsibility for the current international sustainable blue finance team (approximately 25 FTE) and 6 marine ODA programmes spending approximately £40m a year over the SR period, mainly in East Africa, SIDs and South East Asia delivered through a mix of multilateral and bilateral instruments and a live portfolio of £315m.
  • Policy leadership on nature security - building on the Global Ecosystems Assessment to shape and grow an important nature security portfolio
  • Leading and managing a team of 25 FTE, growing to approximately 45 FTE by March 2027, and guiding the team through organisational change

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