At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead policy initiatives to combat waste crime and enhance environmental protection.
- Company: Join Defra, a key player in shaping England's environment and rural economy.
- Benefits: Competitive pay, flexible working options, and the chance to make a real difference.
- Other info: Opportunities for career growth and collaboration across government departments.
- Why this job: Be at the forefront of impactful policy-making in a dynamic and fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in policy development and strong stakeholder management skills required.
On behalf of Defra, we are looking for 4 x Senior Policy Advisors (Inside IR35) for a 6 month contract based in either of Defra's hubs in the UK with remote ad hoc attendance. On occasions, there is a requirement to travel nationally.
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.
- 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.
Role Profile: To join a high-profile team delivering commitments within the Waste Crime Action Plan. These roles will support the development and implementation of policy solutions aimed at preventing waste crime, strengthening enforcement capabilities, improving intelligence sharing, and supporting the remediation of illegal waste sites. This is an exciting opportunity to work at the centre of a politically important and fast-moving policy agenda with significant ministerial and public interest. Successful candidates will work across government departments, regulators, law enforcement agencies, local authorities, and industry stakeholders to develop and deliver effective policy responses to complex challenges.
The roles suit individuals who thrive in dynamic environments, can quickly build trusted relationships, and are comfortable operating at pace while managing competing priorities.
As a Senior Policy Advisor, your main responsibilities will be to:
- Lead the development and delivery of policy initiatives supporting the Waste Crime Action Plan and emerging government priorities.
- Develop policy proposals from inception through to consultation, implementation, and where appropriate, legislative change.
- Produce high-quality ministerial submissions, briefing packs, speaking notes, correspondence, and parliamentary materials.
- Analyse and interpret complex evidence from operational, legal, analytical, and policy sources to develop practical recommendations.
- Work collaboratively across Defra, the Home Office, HM Treasury, Ministry of Justice, regulators, and other government departments.
- Build strong relationships with operational delivery partners, local authorities, environmental bodies, law enforcement agencies, and industry representatives.
- Coordinate cross-government activity to support delivery against strategic objectives.
- Support parliamentary business, including responses to Parliamentary Questions and requests for ministerial advice.
- Provide rapid policy responses to emerging issues, ministerial commissions, and changing operational priorities.
- Influence stakeholders at senior levels and drive progress across complex, cross-cutting policy areas.
- Facilitate discussions, build consensus, and support implementation across diverse stakeholder groups.
Essential:
- Demonstrable experience in policy development and delivery within a complex organisational environment.
- Experience producing high-quality written advice for senior leaders, directors, ministers, or equivalent stakeholders.
- Excellent stakeholder management skills with a proven ability to influence and negotiate across organisational boundaries.
- Strong judgement, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work effectively in ambiguous or rapidly changing environments.
- Experience leading discussions, driving consensus, and delivering outcomes through others.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and familiarity with Microsoft Copilot.
Desirable:
- Experience within Central Government, Local Government, regulatory bodies, or wider public sector organisations.
- Knowledge of environmental policy, environmental regulation, or environmental crime.
- Experience working on waste management, waste crime, or enforcement-related policy areas.
- Knowledge of parliamentary processes and ministerial briefing requirements.
Please be aware that this role can only be worked within the UK and not Overseas.
Disability Confident
As a member of the Disability Confident Scheme, Defra guarantees to interview all candidates who have a disability and who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of candidates who have a disability who meet all the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. This scheme encourages candidates with a disability and/or neurodivergence to apply. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.
Armed Forces Covenant
Defra guarantees to interview veterans or spouses/partners of military personnel who meet all the essential criteria for the vacancy. In cases where we have a high volume of ex-military candidates/military spouses or partners, who meet all of the essential criteria, we will interview the best candidates from within that group. In exceptional circumstances, we may also need to apply the desirable criteria in our shortlisting process which may include holding active security clearance.
In applying for this role, you acknowledge the following: this role falls in scope of the Off Payroll Working in the Public Sector legislation. Any rates of payment quoted will reflect the gross rate per day for the assignment and will be subject to appropriate taxes and statutory costs. As such the payment to the intermediary and your income resulting from this contract will be different.
Senior Policy Officer in London employer: Great British Energy Group
At Mining Remediation Authority, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values a customer-focused and inclusive work culture. Our part-time Customer Support Coordinator role offers the opportunity to engage with the community in Mansfield, Nottinghamshire, while benefiting from a supportive environment that promotes employee growth and development. With our commitment to social value and initiatives like the Disability Confident Scheme, we ensure that all employees feel valued and empowered to make a meaningful impact.
Contact Details:
Great British Energy Group Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Policy Officer in London
✨Get Engaged in Local Politics
Dive into your local council meetings or community boards. These spaces are packed with people who are already in the public sector and might have insider tips on upcoming temporary roles. Plus, you can connect directly with key decision-makers.
✨Stay Alert for Seasonal Recruitment
Many public sector jobs ramp up during certain times of the year, especially around election seasons or local budget planning periods. Keep your eyes peeled for recruitment drives during these windows, as they're prime times for temporary positions.
✨Leverage Online Job Portals
Don’t forget to check government job boards or websites like the local council's site for temporary postings. This is where many roles first get advertised, and applying directly here can speed things up.
✨Tap Into Your University Resources
If you're at university, make the most of your career services to discover opportunities in the public sector. They often have connections with local government employers who are looking for temporary staff and can help you polish your approach.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Policy Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Emphasise your understanding of public policy:In your application, make sure to highlight any knowledge or experience you have related to public policy, governance or community engagement. Show us how you can contribute to the public sector’s mission, especially if you've worked on relevant projects or initiatives before!
Tailor your CV to the sector's expectations:When crafting your CV, focus on including experiences that showcase your ability to work within government structures or similar environments. Use clear, concise language and consider adding any volunteer work or internships that reflect your commitment to public service.
Show flexibility and willingness to learn:Since this is a temporary role, it’s crucial to convey your adaptability and eagerness to pick up new skills quickly. In your cover letter, let us know how you plan to make the most of this short-term experience and what you hope to learn from it.
Include relevant certificates and training:If you've completed any training or have certifications that are relevant to the role (like public administration, project management, or data analysis), don't forget to mention them. These can really make you stand out in the application process!
How to prepare for a job interview at Great British Energy Group
✨Demonstrate Your Commitment to Public Service
In the government and public sector, showing that you're genuinely passionate about serving the community is key. Get ready to share examples where you've contributed to social good or tackled community issues, as this will resonate with interviewers from Great British Energy Group.
✨Prepare for Policy and Regulatory Questions
Expect questions about policies, regulations, or recently implemented government initiatives. Brush up on the latest news relating to public sector developments—being informed will help you demonstrate that you're ready to hit the ground running, especially in a temporary role.
✨Flexibility is Your Best Friend
Since this is a temporary role, emphasise your ability to adapt quickly. Share examples where you've successfully taken on new challenges or adjusted to different team dynamics, that'll show Great British Energy Group that you’re reliable and can effectively support various projects without a long onboarding process.
✨Prepare to Showcase Teamwork Skills
In the public sector, collaboration is vital. Be ready to discuss past experiences working in teams, especially in diverse environments. Highlight how you've contributed positively to group settings—this could really set you apart from other candidates in this temporary role.
