At a Glance
- Tasks: Shape and deliver impactful policies for the environment and rural communities.
- Company: Join Defra, a key UK government department focused on sustainability.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, develop skills, and enjoy career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative team environment with diverse stakeholders and flexible projects.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in people's lives and the planet's future.
- Qualifications: No specific policy knowledge needed; just a passion for making change.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 € per year.
You will be working in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the UK government department responsible for improving and protecting the environment. Defra's vision is to make the air purer, the water cleaner, the land greener and food more sustainable, by supporting a productive food and farming sector and resilient rural communities. Our work touches people's everyday lives, from the food we eat and the water we drink to the places we live and work. We are responsible for England's environment, countryside, rural economy and food system, and for reducing risks from flooding, animal and plant disease and other natural hazards.
Your role will be vital in helping Defra deliver its priorities and achieve positive outcomes for people, nature and the economy. As a Senior Policy Officer, you will work as part of a team, engaging with a wide range of internal and external stakeholders and contributing to the development of policy and strategy. You will play an active role in shaping and delivering Defra group priorities, working collaboratively and creatively to achieve strong outcomes.
Specialist knowledge of specific policy areas is not required, as you will be supported to build your understanding in the role. You will also have opportunities to develop your skills and support your future career progression. Defra's profile has never been higher, and its wide-ranging remit offers genuine opportunities to influence policy and outcomes. Work is organised across directorates, workstreams and projects that flex to deliver ministerial priorities.
You will work as part of a collaborative team made up of peers and senior colleagues, supporting shared delivery. In some roles, you may also line manage a small team of Higher Executive Officers (HEOs) and Executive Officers (EOs). The role involves building strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. Internally, this may include Ministers, Directors, and colleagues across Defra. Externally, you may work with industry bodies, non-governmental organisations, and members of the public.
As a Senior Policy Officer, you will help deliver Defra's top priorities and may be required to work in different directorates. While no two roles are the same, work typically includes:
- Understanding and leading on selected policy areas.
- Using evidence and expert advice from within and outside government to inform policy decisions.
- Supporting policy teams to brief Ministers and senior officials.
- Planning and prioritising work to deliver high-quality outcomes on time, including, in some cases, managing a small team of HEOs and EOs.
About Disability Confident: A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people.
Senior Policy Advisor in Bristol employer: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
Defra is an exceptional employer, dedicated to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work culture that prioritises employee growth and development. As a Senior Policy Advisor, you will have the unique opportunity to influence vital environmental policies while working alongside passionate colleagues in a dynamic government setting. With a strong commitment to sustainability and community resilience, Defra offers meaningful work that directly impacts the lives of people across England.
Contact Detail:
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Policy Advisor in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect with current or former Defra employees on LinkedIn. Building relationships can open doors and give you insights that might just land you that Senior Policy Advisor role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Defra's current priorities and challenges. Show us that you’re not just interested in the role, but that you understand how your skills can help tackle real issues in the environment and food sectors.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your communication skills! As a Senior Policy Advisor, you'll need to engage with various stakeholders. Try mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine how you present your ideas clearly and confidently.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Policy Advisor in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your application to highlight how your skills and experiences align with the role of Senior Policy Advisor at Defra. We want to see how you can contribute to making the air purer and the land greener!
Showcase Your Collaborative Spirit:Since this role involves working with a variety of stakeholders, be sure to emphasise your teamwork and communication skills. We love seeing examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your key points stand out and are easy to read. No one likes wading through long paragraphs!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
✨Know Your Stuff
Familiarise yourself with Defra's key priorities and recent initiatives. Understanding their vision for a cleaner environment and sustainable food systems will help you align your answers with their goals during the interview.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
As a Senior Policy Advisor, you'll be working with various stakeholders. Prepare examples of how you've successfully collaborated in the past, whether it's with colleagues, industry bodies, or NGOs. Highlighting your teamwork will demonstrate your fit for the role.
✨Be Ready to Discuss Evidence-Based Decision Making
Defra values informed policy decisions. Be prepared to discuss how you've used evidence and expert advice in your previous roles to shape policies or strategies. This will show that you can contribute effectively to their mission.
✨Prepare Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Think of insightful questions to ask about the team dynamics, current projects, or how success is measured in the role. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the position is right for you.
