At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a team to drive impactful water policy changes and collaborate with various stakeholders.
- Company: Defra, the UK government department focused on environmental protection and sustainable resources.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic role with significant public interest and opportunities to engage with senior officials.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in water policy during a pivotal time for the environment.
- Qualifications: Strong policy skills and ability to work collaboratively; no specialist knowledge required.
The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.
Defra is the UK government department responsible for safeguarding our natural environment, supporting our world-leading food and farming industry, and sustaining a thriving rural economy.
Our broad remit means we play a major role in people's day-to-day life, from the food we eat, and the air we breathe, to the water we drink.
In terms of programme and project delivery, Defra has one of the largest and most complicated portfolios in Government.
Water is vital for life - clean, freshwater for drinking and sanitation, providing for farms and industry, creating and sustaining the ecosystems on which all life depends.
Yet water is a finite natural resource, facing increasing pressures from climate change and population growth.
Never before has political, media and public attention been focused on water as it is now.
This brings a great opportunity, and we have been given a mandate to make some once in a generation changes to the UK's relationship with water.
Water is a top priority for the Secretary of State.
The Independent Water Commission, led by Sir Jon Cunliffe, is preparing recommendations to government for fundamental reform of the water industry model.
The government will respond to the recommendations through a White Paper and is expected to bring forward legislation to implement the reform programme.
You can help us lead on high profile issues from improving the performance and regulation of the water industry, to addressing sources of pollution and ensuring there is sufficient water supply.
This work is crucial to improving water for the benefit of people and the environment.
We are seeking capable people to contribute to our policy and strategy work in Water.
Whilst core policy skills are essential, we do not expect applicants to have specialist knowledge of the area.
These roles are a great opportunity to acquire experience in developing new policies to reform and transform a sector, support the development of primary and secondary legislation, work with a wide range of stakeholders, and develop extensive opportunities to brief seniors and ministers on high profile policy areas.
Floods & Water work in a programmatic way, prioritising work to ensure we're focusing on the right things at the right time.
This means that our teams can pivot onto new workstreams once projects and programmes are concluded, or if circumstances change and they are reprioritised.
Our roles therefore offer a wealth of development opportunities and experiences, and we expect a degree of flexibility and mental agility from our staff to support this.
Whichever part of Water you're in, you will play an active role in shaping and delivering the Floods & Water priorities, working creatively and collaboratively with others to deliver excellent outcomes.
You will need to build excellent relationships across Floods & Water Directorate, with wider Defra colleagues, other government departments and arm's length bodies (such as the Environment Agency), 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.
We are working to deliver the largest programme ever, making this a really exciting time to join, leading in a policy area that will have a real and lasting impact on our environment.
This is an area of significant public interest and you will need to be comfortable working at pace on a high-profile public policy area.
As a team leader you will have responsibility for leading a team to deliver high priority policy interventions and changes in Water.
The successful candidates will
- Lead a team of policy officials to drive progress, find solutions to unblock issues, and deliver important changes to policy and legislation relating to water.
- Ensure alignment and join-up to wider policy teams across Defra, the regulators, ALBs, stakeholder and other government departments.
- Balance competing priorities and respond to new developments to ensure delivery across their team's work
- Lead and support the development of your team
- Brief ministers and senior officials, orally and in writing
- Manage relationships with stakeholders and experts to support the design of new policy interventions
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G7 Policy Advisors employer: Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
Defra is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to engage in meaningful work that directly impacts the environment and public welfare. With a strong focus on employee development, our collaborative work culture encourages innovation and flexibility, allowing you to thrive while tackling high-profile policy challenges in the vital area of water management. Join us in making a lasting difference, supported by a team that values your contributions and fosters professional growth.
Contact Details:
Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land G7 Policy Advisors
✨Dive into Local Government Events
Get yourself to local government events and public sector job fairs. These are great for meeting recruiters and understanding what different organisations, like Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), are looking for. Plus, it shows your genuine interest in the sector!
✨Join Relevant Networks
Look for communities focused on public sector careers. Whether it’s local networking groups or online forums, connecting with professionals in the field can provide insider knowledge and opportunities that you won’t find on typical job boards.
✨Utilise Your University’s Resources
If you’re freshly graduated or still studying, make the most of your university's careers service. They often have exclusive partnerships with companies like Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and can help you get your foot in the door for these full-time public sector roles.
✨Stay Updated with Government Initiatives
Keep your finger on the pulse regarding new government projects and policies. Understanding current initiatives can give you a leg up in interviews, showing that you are informed and genuinely interested in making a difference in the public sector.
We think you need these skills to ace G7 Policy Advisors
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Relevant Experience:In the public sector, having experience in community engagement, policy analysis, or project management stands out. Make sure to showcase any previous roles or volunteer work that reflects your understanding of public service values and how they've shaped your career path.
Showcase Your Knowledge of the Sector:When you’re applying for a government role, it’s crucial to demonstrate your understanding of the current political landscape and public policies. Consider including articles you've written or relevant projects that underline your capability to engage with these concepts effectively.
Tailor Your CV to Reflect Core Competencies:Government positions often require a clear demonstration of competencies such as communication, teamwork, and problem-solving. Try to structure your CV to highlight these skills, using specific examples of how you’ve applied them in past experiences, ideally with quantifiable outcomes where possible.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to tell your story and convey your passion for public service. Discuss why you want to work for Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA) and how your values align with their mission. Be genuine and let your enthusiasm shine through—this can really set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA)
✨Get to Know Public Sector Values
Before your interview with Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA), dig deep into their mission and values, especially how they align with public service and community impact. Understand the key policies or initiatives they are involved in – you’ll want to show that you genuinely care about serving the community.
✨Brush Up on Regulatory Knowledge
Brush up on the regulations, laws, and compliance standards relevant to the role you’re applying for. Since this is the government and public sector, they might throw technical questions related to policy frameworks or project management best practices that you'll need to navigate day-to-day.
✨Highlight Teamwork and Collaboration
The government sector thrives on collaboration. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully worked in diverse teams or involved stakeholders in your projects. Show us how you bring people together to get a common goal achieved – that's what public service is all about!
✨Prepare Real-Life Examples
Craft a few STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) stories that demonstrate your experience in similar roles. Whether it’s a project that made a difference in the community or a challenging situation you managed, be ready to express how your skills and experiences make you a valuable asset for Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs (DEFRA).
