As the UK prepares to leave the European Union, we need to consider the impact this will ultimately have on our farming and fishing industries, food production and even the environment. At the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (Defra) we are debating these important challenges. We devise approaches to protect the environmental wellbeing of our nation to ensure that future generations are taken care of and it is this crucial and interesting work that you could play a direct role in.
You will work on a priority EU Exit work stream team across one of the following areas: Environmental Regulation, Animal and Plant Health, Future Farming, Food Chain or EU Strategy and International Trade. Regardless of your allocated policy area the work will involve the development of policy and corporate service projects, problem solving and a contribution to policy making. You will also:
- Get to grips with specific and complex policy areas;
- Identify key issues within these areas, including any potential risks and how they could be tackled;
- Use research and analysis techniques to support your suggestions;
- Provide clear analysis to stakeholders in either a verbal or written format;
- Suggest alternative options as situations change and new information becomes available.
Taking responsibility for specialised pieces of work within a programme, you will contribute to the team during an exciting period of change. As such, your high calibre analytical skills will prove to be crucial as you identify patterns and trends and provide appropriate responses.
As you will be supporting policy teams in briefing Ministers and senior officials, you will have excellent interpersonal skills with the flexibility required to work alongside other policy colleagues. Working with a variety of stakeholders (both within the Government and beyond) you will proactively seek input from a diverse range of people and recognise when you need to collect new data from internal and external sources.
With the confidence to work with ambiguity, you will be comfortable dealing with conflicting evidence to find effective solutions. Able to deliver in a fast-paced environment, your ability to plan and prioritise your workload will ensure the team continues to develop the best policy results that will benefit millions of people.
Office locations
Defra is able to support flexible working, which means that as well as our policy hubs in York, Bristol and London, you may be able to work in another Defra office. However, some travel to the policy hubs may be required. You will need to agree your location and working arrangements with your new manager.
Contract
Two-year fixed term appointment (with potential for extension/permanency).