Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to work on political lobbying, public campaigning, and media management.
- Company: The NFU is the largest organization representing British farming and food production.
- Benefits: Enjoy generous holidays, health perks, flexible working, and a supportive environment.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in a high-profile organization making a real impact in agriculture.
- Qualifications: A 2:1 degree or equivalent, strong communication skills, and a passion for advocacy are essential.
- Other info: This is a two-year fixed-term role with placements in Warwickshire and London.
The predicted salary is between 20400 - 30600 £ per year.
Salary: £25,500 per annum £1,000 Graduate Welcome Payment £2,000 Relocation support to assist with relocation costs between placements. Location: HQ Stoneleigh, Warwickshire and Westminster, London. with agile working (mix of office and home working). Working Hours: 35 hours per week. Contract: 2-year fixed term commencingSeptember 2025 Do you have a passion to work in the fast-paced world of Communications and External affairs? Do you have what it takes to join one of the leading organisations representing British farming and food production? Do you want to get experience of working in a high-profile national organisation which is rarely out of the news? If you are a graduate, and you have answered yes, then the NFUs Communications and External Affairs Graduate Programme is the right place for you. The National Farmers Union (NFU)isthe largest organisation representing farming in the UK.We’re proud to make a difference for all our members, byshaping attitudes towards British farming and leading the charge on a range of major issues, from ensuring government support for British food and farming, and our work for the environment, to rural crime and rural mental health. Purpose of the role & how you will contribute: Join us and youll enjoy a wide variety of work in a collaborative atmosphere, with opportunities to connect with people across the organisation and beyond. All in an open, inclusive environment, where we all pull together to support our members. The NFUs Communications and External Affairs Graduate Programme offers a rare opportunity to get experience of political lobbying and public campaigning, national media management, event management and multi-channel communications, all with an award-winning, in-house team. You will have the opportunity to build on your existing knowledge, work with and learn from communications and external affairs experts and join an organisation which is recognised as the leader in its field. We will develop your knowledge, from delivering aprogramme of exciting, high-profile political campaigns, to influencing the public to back British farming, as well as learning what it takes to protect and promote the reputation of British food and farming and the NFU, in the media and beyond. Communicate, as well as engage NFU members. In addition to working with thishigh impact in-house team, you will gain valuable experience working in one of the most important industries in the country farming, which supplies the raw ingredients for the UKs largest manufacturing sector, UK food and drink. You will gain an understanding of the NFU, the agriculture and horticulture industries and the issues facing NFU members, in a comprehensive and purpose-built programme which includes working across our Communications and External Affairs teams. What youll bring: You will have or be predicted to have at least a 2:1 degree, or equivalent industry-related qualification, as well as the drive and determination to succeed both individually and as part of a team. Problem solving, planning skills and a flair for communication come naturally to you. The desire to represent and campaign on behalf of NFU members is crucial as is the desire to further your career in a communications or external affairs role. This role will be based in Warwickshire and Westminster; therefore, a flexible approach to location is essential. There will be placements in each location over the2 years split between a12-monthlyplacement across the Communications, Media, Digital and Campaigns and Events teams in Warwickshire and a second 12-month placement in External Affairs in London. Why choose us? Join us and youll find an organisation that encourages and enables you to achieve your full potential. In return you will be rewarded with a full range of benefits including: Generous holiday allowance (starting at 25 days a year pro rata, plus 1 annual NFU day Company Funded Cashplan to help with every day costs; dental, optical, physiotherapy and a private GP service 24/7 etc. Option to buy and sell annual leave Health and Wellbeing Hub Enhanced maternity, paternity and shared parental leave Competitive Pension and Life assurance Access to interest-free loans for cars, bikes, season tickets and driving lessons Employee Assistance program to help you deal with lifes challenges Discounts on new vehicles, holiday rentals, wellbeing and lifestyle and many more Excellent Health and Wellbeing Programme Flexible, friendly and supportive working environment (hybrid working) Attractive, modern offices; (HQ has on-site restaurant and free parking) The successful candidate must, by the start of their employment, have permission to work in the UK. Join us Were committed to recruiting a diverse and highly-talented workforce. Well support you by providing you with extensive learning and development opportunities. We encourage you to apply as possible. We reserve the right to withdraw this advert before the closing date. Application Process: Closing Date for Application: 12 January 2025 Virtual Selection Process: January February 2025 Face to Interviews : Late March 2025 Start Date: September 2025 Please also check out our Agriculture Policy Graduate Programme. REF-218 450 TPBN1_UKTJ
NFU Graduate (Communications & External Affairs) employer: NFU
Contact Detail:
NFU Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land NFU Graduate (Communications & External Affairs)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarize yourself with current issues in British farming and food production. This will not only help you understand the NFU's mission but also allow you to engage in meaningful conversations during interviews.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the communications and external affairs sectors. Attend relevant events or webinars to connect with people who can provide insights into the industry and potentially refer you to opportunities.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay updated on the NFU's campaigns and initiatives. Being knowledgeable about their recent activities will demonstrate your genuine interest in the organization and its goals during the selection process.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare for potential interview questions by practicing how you would approach political lobbying and public campaigning scenarios. Think about how you can contribute to the NFU's mission and articulate your ideas clearly.
We think you need these skills to ace NFU Graduate (Communications & External Affairs)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experiences and skills that align with the role in Communications and External Affairs. Emphasize any previous work or projects related to political lobbying, public campaigning, or media management.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for British farming and food production. Explain why you want to join the NFU and how your background makes you a suitable candidate for the Graduate Programme.
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since the role requires strong communication abilities, provide examples of how you've effectively communicated ideas or led campaigns in the past. This could be through academic projects, internships, or volunteer work.
Highlight Your Teamwork Experience: The NFU values collaboration, so include instances where you've successfully worked as part of a team. Discuss your role, contributions, and what you learned from those experiences.
How to prepare for a job interview at NFU
✨Show Your Passion for Communications
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for the field of communications and external affairs. Share specific examples of how you've engaged with these topics in your studies or previous experiences, demonstrating your genuine interest in the role.
✨Understand the NFU's Mission
Research the National Farmers Union and its key initiatives. Be prepared to discuss how you can contribute to their mission of supporting British farming and food production, and how your values align with theirs.
✨Highlight Relevant Skills
Emphasize your problem-solving abilities, planning skills, and communication flair. Provide concrete examples from your academic or extracurricular activities that showcase these skills in action, particularly in a team setting.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Anticipate questions that may ask how you would handle specific situations related to political lobbying, public campaigning, or media management. Think through your responses and consider how you would apply your knowledge and skills to real-world challenges in the role.
