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2026 BCFs Expert Recruitment

What are the Biodiversity Challenge Funds Expert Groups?

The Biodiversity Challenge Funds (BCFs) is the collective name for three of the UK Government's competitive grants, Darwin Initiative, Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) Challenge Fund, and Darwin Plus, aimed at conserving biodiversity and safeguarding the environment for local people.

This recruitment is for Experts to join one of these two groups: the Darwin Expert Committee (DEC), and the Illegal Wildlife Trade (IWT) Challenge Fund Advisory Group (IWTAG). Please note that the Darwin Plus Advisory Group (DPAG) is not recruiting for new Experts this year.

Each Expert Group is made up of independent experts including academics, practitioners, and NGO representatives, along with government officials, all with leadership experience, technical knowledge and experience of international biodiversity conservation and/or multidimensional poverty reduction programmes.

Our aim is to ensure our Expert Groups are inclusive, diverse, and globally representative.

Role Description:

We are looking for individuals who, as leaders in their field, can contribute at the highest levels and work effectively as part of a group. Successful candidates will bring sound judgement, excellent interpersonal and communication skills, discretion, and the ability to absorb and assess complex information. Ideally, they will have prior experience reviewing project applications and justifying their assessments within a committee setting.

In addition, Experts are expected to champion the BCFs where appropriate, supporting outreach and engagement activities that promote the funds and their objectives. This may include attending and presenting at BCFs and fund-specific events, workshops, and webinars for projects and prospective applicants.

Please note: The primary role of each Expert Group is to provide high quality and independent technical specialist advice to the specific fund they support. Applicants will be required to select which fund(s) they are applying for, so please review the requirements of each fund carefully, as there are specific application criteria for each fund.

How to Apply:

The application deadline is 23:59 pm on Monday 23^rd November 2026. Appointments will commence from 1 June 2027, with a three-year term, reviewed annually.

Please refer to the Expert Recruitment Pack for guidance and information on this recruitment.

Applications are to be submitted via Flexi-Grant.

We look forward to receiving your applications!

Please note that the IWT Challenge Fund is currently open for applications. For more information and to apply, click here.