AMS PSR

On behalf of Defra, we are looking for a Senior Communications Officer - (Inside IR35 ) for a 6-month contract working on a hybrid basis and with an expectation of 3 days attendance in the London office

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.

We are establishing a new Clean Air Communications Coalition to strengthen cross-sector messaging on air pollution.

The Senior Communications Officer will play a central role in setting up the coalition’s structure, supporting strategic planning, and leading early implementation. This is an opportunity to shape an influential new partnership and build momentum at a critical stage.

The successful candidate will bring strong communications and campaigning experience, excellent coordination skills, and the ability to work proactively with a wide range of partners.

As a Senior Communications Officer - (Inside IR35 ), your main responsibilities will be:

• Coalition Set-up and Governance Develop and support the implementation of governance arrangements, including terms of reference, roles and responsibilities, and decision-making processes.
• Build strong working relationships with partner organisations and coordinate input to ensure effective engagement and collaboration across organisations.
• Delivery Planning Support the development of the coalition’s delivery plan, including timelines, milestones, and resource requirements.
• Prepare briefing packs, agendas and relevant documentation for steering groups and coalition meetings.
• Drive early implementation activity, ensuring momentum is maintained during the coalition’s establishment phase.
• Track progress and support reporting to senior officials and Ministers. Communications and Campaigning Develop and deliver communications materials that support the coalition’s launch and early activity, including messaging and digital content.
• Work closely with internal and external communications teams to ensure alignment with broader air quality work.
• Provide advice on strategies, audience engagement, and opportunities to amplify the coalition’s objectives.

Essential

• Strong communications and campaigning experience, ideally within government, the voluntary sector, or a relevant policy area.
• Demonstrable experience coordinating complex projects with multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to develop and implement governance structures or organisational processes.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging to different audiences.
• Proven ability to work independently, manage competing priorities, and maintain momentum in a fast moving environment.

Desirable

• CTC Clearance is a possible requirement for this role, as a minimum you must be willing & eligible to undergo checks.
• Public Sector experience
• Experience working on environmental, public health, or clean air issues.
• Knowledge of government structures, ministerial processes, and stakeholder engagement. Experience supporting campaign launches or partnership based initiatives.
• Familiarity with digital communications tools and basic content creation.

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 / Commitment

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".