Simon Mercer

Simon Mercer has extensive work experience in the fields of climate change, conservation, and sustainability.

Simon currently works as the Climate Research Lead at Mercy Corps since December 2022. Prior to this, Simon served as the Evidence Team Leader at the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) from July 2021 to December 2022. In this role, they were responsible for developing the evidence base and providing monitoring and evaluation support for Defra's sustainable commodities, due diligence, and trade policies.

Simon also worked as the Principal Consultant of the Climate Change and Energy Team at NIRAS International Consulting from December 2019 to January 2022. Simon'sprimary focus was on managing and delivering climate and environmental interventions funded by donors.

Before their role at NIRAS, Simon worked as a Senior Consultant at LTS International from January 2015 to December 2019. Simon provided technical consultancy on climate change, conservation, and monitoring and evaluation. Simon served as the technical lead and M&E adviser for the UK Government's Darwin Initiative and Illegal Wildlife Trade Challenge Fund, and managed various projects for DFID, DANIDA, Norad, AFDB, and the Scottish Government.

Simon's work experience also includes being a Postgraduate Researcher at The University of East Anglia from October 2011 to December 2014, where they conducted research on climate change and conservation. Simon was involved in independent consultancies for the Department for International Development during this time.

In addition, Simon worked as the DEW Point Commissioned Services Coordinator at Harewelle International from an unspecified time in 2008 to May 2012. In this role, they coordinated the Commissioned Services team for DFID's DEW Point Resource Centre and conducted research and report writing for consultancy assignments.

Simon's early career included short-term roles as a Research Officer at The Prince of Wales' Rainforest Project in January-March 2008, and as a Project Officer at The Prince of Wales' Accounting for Sustainability Project in June-July 2007.

Simon Mercer completed their education with a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Conservation Climate Change Adaptation and Organisational Learning from the University of East Anglia, from 2011 to 2015. Before that, they obtained an MPhil in Environment and Development from the University of Cambridge in 2006-2007. Prior to that, they completed their undergraduate studies, earning an MA (Hons) in Geography from The University of Edinburgh between 2001 and 2005.