AMS PSR

On behalf of Defra, we are looking for a Policy and Legislation Advisor Inside IR35 for a 6 months contract based REMOTELY.

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.

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

• Assist in developing deforestation policy proposals considering key factors such as alignment with the EU approach, ensuring proportionality for the business community and coherence with existing legislation
• Support drafting of consultation materials, impact assessments, policy instructions for a statutory instrument and briefing for Ministers.
• Coordinate stakeholder engagement activities, including meetings with businesses, trade bodies, NGOs, and devolved administrations
• Help prepare clear industry guidance and communications to support business readiness. Contribute to project planning, risk management, and progress reporting to senior managers
• Work with colleagues on future policy options beyond illegal deforestation, informed by evidence and stakeholder input.

Essential:

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to interpret evidence and develop clear policy recommendations in public sector
• Experience in climate, nature trade and environmental issues
• Experience in working in multidisciplinary teams and ability to engage with various stakeholder including layers
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.

Desirable:

• Knowledge of environmental policy, sustainability, or supply-chain issues.
• Familiarity with legislative processes or government consultations

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".