Coordinator For International Relations

The UK Centre for Ecology & Hydrology (UKCEH) is hiring an International Relations Coordinator to enhance global environmental policy and international collaboration. Responsibilities include engaging in intergovernmental forums, strengthening relationships with multilateral organizations, coordinating contributions to initiatives, and conducting stakeholder mapping. The role offers professional growth within a dynamic team and includes opportunities for travel within the UK and internationally. A degree in International Relations is essential.
Are you passionate about shaping global environmental policy and fostering international collaboration? UKCEH is seeking an International Relations Coordinator to support our engagement in key intergovernmental forums, summits, and international networks.

International collaboration has long been central to UKCEH’s science. 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 temporal scales from hours to decades.

This role is pivotal in strengthening relationships with multilateral organisations, such as UN agencies, and coordinating UKCEH’s contributions to initiatives like the Climate Technology Centre & Network (CTCN) and the Adaptation Research Alliance (ARA).

Working across teams, you will enhance UKCEH’s visibility and influence within global scientific and policy communities, facilitating strategic partnerships and ensuring impactful collaboration. Additionally, you will conduct stakeholder mapping and analysis to inform decision-making at the highest levels.

Your main responsibilities will include:
• Support UKCEH’s engagement in key intergovernmental forums, summits, and international events in order to identify and pursue opportunities for collaboration, joint research, and policy influence within global scientific and policy communities.
• Strengthen relationships with key multilateral organisations, including UN agencies (e.g. UNEP, FAO, etc), and others.
• Coordinate UKCEH’s role in key international networks such as the Climate Technology Centre & Network (CTCN) and the Adaptation Research Alliance (ARA), ensuring active participation and contribution.
• Coordinate across teams internally to enhance UKCEH’s visibility and influence within global scientific and policy forums.
• Facilitate dialogue and cooperation between UKCEH and external partners, ensuring mutual benefits and impact-driven collaboration through organisation of strategic meetings and visits.
• Assist in stakeholder mapping, including research, analysis, and the preparation of briefs to support informed decision-making across the organisation.

You’ll be joining a dynamic and growing international team, contributing to the delivery of UKCEH’s Strategy 2030 by expanding our global reach. In this role, you will play a key part in strengthening international engagement, with a particular focus on fostering relationships with multilateral organisations over the coming years.

This is a fantastic opportunity to grow professionally under inspiring leadership. You’ll be supported to develop your core strengths, expand your expertise within a leading scientific institute, and build valuable international networks, including key contacts in the multilateral sector. The role offers you the chance to deepen your knowledge in a dynamic, globally connected, scientific environment. There will also be regular opportunities for travel, both within the UK and internationally, for meetings and conferences of short duration.

For the role of International Relations Coordinator, we’re looking for somebody who has:

Essential:
• A degree in International Relations, Political Science, Environmental Sciences; or a related field.
• Good diplomatic, negotiation, and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively and confidently with a diversity of stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills, with the ability to manage multiple or priorities.

Desirable:
• Experience in managing partnerships ideally within a research, policy, or governmental in an international setting.
• Knowledge of multilateral organisations and global policy processes, particularly in science, technology, or climate-related areas.
• Experience working in or engaging with international organisations.
• Knowledge of climate policy, global science, or international research funding mechanisms.

You’ll be joining a leading independent, not-for-profit research institute dedicated to attracting talented individuals like you, supporting your career growth, and helping you thrive at UKCEH. As part of our wider team, you’ll contribute to pioneering scientific research and provide the data, insights, and solutions that researchers, businesses, and governments rely on to tackle complex environmental challenges.

Our science drives real-world impact—helping people and the environment to prosper while enriching society. As custodians of over 60 years’ worth of environmental data, we play a vital role in shaping a sustainable future.

Working for UKCEH is rewarding

We appreciate the continuous dedication and contributions of our staff, which is why we provide a comprehensive benefits package that includes financial incentives and wellbeing-oriented perks, such as:
• 27 days annual leave (rising to 29 days after 5 years’ service) plus 3 days for Christmas closure
• 10% employer pension contribution
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements (role dependant)
• Peer reward and recognition scheme
• Dental insurance, gym/fitness discounts, retail discount portal
• Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
• 24-hour, 365-day support with physical, mental, social, health or financial issues and much more...

Apply today!

If this opportunity resonates with you and aligns with your personal career goals, the team would love to receive your application. Please apply by submitting your CV along with a covering letter that highlights any qualifications, skills or experience you believe are relevant to this role.

At UKCEH, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable workplace where everyone—regardless of background, identity, ability, or circumstance—has the opportunity to thrive. As a Disability Confident employer, we actively encourage applications from neurodivergent candidates and those with disabilities. We are happy to provide any adjustments or support you may need throughout the application process—please don’t hesitate to reach out. So, if you’re excited about this role but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we’d love to hear from you anyway. You may be just the right fit for this role or another within our wider team.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer visa sponsorship for this position at this time.