You will be working in the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra), the UK government department responsible for improving and protecting the environment. Defra’s vision is to make the air purer, the water cleaner, the land greener and food more sustainable, by supporting a productive food and farming sector and resilient rural communities. Our work touches people’s everyday lives, from the food we eat and the water we drink to the places we live and work. We are responsible for England’s environment, countryside, rural economy and food system, and for reducing risks from flooding, animal and plant disease and other natural hazards. Your role will be vital in helping Defra deliver its priorities and achieve positive outcomes for people, nature and the economy. Would you like the opportunity to develop your own skills and future career in a policy role? As a Policy Advisor you will be part of a team who work with a range of both internal and external stakeholders. You will contribute towards the drafting of policy and strategy that support Defra’s key priorities. This means that you may develop specialist expertise and work across a small portfolio area. Alternatively, you may develop a more over-arching knowledge of a wider range of topics. You will play an active role in shaping and delivering the Defra group’s priorities, working creatively and collaboratively with others to deliver excellent outcomes. Our policy areas are each split into Directorates, work-streams, and projects that combine flexibly to deliver on Ministerial priorities. As a Policy Advisor you will support your team to deliver against the directorate’s policy objectives. You will be responsible for supporting policy development, working with stakeholders to achieve outcomes, and contributing towards the drafting of policy and strategy papers. The successful candidates will need to be flexible in response to changing priorities. In addition, the post holder may be asked to provide support on wider Departmental or Directorate priorities as needed. As a Policy Advisor your responsibilities may include, but are not limited to: Supporting your team on a variety of work such as planning, policy development, and quality assurance. Owning aspects of policy delivery, including management of risks and issues. Drafting and coordinating high-quality communications, including briefings and ministerial correspondence. Contributing to the development of legislative documentation, such as fact sheets, speaking notes and Bill documentation. Managing relationships with stakeholders, internally and externally. Performing secretariat functions for key networks and groups. While there are currently 15 roles available for this vacancy, we aim to establish a reserve list of successful candidates. Those placed on the reserve list will remain eligible for appointment for up to 12 months. Offers of employment will be made in merit order as vacancies arise across relevant business areas. Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme Disability Confident About Disability Confident A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident .