Pandemic Preparedness Senior Policy Advisor
The Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (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.
Ministerial, Growth and Resilience Directorate
The Ministerial, Growth and Resilience Directorate includes Defra’s briefing, parliamentary and ministerial support functions as well as Defra’s Ministerial and Permanent Secretary Private Offices. It is also the centre of Defra’s resilience oversight function, which this role sits within.
Policy Response and Resilience Unit
The Policy Response and Resilience Unit’s (PRRU) overarching role is to provide strategic oversight and co-ordination for cross-cutting and emerging risks across Defra’s policy landscape – allowing Ministers and the department to consistently manage complex and urgent issues.
The Biosecurity and Pandemic Preparedness team
The Biosecurity and Pandemic Preparedness (BioPP) team exists to protect the UK from biological risks and threats, and strengthen preparedness for future pandemics by coordinating delivery of Defra’s contributions to the UK Biological Security Strategy and the Pandemic Preparedness Strategy; maintaining oversight of key workstreams across the Defra group; and working with cross-government partners to enhance integration, capability, and response—including in managing zoonotic risks across animal and human health systems.
Location
This role can be based at any Main Defra Policy Hub. You will be expected work in the office at least 60% of the time.
Defra has a unique role in preparing the UK for future pandemics. It is likely that the next pandemic will be zoonotic in origin, and in any plausible scenario there would be widespread, significant impacts on Defra sectors (including food and water supply). This high‑profile, multidisciplinary role is key to delivering Defra’s cross-cutting pandemic preparedness work area. It encompasses policy development, scientific advice, operational planning and capability development for Defra group. The successful candidate will use robust evidence to underpin their decisions and be comfortable in engaging with technical specialists.
They will build and maintain an in-depth understanding of Defra’s role and interests in preparing for future pandemics, and ensure that this is appropriately embedded within cross-government work, leveraging any opportunities for joint working that arise.
The role will continue ongoing engagement with relevant Arm’s Length Bodies (including APHA, the VMD and Environment Agency) and ensure they are integrated within wider cross-Defra and cross-government work to prepare for future pandemics. This builds on relationships established in the planning and delivery of Exercise PEGASUS (a Tier 1 pandemic response exercise) and ensures that all of Defra group play their part in delivering the One Health commitments within the newly published Pandemic Preparedness Strategy.
Whilst this post focuses primarily on pandemic preparedness it also offers the opportunity to engage in wider work around biological security, and has potential to support Defra’s crisis response capability.
The post‑holder will need to have an understanding of the Government’s approach and priorities for pandemic preparedness, the biological security community, and One Health principles.
They must be able to access and handle sensitive material confidently and autonomously, brief senior officials and ministers on highly sensitive topics, work effectively through periods of rapid change, and credibly represent the department in cross‑government fora.
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Company: Government Recruitment Service
Salary: £44,052 to £52,010 a year
Hours: Full-time
Location: Newcastle-upon-Tyne
Job type: Permanent
Posting date: 6 Nov 2026
Closing date: 16 Nov 2026
About Disability Confident Disability Confident is a government scheme. It encourages employers to recruit and retain disabled people and those with long term health conditions.
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Pandemic Preparedness Senior Policy Advisor in Newcastle upon Tyne employer: Government Recruitment Service
The Ministry of Justice is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work environment where finance professionals can thrive. With a strong commitment to employee development, flexible working options, and a robust pension scheme, the MoJ fosters a culture of collaboration and innovation, ensuring that every team member has the opportunity to influence key financial strategies that impact the nation. Located nationally, this role provides the unique advantage of engaging with diverse stakeholders across the UK, making it a rewarding place for those seeking meaningful contributions to public service.
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