About the Role
On behalf of Defra, we are looking for a Senior Policy Advisor x15 - Inside IR35 for a 6 month contract (poss ext) working on a Hybrid basis (3 days per week in any DEFRA hub and remaining WFH)
In the Defra group, we deal with a vast range of issues that profoundly impact on people’s lives. We are responsible for England’s environment, our countryside and rural economy, the food and farming sectors and have lead responsibility for protection from a wide range of natural threats and hazards. We have developed a set of three strategic objectives covering our policy outcomes and corporate objectives. These objectives help us to deliver our ambitious vision to build our green and healthy future and provide a framework for all the important work we carry out.
Our objectives are:
To pass on to the next generation a natural environment protected and enhanced for the future.
To lead the world in food, farming, and fisheries with a sustainable model of food production.
To be an outstanding organisation focused on making a difference, with world class delivery capability.
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs www.gov.uk.
25 Year Environment Plan - GOV.UK www.gov.uk.
About The Role:
You will play an active role in shaping and delivering our priorities, working creatively and collaboratively with others to deliver excellent outcomes.
You will need to build excellent relationships across the Directorate, with wider Defra colleagues, other government departments, arm’s length bodies, and with external stakeholders, inspiring confidence and trust.
You can expect frequent interaction with Ministers, Special Advisers and senior officials, including in other government departments. It’s a very exciting time to join the team and be part of supporting important policy areas.
The main duties and responsibilities of the Senior Policy Advisor would be:
Owning key elements of policy and policy development
Independently driving progress to meet key milestones
Briefing Ministers and senior leaders, orally and in writing
Drafting responses to written correspondence
Responding to Parliamentary Questions on your policy area
Negotiating policy positions with other departments
Drafting consultations and official government responses
Working with stakeholders and experts to design new policy interventions
Essential:
Experience of confidently leading on various aspects of the policy and legislative cycles including the delivery of key policy outcomes
Experience using analysis and information to develop and assess options for decision makers, drawing on expertise from others as required
Excellent written and oral communication skills,
Evidence of working confidently with varied teams or colleagues to deliver common goals
Good strategic judgement to identify tensions and links between different areas of work and recognise where your work fits with wider organisational objectives
Excellent task management and prioritisation, with a strong focus on delivery
Ability to work at pace to deliver with competing deadlines
Proactive, organised, excellent attention to detail