AMS PSR

On behalf of Defra, we are looking for a Policy Advisor (HEO) (Inside IR35) for a 4 month contract based remotely within the UK.

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.

Our objectives are:

• 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. 
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• To be an outstanding organisation focused on making a difference, with world class delivery capability.

Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs www.gov.uk. 

25 Year Environment Plan - GOV.UK www.gov.uk.

Role:

To join Defra's International Deforestation Division and support the development and implementation of legislation aimed at tackling illegal deforestation in UK supply chains. Working within a fast-paced policy environment, you will help shape and deliver policy that supports sustainable trade while maintaining alignment with evolving EU requirements and Northern Ireland trade obligations.

As a Policy Advisor, your main responsibilities will be to:

• Support the development and delivery of policies designed to reduce illegal deforestation within UK supply chains.
• Analyse evidence, assess policy options, and provide policy advice to senior colleagues, considering trade-offs and implementation impacts.
• Contribute to policy development aligned with EU Deforestation Regulation requirements and Northern Ireland trading obligations.
• Assist in the preparation of consultation documents, impact assessments, ministerial submissions, parliamentary briefings, and policy papers.
• Support the development of policy instructions for Statutory Instruments and work collaboratively with legal and policy colleagues.
• Engage with a range of stakeholders including businesses, trade bodies, NGOs, devolved administrations, and other government departments.
• Help develop guidance and communications materials to support industry understanding and compliance.
• Monitor progress against project milestones, contribute to risk management activities, and provide updates to senior managers.
• Support policy implementation planning, enforcement considerations, and operational readiness activities across government.
• Manage policy and stakeholder engagement mailboxes, responding to enquiries and coordinating information across the team.
• Contribute to future policy development relating to sustainable supply chains and deforestation-related issues

Essential:

• Previous experience working in a policy role within Government, the Civil Service, or the wider public sector.
• Strong written communication skills, with the ability to produce clear, concise, and accurate policy advice, briefings, and correspondence.
• Experience supporting policy development, legislative programmes or consultations.
• Experience building effective relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including senior colleagues, external organisations, and cross-government partners.
• Strong organisational skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to quickly understand complex policy and legislative issues and apply sound judgement.

Desirable:

• Experience working with legislation, Statutory Instruments, or parliamentary processes.
• Knowledge of environmental policy, sustainability, forestry or agriculture.

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".