Consulting Director: Farming, food and environment policy evaluation

ICF is looking for an experienced evaluator, policy analyst and service leader with expertise in policies for farming, food and the environment, to support the delivery and growth of our work in this area in the UK. Recent contract awards have confirmed our status as the principal provider of evaluation support to Defra, Natural England, the Environment Agency, Marine Management Organisation and the rest of the Defra family.

Our work covers issues at the top of today’s policy agenda, including:

• Rural economy and agriculture
• Sustainable food production and the agri-food chain
• Restoring biodiversity and natural capital
• Blue economy, marine planning and conservation
• Addressing climate change and net zero
• Pollution and circular economy

This role offers you the chance to develop your career within a global business, in a work environment that is collegiate and supportive. ICF are thought leaders across a wide range of disciplines, with an unrivalled network of experts. You’ll join a team that’s focused only on delivering high quality evidence and evaluation. We’re always ready to embrace new ideas and approaches, and never afraid to ask if there is a better way to do something. This is work with impact.

Ongoing growth in demand for our services in this area means we are creating a new role at Consulting Director with a special focus on farming, food and environmental policies. The successful candidate will direct projects in our portfolio and work as part of the management team for this important area of our business. The role is situated in an ICF line of business that is focused on delivery of policy research and evaluation to the UK Government and EU institutions, and which provides analysis and advice on a wide range of policy issues, from transport to justice, food to skills.

This is an exciting opportunity to work in a key policy area, alongside a team of highly motivated and skilled individuals, with opportunities for learning and growth. Your main responsibilities will be to:

• Work with senior managers to shape and deliver strategic growth for the team
• Manage large framework contracts, working with clients and research partners
• Lead and support technical excellence and innovation in evaluation and research
• Contribute knowledge and expertise in the land, food and agriculture policy area
• Direct projects to support project managers in delivering projects to time and budget
• Manage and mentor staff and project teams, as appropriate
• Lead business development opportunities and build networks and partnerships
• Profile and promote ICF evaluation and research expertise and work

You will contribute to a diverse range of large and complex consulting projects, directing and managing teams. ICF will provide you with the opportunity to develop your knowledge and skills further through excellent training and development support, a structured career pathway, our mentoring programme, communities of practice and line management arrangements.

We are looking for a strategic thinker and leader, and a strong team player, with a track record of excellence in consulting. You will have:

• A track record in delivering business growth and capacity building
• Proven experience of working with government at senior levels
• Expertise in policy evaluation, research and analysis
• Demonstrable knowledge and interest in land management, agriculture, food chain and environmental policies
• Experience of managing projects, budgets, teams and client interactions
• Excellent writing and oral communication skills
• Highly-developed interpersonal skills and self-motivation.