AMS PSR

On behalf of Defra, we are looking for a Communications and Engagement Lead's x11 (Inside IR35) for a 6 month contract which is a hybrid role so requires a minimum of 2 days a week in either the London, Bristol, York or Newcastle offices

Defra is the UK government department responsible for safeguarding the natural environment, supporting the food and farming sector, and sustaining a thriving rural economy. Our work impacts daily life — from the food we eat and the air we breathe to the water we drink.

As a Comms and Engagement Lead, you will support the delivery of the Directorate’s objectives through a broad range of communication and engagement activity. This role is not as critical or high‑priority as some others within the programme, but it requires a strong blend of policy awareness, excellent communication skills and hands‑on stakeholder engagement experience.

As a Communications and Engagement Lead, your main responsibilities will be:

• Lead the development and delivery of innovative communication and engagement strategies that align with departmental and ministerial priorities.
• Act as a trusted advisor to Directors and SCS, translating complex policy or technical milestones into clear, meaningful stakeholder communications.
• Provide strong day‑to‑day communications support, including reviewing draft comms, providing editorial assurance, and coordinating cross‑programme comms plans.
• Line manage a team, setting priorities, managing budgets and supporting professional development.
• Build and maintain effective working relationships across government, partner organisations and external stakeholders, with a strong emphasis on proactive stakeholder engagement.
• Support managers carrying significant stakeholder‑management responsibilities by coordinating updates, ensuring consistent messaging and enabling timely engagement.

Essential Skills

• Communications and stakeholder experience ideally within central government
• Experience with policy understanding in a busy role
• Experience in the reviewing of communication plans for central government
• Stakeholder engagement at all levels
• Strong self starter with a proactive approach to all duties
• Microsoft office suite

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".